The CNC wood router has become one of the indispensable CNC machinery in the modern woodworking industry. From small wooden crafts to whole house custom furniture, CNC wood routers can give full play their functions. The wood CNC router is available in plenty of models and configurations. With various CNC router tools, the CNC routers for woodworking can realize many functions, including cutting, engraving, drilling, routing, pocketing, and grooving. Although there is a “wood” in the name, the CNC wood router is able to process many other materials, such as plastic, rubber, stone, resin, acrylic, soft metal, foam, etc.
So do you want to buy a CNC router machine but have no idea how to choose? Or as a CNC router beginner, do you want to know any knowledge about the CNC wood carving machine? You can find the answers to the above questions in this buyer guide.
This article will give a detailed introduction to the CNC wood router in terms of definition, types, parameters, price, and tips for how to choose. For your reference, I also list several best-selling and most cost-effective CNC wood CNC routers for all purposes.
CNC wood router — Definition
CNC wood router is a CNC router machine that creates objects from mainly wood. CNC stands for computer numerical control. So the CNC wood router is a type of equipment with a high level of automation. It is also known as the CNC router machine, wood CNC router, CNC wood carving machine, CNC wood engraving machine, and CNC wood engraver.
Except for wood, the wood CNC machine can also cut, engrave or drill other non-metallic materials, like acrylic, stone, plastic, PVC, rubber, and epoxy. And it can cut and engrave soft metals, like aluminum and mild steel. CNC wood routers is mainly used to produce panel furniture, advertising signs, letters, 3D or 3D statues, relief sculptures, crafts, and artworks, etc.
CNC wood router — Work principle
The working principle of the CNC wood carving machine is not complex. Simply put, it’s more like a printer.
The computer built-in CAD software turns your CNC router ideas into design files, and the other CNC router software CAM generates the G code — a language that can be understood by the CNC router — based on such design files. After receiving the G code, the controller of the CNC router will generate signals with power (pulse string) and form the tool paths for X, Y, and Z axes. At the same time, the spindle of the wood CNC router rotates at a high speed and processes the materials fixed on the worktable with various CNC router tools.
CNC wood router — Classification
The CNC wood router falls into many types based on different classification methods.
According to the transmission mode, the CNC wood engraving machine can be divided into the CNC router with lead screw transmission and the CNC router with rack transmission. The lead-screw transmitted CNC wood router, also known as the advertising CNC router, is usually in small sizes. For example, 3018 CNC router, 6090 CNC router, 4×4 CNC router, etc. The rack transmitted CNC wood router is usually in large sizes, such as 4×8 CNC router, 5×10 CNC router, or other customized sizes.
In terms of the processing materials, the CNC router mainly includes the wood CNC router, stone CNC router, foam CNC router, etc.
According to how many axes that a CNC engraving machine can work on, the CNC router machine mainly includes 3 axis CNC router, 4 axis CNC router, rotary axis CNC router, and 5 axis CNC router.
CNC wood router — Advantages
The CNC wood router has the following advantages, compared with traditional woodworking machines:
High degree of automation
The CNC router machine uses the computer to design drawings, give orders, and control the machine operation throughout the machining process. There’s no need for manual measurement, cutting, or carving.
Multiple functions and applications
The wood CNC routers can achieve various functions, such as plant cutting, 2D, 2.5D and 3D engraving, etc. It also applies in a wide range of industries.
Consistent quality
Controlled by computers, CNC wood routers are capable of producing hundreds or thousands of pieces that are exactly the same. For companies that place a high value on quality assurance, this aspect of CNC routing is priceless.
Reduced waste work
The more waste pieces that accrue on your work floor, the more money you lose in wasted supplies. Because manual machines lack precision control, errors in workpieces are a constant threat. As a result of the computerized operation, the wood CNC router eliminates the waste work caused by human error, producing thousands of identical pieces without waste pieces.
High productivity
By producing few waste pieces and operating with topnotch efficiency, industrial CNC wood routers can revolutionize production capacity. Good CNC router machines have rigid and endurable structures and are able to be used continuously for a long time. With the help of other automatic CNC machines, productivity is significantly improved.
