This document compares the machining time cycles of manual CNC programming versus CAM programming on a vertical milling machine. An experiment was conducted machining a part with pockets and chamfers from aluminum alloy 6082. The CAM program took 7.36 minutes while the manual program took 10.05 minutes. CAM programming was found to be easier and faster than manual programming which requires mathematical calculations. CAM software provides optimized toolpaths and flexibility compared to manual programming.