It can be hard to take a concept seriously when it has a funny name. That’s most certainly the case when it comes to the material that we call swarf. Swarf, from the same Middle English root that gives us swerve, is simply an umbrella term for the byproducts of machine cutting: sawdust from wood, shavings from steel and plastic, or remnants of any other raw material to which we apply subtractive manufacturing.
It’s fun to say out loud, but the damage that accumulated swarf can do to your CNC mills and lathes is no laughing matter. Failing to take care of swarf buildup can damage people and property—and may even leave money on the table. Let’s discuss the importance of managing your CNC swarf and how you can do so.
Avoid Damaging Your Mill
CNC machines require quite a bit of maintenance—some tasks that you can perform yourself, others that you must delegate to specialists. Preventing debris from clogging your mill or lathe is among the jobs you can do to keep your mill or lathe at its best. A buildup of swarf can gum up the works of your CNC machine, causing it to be less effective or even overheat. Practice preventive maintenance and never let the swarf on and around a machine get out of hand.
Sweep Swarf, Stay Safe
It’s bad enough that swarf can impair the functioning of your important and expensive equipment. Worse still is that it can be a pain—literally. The sharp edges of these metal chips can give you some nicks and cuts when you handle them, and sawdust can be a respiratory hazard. Smaller swarf, such as the powdery waste from intricate plastic cutting, may even embed itself in your skin. Don’t allow this debris to build up—handle it safely and remove it from the workspace.
Swarf for Cash?
Metallic swarf comes in a few variants. Lathes yield turnings, which are curls of metal that fall as a workpiece rotates. The moving tools of drills and mills leave filings and shavings, which, depending on the precision of the cutting tool, can range in size from an almost powdery form to large and heavy chips of metal. Whatever their size, they could be valuable to recyclers—particularly if the workpieces are nonferrous metal. Yes, the importance of managing your CNC swarf has financial impacts as well. Gather your swarf for recycling and take the phrase “every little bit counts” to its natural conclusion.
Nestled in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge is a haven for nature lovers seeking a break from the daily grind. Whether you crave the rush of white water or the peace of a mountain summit, the region offers something for every type of traveler. In this guide, we break down the top outdoor activities in Blue Ridge, Georgia to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Farming is tough work! You deal with unpredictable weather, fluctuating market prices, and the constant pressure to produce more with less. It feels like a never-ending cycle of solving one problem just to face another. But there is a way to break that cycle. Applying the following efficient farming techniques for better harvests might be the answer you need to boost your yield without working yourself into the ground.
Armed robberies pose a serious risk to businesses, potentially leaving employees shaken and afraid to stay with the company. Protecting employees from armed robberies is a pressing concern for those committed to workplace safety. Implementing the right strategies can create a safer environment where teams feel secure and valued.
Super Bowl LX | Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | February 8th 2026 3:30 PM PST
Why this matchup matters
Super Bowl 60 isn’t just another championship game; it’s a collision between a reborn contender from the Pacific Northwest
and the most decorated dynasty of the modern NFL era. The Seattle Seahawks return to the Super Bowl for the first time
in 11 years, carrying a new identity on defense and a quarterback on a redemption arc.
Across the field, the New England Patriots arrive in their 12th Super Bowl, already holding the record
for most appearances and chasing a historic seventh Lombardi Trophy.
For Seahawks fans, this is about rewriting the memory of Super Bowl XLIX. For Patriots fans, it’s proof that their legacy
didn’t end with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The stakes are emotional, historical, and deeply personal on both sides.
Festivals offer a temporary escape from daily routines. You park your rig, set up camp, and prepare for a weekend of music and community. However, a plain white box on wheels lacks the vibrancy of the festival atmosphere.
Related Bing News Results Energy Industry Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:02:00 GMT An energy watchdog says more renewable energy is projected to lower prices, but others warn the promise is illusory and more pain is coming. The NSW government's flagship renewable energy project has ...
