After weeks, months and sometimes years of deliberation, you've finally decided that a CNC Router is right for your business!  One of the most important (but often forgotten) aspects of a CNC Router purchase that businesses don’t think about is training.  If this is your first CNC Router purchase, then training is key.  Choosing a router that offers a comprehensive training schedule is important so you can be prepared when the router arrives at your facility.     

Almost every CNC Router manufacturer offers some form of training, and each has its positives and negatives.  Some allow five full days of dedicated in-house training at their facility, while others offer two days of training at your facility in combination with your machine install/setup. 

What is Onsite Training?

Onsite training is generally one to two days at your facility performed by a technician who not only will train you but will also run power to the machine and set it up.  Some of the training should include maintenance routines.  Onsite training is nice for those businesses that find it hard to get away from the office for a short period of time or having to spend extra on travel expenses (but this scenario also gives you less training time).  During this training period, distractions and interruptions can and will occur due to daily business routines. 

If you’re looking at a CNC Router that offers onsite training, ask the company for a training itinerary so you can get a better idea as to what they will be teaching you during this one to two days.

What is In-house Training?

In-house training is generally a longer period of time, usually no more than five days at the manufacturer's facility.  Added travel expense and time away from the shop for one or two of your employees could be hard for some of you, but you will receive more in depth training as well as no interruptions or distractions.  Some view the travel as a way to take a “vacation” or time away from the shop. 

In-house training is performed by a dedicated instructor who teaches this information week in and week out.  Also, you would most likely be in a training class along with other businesses just like yours.  This method gives you and the other students a chance to take a tour of the manufacturers’ facility and possibly see your machine being assembled if it hasn’t been shipped yet.  Depending on the manufacturer, lunches are provided during the week, so students aren’t left wandering around looking for places to eat. 

How about Software Training?

Software training is going to depend on who you purchase the software from.  Some offer onsite training, some in-house training and now (because of the popularity of the internet), online training is also available.  The pluses and negatives above will also apply to software training.  Hopefully you will have decided which software will work for your business before your new machine arrives, as this will give you an advantage of putting that CNC Router right to work once it is in place.  Online training allows you to go through the training courses anywhere/anytime and at your own pace as long as you have an internet connection.

Don't forget Training Support

Another aspect to consider is training support.  If you have questions or concerns about your machine or its operation/programming, you want to go with a vendor who offers the easiest access to answers.  Some manufacturers have pay-for-answer support which charges by the answer or by a time period, while others have free forums, email and/or phone support. 

The decision is yours!

You should spend time investigating all aspects of your purchase before you make a decision.  Ultimately, how well you understand your CNC Router and its operation (as well as the level of support you can expect) will help determine your future success.

This video shows a variety of large sculptures created on a Thermwood 5 Axis Model 67 CNC Router.  These were all done at John Cox's Creature Workshop in Queensland Australia. 

The Model 67 is a fixed-gantry, moving table 5 Axis CNC Router that features single table sizes from 5'x5' to 10'x5' or dual table sizes from 5'x5' to 5'x12'.  It has a 7.5HP HSD Dual End Spindle (3,000-18,000RPM) and Z axis height up to 60".

Thermwood Model 67 5'x12' Dual Table CNC Router shown

Thermwood has developed our new Five Axis Alignment Verification Routine which is used to record and populate the alignment measurement values into the Thermwood QCore control system (after machine alignments are manually performed).  

This routine automatically checks alignment in multiple axes and allows alignment to be quickly verified between jobs.  The routine compares the measured values to the default values.

The Thermwood 5 Axis Alignment Verification Routine includes:

• Renishaw high-tolerance tooling sensor
• Precision ground pin
• Dedicated tool holder
• Collet and all mounting hardware.

For more information on the Five Axis Alignment Verification Routine, please contact us at 1-800-533-6901.

Thermwood's CNC Router Refurbishment Program:
Thermwood Corporation’s Technical Service division has an ongoing machine refurbishment program that offers high-quality refurbished Thermwood CNC Routers at affordable prices. These machines are purchased by Thermwood and brought back to our facility for a complete refurbishment process.

3 Axis CNC Router BEFORE Thermwood Refurbishment

3 Axis CNC Router AFTER Thermwood Refurbishment

5 Axis CNC Router BEFORE Thermwood Refurbishment

5 Axis CNC Router AFTER Thermwood Refurbishment

Bring Your Used Machine up to Modern Standards:
This procedure not only applies to Thermwood owned machines, but also to customer-owned machines to bring them up to today’s standards.

