Practical insights on CNC, digital manufacturing, education, and workforce development – written for makers, educators, and decision-makers navigating what’s next.

Why We Built EMPOWER[ED] ACADEMY

Oh, come on! Tell me you wouldn’t love to watch a CNC training course taught by an AI baby? This is adorable! OK, stay focused, Jeremy… A while back, we started noticing a pattern. We would talk to schools who

July 28, 2025

From The Alberta Classroom ➡️ The Woodshop

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the intersection of craftsmanship and innovation. My journey into the world of CNC began with a used ICONIC 8 – a machine that, while modest in size and condition,

July 13, 2025

Why Do the Big Shops Get All the Fun?

What about the REST OF US?! Walk into a large manufacturing facility, and it’s hard not to feel a little CNC envy. Automated material handling. Industrial-grade dust collection. And of course, my personal favourite: Auto Tool Changers. While the rest

June 30, 2025

Let’s Get Ready To Rumble 🤜💥🤛

One of These Things is Not the Same! Look at the three machines above. At first glance, they look nearly identical: same machining size, same spindle, same structure. You’re probably thinking, “Looks like the same machine to me.” Well, you’re

June 19, 2025

What Makes a CNC Machine “Built for Education”?

Most CNC machines weren’t designed for the classroom. They were designed for factories, fabrication shops, or hobbyists working solo in their garage. They are sold in an industry that traditionally doesn’t require a lot of after-sales support, and you certainly

June 6, 2025

Does the World Need Another CNC Machine?

Let’s Be Honest There are a lot of CNC machines out there. Too many, probably. It is no secret to us that we a small fish attempting to jump into a large pond, with a few whales and sharks (no

May 23, 2025

Why I Joined Simply Technologies

Hi friends! My name is Stephen Michutka (a few of you may know me as The Wood Pastor, though admittedly, I am NOT an actual pastor!). I suppose that I am now the newest member of the Simply Technologies team,

May 7, 2025

The Evolution of CNC: How Simply Technologies is [em]powering Our Future

From early mechanical punch card machines to today’s high-speed, precision-controlled CNC routers, computer numerical control (CNC) technology has transformed how we design, create, and manufacture. Once exclusive to large industrial operations, CNC machining is now more accessible than ever, allowing

March 14, 2025

The Death of Simply CNC

The Death of Simply CNC – A New Era Begins When my father, Steve, and I began working in the CNC world nearly two decades ago, our goal was simple: to provide high-quality CNC solutions that empower makers, businesses, and

March 10, 2025

Take Control Of Your Gas (not that gas.)

Ever since we founded GRIT Automation in 2018, we have heard countless stories from teachers and administrators about the injuries and near-injuries that they have witnessed during their teaching careers. Recently, one particular story caught my attention, and immediately sent

February 13, 2025

ef·fi·cien·cy (noun)

In my many years of running a small business, particularly in the woodworking industry, I have discovered one of the greatest keys to success: Efficiency. efficiency (noun) ef·fi·cien·cy /əˈfiSHənsē/ (1) Effective operation as measured by a comparison of production

January 16, 2025

CNC Machines Changed My Life!

As a traditional woodworker, I found it extremely difficult to morph into the world of technology. Whether it was a CNC machine or the latest iPhone, It was all unknown technology to me. Little did I know, it was about

October 29, 2024

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