“DIYLILCNC” by Hokanson and Reilly

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, previously limited to large industrial applications, is slowly making its way into the hands of individual artists and designers. Much of this shift in accessibility can be credited to the profusion of inexpensive personal computing equipment and open source software solutions. Every step in digital file preparation necessary for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), from design to tool-pathing to post-processing, can now be achieved with free and open-source Linux-based software. CNC hardware, however, presents the largest remaining barrier when it comes to CAM for the small-scale or amateur maker.