…How do YOU explain what CNC machining is to someone who doesn’t have a clue about anything to do with the machines etc.?
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It depends. If they know anything about 3d printing, I explain it as being similar but subtractive instead of additive. Otherwise, I just say it’s a computer controlled router. How far into the weeds I go depends on level of interest.
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This right here
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I always seem to be able to generate conversation when I note that I have a computer controlled wood cutting robot to go along with my 3D printers and laser cutters.
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I go the computer controlled router route as well. Most of my friend’s eyes glaze over very quickly after that. I guess I need to find some different IRL friends. 
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LOL same here. All though I have converted 2 so far. Which out of my 6 IRL friends I would say is pretty good numbers 
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A motorized router my computer controls. I draw pictures and it cuts them out.
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A laser etcher / cricuit for woodworking also has some success in getting people to understand.
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One thing I never do is say, “Computer numeric controlled”. It is a stupid acronym and I hate when articles say the original name. It really is its own word now.
“A router controlled by a computer” usually does the trick. Most people go, “Ah”. Either because they understand it already or they want to change the subject.
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Funny, that is usually what I include in my explanation. I tell them it‘s a computer controlled router I made drawings for and then programmed it to cut it the way I want it to. Then I explain that this works by feeding the machines coordinates in an XYZ system and that the long form of CNC is exactly that. It helps to make them understand how it does what it does. 
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These are all really great answers and easy to follow for those that are truly interested.
LOL. But I guess when I said it, I was asked what CNC stood for, by someone who recognizes an acronym.
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It’s a dumb pet peeve of mine. Articles that talk about it feel the need to define it. But it feels more like describing DVD players and starting by defining the acronym. At this point, the acronym means more than the words that make it.
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