CNC Projects: Free Ideas, Plans & Articles in Metal and Wood

Last modified: February 19, 2024

As nifty as CNC Machines are, they're intended to be used to make something such as the CNC Projects listed on this page.  Some of these projects are things I've made in my own CNC workshop.  Others are things I've come across during my travels on the web.  They're all things that I hope to make at some point or other.  Even when I haven't made a particular item, I've tried to include enough information to give you a real leg up getting started on doing one for  yourself.

Magnesium carbon bicycle frame with light gray color and black accents.

CNC Projects Blog Posts

Check out the giant store of Projects on the CNCCookbook Blog.

Better yet, get our weekly blog newsletter.

You'll get our latest blog posts delivered straight to your email inbox once a week for free.

Free Signup

Tormach PCNC 1100 Series 3 CNC milling machine with computer equipment.

**Definitive Guide to Tormach
Hacks, Modifications and Upgrades
**CNC Projects to improve your machine are a time honored tradition!  Not only that, they can improve your productivity and ultimately make it possible for you to do even more projects on your machine.

Intricate clockwork mechanism with multiple gears and central wheel.

CNC Project Ideas – Wish List of CNC Projects [Dozens of Future Project Ideas]

Never enough time to finish all the projects, but we can at least take notes along the way and have them ready when it's time to start a new project.

A wooden sign with a BBQ timer display on a grassy surface featuring a list of beer quantities and corresponding cooking times.

CNC Router Projects

Get tons of ideas here for your next CNC Router Project!

A black silhouette of a 1969 Ford Mustang with three galloping horses above it and the text "Mustang" on its roof.

Download Free DXF Files to Cut

Sometimes a little artwork is just the thing to help begin a project.

Metal workbench with tools and equipment.

Projects for your Workshop

Precision tools on gray surface: green-handled tool, two small metal pins, and round silver object with three holes.

Tooling Projects to Make Machining Easier

Precision metalworking machine tool, possibly used for milling or turning.

CNC Conversion and Retrofit

Some of my biggest projects to date have involved creating new CNC machines.

- Who else wants a cheaper CMM?

- CNC Punch Press

Antique clockwork mechanism with gears and blue handle.

Art & Design

These projects are always fun, particularly for your non-machinist friends and family to enjoy.

- More Art & Design Projects

Gold-colored rifle stock on black background with white grid lines.

Gunsmithing

These projects are fun for hunters and firearms enthusiasts.

Gunsmithing Projects

Building the CNCCookbook Fat Tire E-Bike, Part1Black bicycle with red rims in front of a white garage door.

Quarter-scale V8 model engine's rear section with red circular components and black cylindrical component on dark background.

Model Engines

Working models of steam engines, Rolls Royce Merlin V12's, car-style V8's, Stirling Engines, and much more!

Closely related but on a larger scale:  Stirling Engine Generators

Red dune buggy on sandy beach with black trim, four wheels and roll cage.

Welding Projects

Every machinist should be able to weld.  It's not that hard and it's very useful.  Here some projects and ideas for welders.

Best Online Communities that Showcase CNC Projects

Be the first to know about updates at CNC Cookbook

Join our newsletter to get updates on what's next at CNC Cookbook.