Question here- do you do the inlays before turning or after? Does the CNC do the blank and the inlay as separate pieces then the inlay is applied? I see endless things that can be done.
The Slightly oversized pen blank is placed into the machine and the cutter depth is set to cut the inlay pocket into the wood just down to the brass tube.
These are not filled in with anything (like InLace or powder) they are solid wood.
The inlay piece's are cut separately from flat stock (about 20 or more at a time) and are glued into the pocket like a puzzle piece.
Each design has two programs ... one for cutting the pocket and one for cutting the inlay piece.
Once the glue has set, the blank is turned and finished on a lathe.
The 6040 and 3020 size CNC machines sold on Ebay come without software.
You will need a PC and a program like BobCad to design the inlays and another program like Mach 3 to run the CNC machine.
The one I use is a 3020 size 3 axis and I manually turn the blanks to the position I want each inlay to be. I will soon get a 4th axis set up so the blanks will rotate automatically.
If you are thinking about buying a CNC for pens give me a call and I will try to help you understand what all is needed.