Meet the Simply Technologies CNC Lineup at Bad Owl Tool

The Robot Overlords Have Arrived (And They Cut Wood)

Let’s be honest: taking the leap into CNC routing is both exhilarating and terrifying. It’s a massive investment, the software learning curve feels like trying to read ancient Sumerian, and every manufacturer claims their machine is the "ultimate solution." But when you finally dial it in? It’s like hiring a master craftsman who never takes a coffee break, never complains about sanding, and works to a tolerance of a few thousandths of an inch.

That’s why we’re genuinely stoked to announce that Bad Owl Tool is now an official dealer for Simply Technologies. This Canadian company has been quietly disrupting the CNC space by building rigid, production-ready machines that bridge the gap between "flimsy hobby toy" and "second-mortgage industrial gantry."

We are kicking things off with four of their most compelling bundles. Let’s break down the specs, cut through the marketing fluff, and see which one actually makes sense for your shop.

1. Simply Technologies Academy 2 EDU CNC Package (12" x 24")

If you run a school shop, a makerspace, or just have a workspace where dust and safety are your absolute primary concerns, the Academy 2 is designed specifically for you. It’s fully enclosed in a matte black cabinet with interlocking safety doors—meaning if someone opens the door mid-cut, the machine stops. No flying carbide, no panic.

• Spindle: 1HP Air-Cooled. It’s quiet and runs on standard 110V power.
• Capacity: 12" x 24" cutting area.
• Standout Features: Ships fully assembled and is CSA-compliant. It features built-in dust collection, integrated tool storage, and sits on locking casters for ultimate mobility.

Pro Tip: Don't buy this expecting to hog out 8/4 hard maple at 300 inches per minute. This is a brilliant teaching tool and a precision detailer, not a bulk manufacturing workhorse.

The Performance Series: Real Power for Real Shops

For serious hobbyists, custom furniture makers, and small-to-medium professional shops, we step up to the Performance Series. This is where we get into heavy-duty welded steel frames, precision ball screws, and prismatic guides.

If you don't know why that matters: entry-level belt-driven or V-wheel CNCs stretch, deflect, and introduce chatter when under load. Ball screws and prismatic guides mean your machine’s gantry goes exactly where the G-code tells it to go, without flexing or complaining.

2. Performance 8 CNC Bundle (24" x 48")

This is arguably the sweet spot for a small business making signs, milling custom furniture parts, or batching out complex joinery. A 2x4 footprint handles most standard half-sheet breakdowns.

• Spindle: 3HP Liquid-Cooled Electro-Spindle. Liquid cooling ensures it can run all day without overheating, and it’s surprisingly quiet.
• Drive System: 4-axis capable (prewired for a rotary kit).
• Controller: iCNC 15.6” Touch Screen. You don't need to tether a dusty, fragile laptop to this machine; it has a dedicated, real-time visual interface.

Bundle Perks: This isn't just a bare machine. The bundle includes the heavy-duty welded steel Performance 8 Stand, a 220 Dust Shoe, a Lateral Clamp Kit, and VCarve Pro software.

3. Performance 8W CNC Bundle (48" x 24")

The "W" stands for Wide. It features the exact same industrial-grade components, 3HP liquid-cooled spindle, and touch screen controller as the standard Performance 8, but it flips the orientation. Why? Shop layout. Sometimes feeding a 48-inch wide panel horizontally through the front of the machine is infinitely easier than trying to load it from the narrow end in a tight garage shop.

4. Performance 8ATC CNC Bundle (24" x 48")

Here’s where we separate the weekend warriors from the production shops. "ATC" stands for Automatic Tool Changer.

If you are cutting a project that requires a 1/4" endmill for clearing, a 1/8" downcut for tight inside corners, and a 60-degree V-bit for engraving, manually changing bits and re-zeroing the Z-axis three times will absolutely kill your workflow. The 8ATC features a fully integrated 6-tool rack. You program your toolpaths, hit start, and walk away. The machine automatically drops off and picks up the exact bits it needs.

Safety and Setup Disclaimers

Before you commit to bringing one of these into your shop, let’s talk reality:

• Electrical Requirements: The powerful 3HP spindles on the Performance Series require proper power delivery. Disclaimer: Never modify your shop's electrical panel or attempt 220V wiring unless you are a licensed electrician. Always consult local electrical codes.
• The Learning Curve: A CNC is only as smart as the person programming it. Simply Technologies offers excellent software support (VCarve Pro is a trusted industry standard), but you will spend time at a computer learning CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) before you make your first cut.
• Rigidity Matters: The Performance series machines are heavy for a reason. You need a dead-flat, level floor to ensure the steel stand doesn't rack. If your stand twists, your bed twists, and your tolerances go out the window.

The Bottom Line

Simply Technologies is bringing serious, no-nonsense quality to the mid-market CNC world. Whether you need the classroom safety of the Academy 2, or the "set it and forget it" production speed of the 8ATC, these machines are built to work as hard as you do.

Ready to automate the most tedious parts of your workflow and increase your shop's precision? Browse the full specs on our Simply Technologies CNC page, or reach out to the shop if you need help deciding which bundle fits your needs.