Thermwood Refurbished Machine - What Do You Get?
Every one of these machines has been completely refurbished by Thermwood Corporation. They have been completely disassembled, sand blasted, painted and re-assembled back to new machine specifications. All components have been inspected and either refurbished or replaced with new components. Once the machine refurbishment process was completed, the machines went through the same quality control testing as a new machine. The machine has a 1-year parts and labor warranty.

Here are just a few of things that are typically replaced during the refurbishment process (these are valuable upgrades that you will not receive when purchasing a used machine from an after-market dealer):

• Machine Worktable

• Spindle

• Wiring

• Power Track

• Servo Drives

• Control System.

All Refurbished Thermwood CNC Routers undergo an extensive process:

Step 1:  Machine stripped down to base metal

 Step 2:  Machine gantry primed for paint

 Step 3:  Machine base primed for paint

 Step 4:  Machine gantry painted

 Step 5:  Machine base painted

 Step 6:  Repainted machine re-assembled and wired

  Step 7:  New Thermwood SuperControl added

 Step 8:  New spindle installed

  Step 9:  Optional equipment installed

  Step 9:  Vacuum plumbing added

  Step 10:  New table tops added

 Step 11:  Finishing touches added

  Step 12:  Completed machine!

Why buy a Thermwood Factory Refurbished Machine instead of a used CNC Router:

• You’re buying a machine that has been factory-dissembled, re-assembled and inspected.

• Any components that do not meet factory specifications are replaced, if there is any question of a component’s integrity, it is replaced.

• All Refurbished machines come with a full factory warranty - This warranty is one-year parts and labor.

• You are getting a machine that has been enhanced with the new Thermwood SuperControl with the latest version of Windows technology. This is the same control that ships with new machines, and is designed from its very core to operate a CNC Router with efficiency and higher productivity. It is a fully multitasking control utilizing an Intel® Core™ 5th Generation Six Core Processor. It features a high level of hardware integration, extensive use of reliable surface mount technology and a built in upgrade path for future technology.

• You are buying a machine that includes a full 5-day operators training course located at Thermwood Corporation in Dale, Indiana.

• You are not buying someone else’s problems caused by neglect, as can be the case with buying a used machine from another source.  These machines are fully disassembled, painted and reassembled back to new machine factory standards.

• These machines go through a complete quality control inspection to insure each machine meets factory specifications before they leave the factory.

• A full technical service division for service and parts supports all Thermwood Refurbished machines. This includes Free Lifetime Phone and Forum Support, the ability to upgrade in the future, and support with program questions for your specific machine. One year of  Advanced Support (including Virtual Service) is standard with all refurbished machines. 

• You may also choose to list your company with our Free Production Sharing Service. 

Thermwood would like to invite you to visit us at the JEC Americas Trade Show in Boston, MA.

When:   Wednesday November 7th to Friday November 9th
Where:  Boston Convention and Exhibition Center -Booth #E14

We are exhibiting the latest Thermwood equipment:- Featuring our newest 5 Axis CNC Router - the Thermwood Model 77.

For a limited time, you can receive a FREE Visitor's Badge to attend the show free of charge - act now to take advantage of this offer!

About the Model 77 CNC Machining Center:

The Thermwood Model 77 5x10 (larger sizes are available) is a heavy duty five-axis CNC router specifically developed for three dimensional machining. This stationary table high wall machine was designed using advanced 3D software utilizing Finite Element Analysis. All major welds including the base and gantry are stress relieved to provide long term stability. This machine is inspected and calibrated utilizing a precision volumetric laser system.   

Features:
• 12 HP (3,000-24,000 RPM) Spindle
• Impact Resistant 5 Axis Head
• 10 Position Rotary Tool Change System
• Rapid Speed: 3500 inches per minute
• Moving Gantry
• QCore SuperControl
• Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
• Volumetric 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
• Automatic Tool Length Sensor
• Machine Training and Installation
• Free Lifetime Phone/Forum Support

More information can be found here

The Thermwood Model 77 5x10 (larger sizes are available) is a heavy duty five-axis CNC router specifically developed for three dimensional machining. This stationary table high wall machine was designed using advanced 3D software utilizing Finite Element Analysis. All major welds including the base and gantry are stress relieved to provide long term stability. This machine is inspected and calibrated utilizing a precision volumetric laser system.   

Features:
• 12 HP (3,000-24,000 RPM) Spindle
• Impact Resistant 5 Axis Head
• 10 Position Rotary Tool Change System
• Rapid Speed: 3500 inches per minute
• Moving Gantry
• QCore SuperControl
• Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
• Volumetric 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
• Automatic Tool Length Sensor
• Machine Training and Installation
• Free Lifetime Phone/Forum Support

More information can be found here

When you purchase a CNC Router from Thermwood, a five-day comprehensive programming/operation training course for two students is included.  This course is conducted at Thermwood's state of the art Dale, IN facility. 

