The static and dynamic characteristics of the EDM machine as the main machining unit directly influence the machining accuracy and stability. For a particular type of the EDM machine, the three-dimensional model was built with SolidWorks and the finite element method was employed with the ANSYS workbench to analyze the static and dynamic characteristics of the machine. The results show that the stiffness of the ram and vertical guide (Z-axis) in the Y and Z directions is the weak side of the machine. The analytical method is proved to be effective for the optimization of the machine design.