Stories

Mon, 11 May 2026

Mon, 11 May 2026 Not so dusty: How tech is changing woodworking

Woodworking shops have been transformed by tech to make tools safer and more precise.

* Woodworking has become safer in recent decades due to advancements in technology such as high-pressure extractors and better dust collection systems.
* Companies like SawStop have developed safety features that stop machines from cutting when skin comes into contact with the blade, reducing the risk of injury.
* Modern workshops also use computer numerical control (CNC) routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers to improve efficiency and precision.
* The software used for CNC machines has become easier to use, making it more accessible to a wider range of people.
* AI has also been integrated into woodworking software to help with tasks such as designing and managing materials.
* UK-based company Automated Architecture has developed a "microfactory" that can be delivered to building sites and build timber panels needed for homes in just one day.
* Generative AI is being used by woodworkers as a research tool, but experts warn against relying too heavily on it without verifying how materials and tools work in person.
* Some people working with wood still prefer analogue elements and find digital readouts on machines to be less useful.