What do you make with your CNC machines? (Introduction/Guide)

Here's a practical look at what people commonly create with CNC machines, broken down by material and purpose:

■ Woodworking Wonders (Using CNC Routers):

Furniture & Cabinetry: Precise cabinet parts, tabletops, chair legs, decorative panels, and custom joinery like dovetails.
Signs & Displays: Dimensional letters, intricate logos, architectural signs, point-of-sale displays, and engraved plaques.
Musical Instruments: Guitar bodies, necks, and headstocks; drum shells; intricate inlays for violins or pianos.
Art & Decor: Sculptural pieces, wall art, custom picture frames, detailed relief carvings, and decorative moldings.
Prototypes & Models: Scale models for architecture, product design mock-ups, and patterns for casting.

■ Metal Mastery (Using CNC Mills, Lathes, Lasers, Plasma):

Precision Parts: Engine components (blocks, heads, valves), transmission parts, gears, bearings, shafts, and custom fasteners. CNC machining centers excel here.
Tooling & Molds: Injection molds for plastic parts, die-casting dies, stamping dies, jigs, and fixtures for manufacturing.
Aerospace & Automotive: Complex brackets, turbine blades, landing gear parts, fuel system components, and custom engine modifications.
Sheet Metal Fabrication: Brackets, enclosures, chassis, panels, decorative metal art cut on CNC plasma or laser cutters. Bent parts made with CNC press brakes.
Custom Machinery Parts: Replacement or upgraded parts for industrial equipment, agricultural machinery, or custom robotics.

■ Plastic & Composite Creations (Using CNC Routers & Mills):

Prototypes & Enclosures: Functional prototypes for electronic devices, custom computer cases, instrument panels, and product housings.
Fixtures & Tooling: Custom jigs, holding fixtures, forming bucks, and low-volume production molds.
Specialized Components: Gears, bushings, insulators, medical device parts, and lenses (from acrylic).
Displays & Models: Retail displays, architectural models, cosplay props, and promotional items.

■ Beyond Wood & Metal (Using Routers, Lasers, Waterjets):

Stone & Tile: Kitchen countertops, engraved memorials, decorative tiles, and architectural stone elements (cut with waterjet or specialized stone routers).
Foam & Composites: Packaging inserts, insulation panels, surfboard/boat hull cores, and composite aerospace parts.
Acrylic & Plastics: Signage, light fixtures, custom lenses, display stands, and point-of-purchase items (often laser cut or engraved).

■ Hobbyist & Maker Projects (Using Benchtop CNC Routers/Lasers):

Custom Parts: Replacement parts for household items, drone frames, robot components, and RC car upgrades.
Personalized Items: Engraved gifts (cutting boards, coasters, jewelry), custom nameplates, and unique home decor.
Craft Projects: Intricate puzzles, inlays for woodworking, stencils, stencils, and templates for other crafts.
Electronics Projects: Custom circuit board enclosures, mounting plates, and front panels.