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Knowledge
"It starts with knowledge..." is more than a motto to us- it's how we do business. Our first goal is to share some of what we have learned about our trade with you.
Angular CNC Processing
Angular CNC machines use a computer program to control the depth and height of cut, using stacks of cutters mounted on an arbor- essentially, computer-controlled heavy duty shaper spindles.
Angular machines like the Soukup America Crafter have 2 spindles- one for tenoning, and one for profiling. The operator stands at the L-angle where both lines originate, and control the machine from a computer screen.
Angular CNC Advantages
The angular machine concept came about for a few key reasons:
- Larger Tools, More Stability. The size and stability of the machine enables larger tools to run. Most angular machines can run 300+ mm cutters, which are capable of deeper cuts that other processing methods would need multiple passes to achieve.
- Repeatable Operations, Faster Cut Changes. An angular machine can change tools in seconds by simply moving the arbor up or down, while the computer adjusts to the precise cutter height set by the program. Working manually, tool changes are the most time-consuming part of the entire process. Depending on the length of the arbor, an angular machine can even be capable of holding all of the tools for a window or door style at once.
- Intuitive Programming. While the programming depth can vary from simple instructions to full-on quoting integration, there is good software available which enables an operator to quickly get up to speed creating accurate working instructions for the machine.
Tenoning
Angular machines typically use a computer-controlled cut-off saw to size the material to final dimension before the tenoning cycle. This ensures the material is squared and perfectly regular before processing.
Material is then sent laterally across the tenoning spindle. Thanks to the quick changes on the readied cutter, many angular machines are capable of double-cycle tenoning- cutting with different tools on the material's advance and return to the operator.
Once the first end of the piece is tenoned, the material unclamps, and the operator rotates the wood to be tenoned on the opposite end. After both ends are tenoned, the piece is ready to be sent down the profiling line.
Profiling
On the profiling line. pressure rollers move the piece through the cutter, while the computer sets the correct depth and cutter height. Once the piece is through, a conveyor returns it to the operator.
Tip: No matter how you're shaping your pieces, tenoning your material first produces better work- you'll remove any blowout from the cross-grain cut during profiling.
If the machine has been designed specifically for building doors and windows, the profiling line might also include a computer-controlled glazing bead saw which the operator will run the pieces through prior to tenoning.
Putting it All Together
Let's take a look at how a machine can process each of these steps to create a finished part. In the video, we see a 92 mm thick door stile get completely machined and ready for assembly. Many woodworkers wonder: is it more effective to build all the components for a single door or window serially, or run big batches of each part required for your entire production run?
Angular CNC machines are comfortable working either way- because all of the tools to produce a given door or window are likely to be mounted on the tool already, and changing between them takes seconds, the question is more about your stock prep and squaring than the processing speed. Most programs designed specifically for door and window joinery will produce all of the pieces for a single window/door in their default mode.