Easier operation
The operation of a CNC wood engraving machine is based primarily on computer training. This allows operators to achieve expertise in a matter of one month. But for complex workpieces, it may require further programming knowledge.
Less dangerous to workers
CNC routing removes the operator from the direct vicinity of the cutting mechanisms, creating a safer work process. For companies, this can translate into fewer workers comp cases and fewer production losses due to worker disability.
CNC wood router — Major composition
Regardless of the sizes or types, a CNC wood router mainly consists of the following parts:
Mechanical part
This part is the foundation of the operation of the whole CNC wood carving machine, including the machine frame, gantry, guide rails, rack, and various nuts, bolts, spacers, etc. The rigid and endurable mechanical part can ensure long-term and stable operation, avoiding vibration or deformation.
Electrical part
All electrical components and devices are connected with wires to ensure the normal operation of the CNC wood engraving machine.
Control system
It is the control center of a CNC engraving machine. It gives control instructions directly to drive the CNC wood router to move along the given path. Besides, it also detects various states of the CNC router machine and feeds back to the computer and control software for identification and processing.
CNC router software
There are may two types of CNC router software, i.e. CAD and CAM. CAD (computer aided design) can turn your CNC router ideas into a file, while the CAM (computer aided manufacturing) can generate the G code.
CNC wood router — Major specification and configurations
| Brand | Blue Elephant |
| Models | CNC wood router, stone CNC router, foam CNC router |
| Working voltage | AC380V/50HZ, 3PH; 220V/60Hz,3PH; AC440V/50HZ,3PH |
| Table sizes | 2×3, 2×4, 4×4, 4×8, 5×10, 6×10, 2030, 2040, 3040, 2646, customized |
| Z-axis travel | 200mm and above |
| Axis | 3 axis, 4 axis, 4th axis, 5 axis |
| Spindle | Water cooling or air cooling spindle in various power |
| CNC router software | CAD: AutoCAD, Type3, AlphaCAM, Artcam, Solidworks, CAXA CAM: MasterCAM, PowerMILL CAD/CAM: Artcam, UCANCAM, Type3, UG(NX), AlphaCAM, ZW 3D, etc. |
| Control system | Mach3, Syntec, DSP, Siemens, NK200, NCstudio |
| Optional kits | Linear or carousel tool magazine, multi-head, vacuum worktable, drill head, aggregate head, oscillating knife, auto calibrator tool |
| Price range | $1,500-$100,000 |
CNC wood router — Price
As mentioned in the above table, the wood CNC machine price varies greatly, from $1,500 to $100,000. Different specifications and configurations will result in different CNC wood router price. But overall, the larger the CNC router table size, the higher the wood CNC machine price. The higher the configuration and the more functions, the more expensive the price.
| Type | Price range | Optional configuration |
| 3 axis | $1,500-$30,000 | Ordinary 3 axis 3 axis + ATC (linear/disc) 3 axis + multi-head 3 axis + auto-loading/unloading platforms |
| 4 axis | $5,000-$30,000 | Real 4 axis Rotary device Rotating spindle + rotary device 4 axis + ATC (linear/disc) |
| 5 axis | $30,000-$100,000 | Movable table(s) ATC |
Factors that affect the CNC wood router price
There are plenty of factors that affect the CNC wood router price. But the major factors come from the CNC router itself, including its specifications, configurations, and brand.
Specifications and configurations
These include the CNC router table size, the height of the Z-axis, and the selection of various CNC router kits and components (imported or domestic, high quality or low quality).
The price of the wood CNC router with a large size CNC router table is higher than that with a small size worktable. The CNC router machine with great power spindle, motor, and other components is more expensive than that with small power. Imported or good-quality parts and components will also cause extra to the CNC wood router price.
