Blog Twotrees

Getting clean, repeatable results with a diode laser comes down to balancing power, speed, passes, focus, and air assist. This beginner-friendly guide explains how these settings interact, how wattage (5W vs 10W vs 20W) changes what’s possible, and provides practical starting points for common materials

Getting your first CNC router can be an exciting and intimidating experience. As a beginner, it's crucial to take the first 30 days as a learning period. During this time, you’ll become familiar with your machine, understand basic operation, create your first few projects, and learn how to maintain your machine. Whether you’re a hobbyist, maker, or small business owner, mastering these first steps is the foundation for success. This guide will walk you through the process of getting started with your CNC router, covering setup, operation, troubleshooting, and creating your first projects. With patience and practice, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of your machine.

Getting started with a CNC router can feel overwhelming. Tutorials and guides are full of unfamiliar terms—feeds and speeds, step-over, spoilboard, G-code. This glossary explains the essential CNC vocabulary and concepts so you can follow tutorials, troubleshoot issues, and get the most out of your machine.

If you’ve built or bought a hobby CNC router, there’s a good chance it runs on GRBL — the most widely used open-source firmware for small CNC machines. GRBL is lightweight, reliable, and compatible with affordable controllers like the Arduino Uno, ATmega, and ESP32-based boards

Choosing the right cutting tool for your CNC router can be the difference between a clean, professional finish and a frustrating project full of rough edges and tear-out. With so many different types of bits available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you use a flat end mill or a ball nose? What about compression bits? And where do V-bits fit in?

Jewelry is one of the most exciting applications for CNC routers. With the right materials, tools, and techniques, you can create stunning earrings, pendants, bangles, and rings from wood, acrylic, and even brass. This guide shows you how to design, carve, and finish small-scale CNC jewelry projects, plus the machines and bits you’ll need to get started.

Acrylic is one of the most versatile materials for CNC projects — sleek, modern, and durable. But working with it can be tricky without the right approach. This guide explains how to cut and engrave acrylic cleanly, which bits and settings to use, how to finish your projects, and what CNC machines are best for the job.