Superior Factory Training:

Training at Thermwood is conducted in a modern, comfortable and well equipped center devoted specifically to educating our customers. This is, by far, the fastest and most efficient way to learn. Over the years, Thermwood has experienced the ups and downs of training at the customer's facility, the interruptions and distractions, not to mention the lack of classroom facilities and equipment. It just doesn’t work very well. At Thermwood, the atmosphere contributes to the learning experience. Each classroom is setup specifically for the course being taught.

Training Facilities:

Our machine operator/programmer courses are located adjacent to the machine training lab, where students complete the prescribed projects on a specific training machine utilized only for training purposes. Our application software classes are conducted in a classroom with state-of-art computer equipment. Then when it comes time for practical applications on a full sized machine, Thermwood's training lab is equipped with a CabinetShop 45 outfitted with all major options and features. Real production type parts are cut. What a confidence builder!

Customer Training Lounge:

Thermwood also has a customer lounge and workstation available for use during your training at our facility. This comfortable area features free:

• Wi-Fi
• Phones
• Daily Lunch
• Snacks
• Drinks
• Lounge area with plenty of seating and satellite-equipped large flat-screen tv for your use.

Continuing Help and Support

Our five-day machine programming/operations training here at Thermwood is the first step to helping you hit the ground running.  The goal is to help you understand how to utilize the power of your Thermwood CNC Router and QCore SuperControl to make your operation as efficient and productive as possible.  Our commitment to this doesn't end when you complete the training course.  We also offer:

• Free Lifetime Phone Support
• Virtual Service Support (1st year free)
• Free Forum Support

 For more information on our machine training or about any of our products, please email us at sales@thermwood.com or give us a call at 1-800-533-6901.          

Section 179 Tax Deduction/Bonus Depreciation

Thinking of purchasing a new cnc router in 2011, and still on the fence because of the uncertain economy? Some great news is the current dual benefit of the Section 179 deduction/100% bonus depreciation which helps make 2011 the ideal year to purchase your new cnc router!

These newest changes are as follows:

• The Section 179 Deduction limit has been increased to $500,000. The total amount of equipment that can be purchased increased to $2 million. This includes most new and used capital equipment, and also includes software.

• The “Bonus Depreciation” has been increased to 100% on qualified assets. However, this can be taken on new equipment only.

2011 is the Year to Do It!

Due to the extension of Section 179 under the 'HIRE Act of 2010' - the enhanced limits under the 'Jobs Act of 2010' - and the recently enacted 100% Bonus Depreciation under the 'Tax Relief Act of 2010':

You can basically write-off 100% of all the equipment and software your business needs to buy or finance this year!

Depreciation Bonus At A Glance:   

• 2011 Deduction Limit - $500,000 (up from $250k previously). Good on new and used equipment, including new software.

• 2011 Limit on equipment purchases - $2 Million Dollars (up from $800k previously).

• “Bonus” Depreciation - 100% (taken after the $500k deduction limit is reached). Note, bonus depreciation is only for new equipment. This can also be taken by businesses that exceed $2 million in capital equipment purchases.
  
  The above is an overall, “simplified” view of the Section 179 Deduction for 2011. For more details on limits and qualifying equipment, as well as Section 179 Qualified Financing, please visit section179.org
  
  An example of Section 179 at work:

For more detailed information: please click here.

Calculate your potential savings: please click here

Please use the following links to view our line of 3 axis and 5 axis Thermwood CNC Routers. 

Visit Why Purchase a Thermwood? to see why our machines are the most reliable, technically advanced and safest choice for over 40 years.

Impact Resistant Head - A positive locating joint between the axis 5 arm and the rest of the machine.  Decreases the amount of force applied to the head in the event of a collision, diminishes the need for realignment and reduces fixture and spindle damage.

Thermwood Continuous C-Axis Rotation with Impact Resistant Head on Model 67 - Video Demonstration

For the first time offered together, the Thermwood Continuous C-Axis Rotation and Impact Resistant Head. The Continuous C-Axis allows the machine to perform complex motions that require multiple rotations of the C-Axis, and then quickly return to home. With the Impact Resistant Head, the machine stays in tram even after a crash of the head.

In the Woodworking industry, laser scanners and touch probes have been used for some time for digitizing objects, but due to severe technical or practical limitations, neither has seen significant use in the market. Software and CNC machine technology already exist to take advantage of 3D digital models, so digitizing has been the weak link in the process. The recent introduction of the FastSCAN to the woodworking market has changed that, and allows woodworkers to leverage digital technology to increase their productivity and get more return on their CNC investment.  Click HERE for the full article.