When it comes to setting up or scaling a surfboard manufacturing operation, one of the biggest investments you may face is purchasing a CNC shaping machine. But how much should you actually spend? Is a cheaper CNC machine good enough to get the job done, or is it worth investing in a premium model with higher specs? This guide helps you weigh the pros and cons of different price tiers and find the right balance between cost, performance, and business goals.

When it comes to CNC surfboard shaping, the choice of cutting tool significantly impacts the quality, efficiency, and precision of the final product. Two prevalent cutting tools in the industry are the bull nose cutter and the disk blade. Understanding their differences can help shapers and manufacturers make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs.

Building your own surfboard blank gives you full control over the shape, performance, and materials you use. A key component of that process is the stringer—a central spine that adds strength, controls flex, and helps guide the hotwire cut. Here's how to make and glue in your own stringers, whether you're cutting EPS by hand or with a CNC machine.

Creating your own surfboard blanks using EPS foam is a great way to customize your shapes, save money, and work around the limitations of traditional blank availability. With AkuShaper’s full-size rocker profile printing feature, you can easily set up a blank-cutting system at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.