Commercial processes for timber

The workpiece is secured with clamps, or guided against a straight guide called a fence, depending on the machine arrangement. A guide, template or jig controls the cutting path. A template is especially useful for a repeated shaped outline: it guides each cut so the manufacturer does not have to shape every component by eye.

The cutter is moved relative to the workpiece along the required path. Several shallow passes may be used to reach the final depth safely and accurately rather than removing all the material in one deep cut. Correct feed direction and dust extraction help maintain safe working conditions and surface quality.

Routing is used for cabinet joints, slots, signs, decorative edges and flat-pack furniture parts. For example, a routed groove in a cabinet panel can provide a location for another panel, while a shaped router bit can create a decorative edge around a tabletop.

CNC routing: repeating a programmed design

Commercial manufacturers commonly use computer numerical control (CNC) routing. A program controls the cutter's path using coordinates, allowing the machine to repeat the same design across successive workpieces.

This improves repeatability and can increase output while reducing the labour needed for each component. It is particularly useful when many furniture parts need matching grooves or outlines. However, CNC equipment has a high initial cost, and the cutting program must be prepared correctly. Automation repeats the programmed instructions; it does not make an incorrect design correct.

Turning: shaping timber around an axis

Turning shapes a timber blank—a piece of timber prepared for machining—on a lathe. The blank is securely mounted, for example in a chuck whose jaws grip the timber. The lathe rotates it about an axis.

In manual turning, a tool rest is positioned close to the workpiece to support the cutting tool. Gouges and chisels remove material as the timber rotates, creating cylindrical sections, curves, raised rounded features called beads, and tapers that gradually narrow. The part can then be sanded and finished on the lathe.

Turning is suitable for chair legs, handles, staircase spindles and bowls. A rounded table leg is a useful example: its diameter can change along its length, but its rounded sections are centred on the same axis. Rotating the timber allows material to be removed around that axis to create the required profile.

Producing matching turned components

A set of chair legs needs matching dimensions and profiles. Callipers can check dimensions, while a profile gauge or sample component helps compare the developing shape with the intended result.

Commercial turning can also use template-controlled or CNC-controlled lathes to reproduce a profile consistently. This reduces reliance on individually shaping each part by eye. The central distinction remains the same: routing rotates the cutter; turning rotates the timber workpiece.

• Lathe rotates the timber blank; cutting tools remove material.
• A chuck can hold the blank; a tool rest supports tools during manual turning.
• Produces cylinders, curves, beads and tapers: suitable for legs, handles, spindles and bowls.
• Callipers, profile gauges and samples help check matching parts.
• Template-controlled or CNC-controlled lathes reproduce consistent profiles.

Key distinction

Routing: cutter rotates. Turning: workpiece rotates.