Struggling to spark quick, lighthearted engagement in your CNC Machining community? These This or That templates make it easy to keep conversations flowing and get everyone involved with fun, easy prompts. Say goodbye to awkward silences and hello to spontaneous participation.
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This or That content taps into the psychology of low-stakes decision making. When community members see a simple choice, like aluminum vs. steel, they feel comfortable jumping in because the answers are quick, subjective, and there is no wrong response. This lowers the barrier to participation, even for members who rarely comment.
These prompts also create a sense of camaraderie and fun. Members bond over shared preferences or playful debates, which builds connection and encourages repeat engagement. The format is universally understood, so it works across all platforms and with all levels of technical expertise.
CNC coffee break - espresso or drip?
💡 Example: "CNC coffee break - espresso or drip? Vote below!"
Aluminum or steel - which do you prefer to machine?
💡 Example: "Aluminum or steel - which do you prefer to machine? Tell us why!"
Early morning shifts or late-night runs?
💡 Example: "Early morning shifts or late-night runs? Which do you like better?"
CNC mill or CNC lathe - if you could only pick one?
💡 Example: "CNC mill or CNC lathe - if you could only pick one, which would it be?"
Flood coolant or mist?
💡 Example: "Flood coolant or mist? Which do you use most?"
Manual deburring or automated deburring?
💡 Example: "Manual deburring or automated deburring? What is your go-to?"
Fusion 360 or SolidWorks for CAM?
💡 Example: "Fusion 360 or SolidWorks for CAM?"
Wired headphones or wireless in the shop?
💡 Example: "Wired headphones or wireless in the shop? Which do you use?"
Working solo or as part of a team?
💡 Example: "Working solo or as part of a team?"
Tapping by hand or using the machine?
💡 Example: "Tapping by hand or using the machine? Which do you prefer?"
3D printed fixtures or machined fixtures?
💡 Example: "3D printed fixtures or machined fixtures?"
Quick change tool holders or standard holders?
💡 Example: "Quick change tool holders or standard holders?"
Coolant everywhere or keep it dry?
💡 Example: "Coolant everywhere or keep it dry? What is your style?"
Metric or imperial measurements - what is your default?
💡 Example: "Metric or imperial measurements - what is your default?"
Favorite shop snack - chips or fruit?
💡 Example: "Favorite shop snack - chips or fruit?"
Shop music - classic rock or electronic?
💡 Example: "Shop music - classic rock or electronic? Drop your pick!"
Surface finish - shiny or matte?
💡 Example: "Surface finish - shiny or matte?"
Programming at the machine or at your desk?
💡 Example: "Programming at the machine or at your desk? Which do you do more?"
Vertical or horizontal machining centers?
💡 Example: "Vertical or horizontal machining centers?"
Lunch break - eat in the shop or step outside?
💡 Example: "Lunch break - eat in the shop or step outside?"
CNC router or CNC plasma?
💡 Example: "CNC router or CNC plasma?"
Coolant color - blue or green?
💡 Example: "Coolant color - blue or green?"
Best for prototyping - mill or 3D printer?
💡 Example: "Best for prototyping - mill or 3D printer? What do you think?"
Clean as you go or clean at the end of the day?
💡 Example: "Clean as you go or clean at the end of the day?"
Favorite coolant scent - fresh or classic?
💡 Example: "Favorite coolant scent - fresh or classic?"
First part inspection - digital or manual tools?
💡 Example: "First part inspection - digital or manual tools? Share your pick!"
Pizza or burgers for the team lunch?
💡 Example: "Pizza or burgers for the team lunch? Vote below!"
Stainless steel or titanium - which is more fun to machine?
💡 Example: "Stainless steel or titanium - which is more fun to machine?"
Shop floor - concrete or epoxy finish?
💡 Example: "Shop floor - concrete or epoxy finish? What do you have?"
Favorite CNC accessory - vise or rotary table?
💡 Example: "Favorite CNC accessory - vise or rotary table?"
Long programs or short setups?
💡 Example: "Long programs or short setups?"
Spindle warm-up - every day or only when cold?
💡 Example: "Spindle warm-up - every day or only when cold?"
Favorite chip color - blue or silver?
💡 Example: "Favorite chip color - blue or silver?"
Shop uniform - t-shirt or button-up?
💡 Example: "Shop uniform - t-shirt or button-up?"
G-code by hand or post-processor all the way?
💡 Example: "G-code by hand or post-processor all the way?"
Favorite tool material - carbide or HSS?
💡 Example: "Favorite tool material - carbide or HSS? Cast your vote!"
Favorite CNC meme - puns or fails?
💡 Example: "Favorite CNC meme - puns or fails?"
Machining with gloves or bare hands?
💡 Example: "Machining with gloves or bare hands?"
Favorite CNC control - Fanuc or Siemens?
💡 Example: "Favorite CNC control - Fanuc or Siemens? Tell us!"
First project - hobby or professional job?
💡 Example: "First project - hobby or professional job? Share your story!"
To use these templates, simply copy and paste one into your discussion feed, group, or chat. Add a quick intro or emoji if you like, then invite members to pick their favorite. Rotate topics regularly to keep things fresh, and encourage follow-up replies by asking members to explain their choices. Consider pinning a weekly This or That post to create a consistent engagement touchpoint.
This or That posts work well on all platforms. On forums or Facebook Groups, use polls or images for added engagement. In chats or Discord, keep posts short and encourage quick replies. Wherever you post, tag or mention members to boost visibility and participation.
A This or That post presents two simple options for members to choose between, sparking quick engagement.
Once or twice per week works well to keep engagement high without overwhelming your community.
Yes, the prompts are designed to be easy and approachable for all skill levels, including beginners.
Absolutely. Feel free to tweak the wording or choices to better fit your community's personality.
Yes, these templates are effective on all platforms and can be adapted for polls, posts, or chat.
Add a follow-up question like 'Why?' or share your own answer to start the conversation.
Images can boost engagement, especially for visual choices, but are not required for these prompts to work.