Brand
The brand of a wood CNC machine can reflect its quality to a certain degree. Using poor quality CNC router kits or components will damage the reputation of the brand. So famous brand CNC wood router manufacturers pay more attention to their product quality. And the quality of famous brand CNC wood routers is guaranteed. Correspondingly, the price of the famous brand CNC router machine is high.
When it comes to buying a CNC wood engraving machine from abroad, you also need to consider other additional fees to the CNC router price. For example, shipping fees, taxes, customs fees, etc.
What features should a good CNC wood router have
High quality: Product quality is the foundation of a company. Poor quality will not only increase the operation and maintenance cost of CNC router machine users, but also damage the reputation of the CNC wood router manufacturers.
Value for money: Get the best machine for your buck! A good CNC machine will bring the most features and the greatest quality for the lowest price.
Wide range of materials: Naturally, all these CNC wood routers can cut wood. However, it’s helpful to understand the material cutting capabilities of your machine so that you can anticipate how well your machine will perform with different materials.
Small footprint: A larger wood CNC machine will let you create a greater variety of projects. However, not everyone has a massive workspace, so the best wood CNC router shall offer a larger cutting-space-to-footprint ratio. This means you can make big projects without wasting space.
Easy to use: What’s the use of a machine that you can’t figure out how to use? A clean user interface, easy maintenance, and straightforward tool changing are all keys to the ease of use of a CNC engraving machine.
Complete after-sales service: Many unscrupulous CNC wood router manufacturers lost contact after selling their machines. This puts consumers on a long way to defend their rights and interests. Complete after-sales service can increase customer satisfaction and trust, and it can also bring potential customers.
Tips for picking a right CNC wood router
The previous part specifies the features that a good CNC wood engraving machine should have. Such features are also the factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a right wood CNC router. Here are some tips for picking a suitable CNC wood carving machine.
CNC router table size
This depends on the maximum size of your processing materials. The suitable CNC engraving machine size shall be slightly larger than your maximum processing material.
For instance, if your shop mainly produces small crafts, gifts, toys or artworks, you can choose the 6090 CNC router, or 4×4 CNC router. These are cost-effective choices. However, if you are occupied in custom furniture making, the small CNC router can’t meet your demands. The common CNC router table size for furniture making is 4×8 CNC router, 1530 CNC router, or other customized sizes, like 2030, 2040, 1632, etc.
Spindle power
Depending on the type of project you will be working on, the power of the CNC routers will play an important role. What kind of motor or spindle is the wood CNC machine equipped with? The power can ensure the correct cutting speed and cutting quality of the material. According to the purpose, CNC wood routers are designed to work with the spindle of a certain size and power.
Generally, the 1.5kw and 2.2kw spindles are for engraving purposes, while for cutting purposes, you may need high power spindle, like 7.5kw and 9kw. The higher the cutting thickness, the greater power you should choose.
Other parts and components
The choice of other parts and components of the CNC engraving machine relies on your processing requirements. If you are familiar with the wood CNC machine and clear about what specifications you want, you can tell the CNC wood router manufacturers directly. However, if you are new to this, you can tell the type and dimension of your materials, or major purposes to the manufacturers, they will recommend a suitable machine.
Durability
Not all CNC router machines are going to perform accurately for a longer duration. CNC wood routers tend to wear down as they have lots of parts working with friction. You can choose your CNC wood carving machine depending on the durability and your usage.
Price
With any investment, it’s important to know if you are getting the correct value for money or not. Price plays an important role here, as a more serious buyer will ensure he gets all extra parts and accessories at the right price. Besides, price shall not be deemed as your sole criterion for choosing a wood CNC router. Not to mention looking for the cheap price blindly. But it is also not wise to pay through the nose for buying an expensive CNC router machine. So what you need to do is to find a CNC wood carving machine with the most cost-effective price range that can best meet your processing needs.
Manufacturers
CNC wood router manufacturers is the band mentioned above. Good CNC wood router manufacturers shall have professional product research and development capacity, production and delivery ability and complete service system. The outstanding R&D capacity lays the foundation of production and the complete service system is the key to improve customers’ satisfaction.
So it is necessary to spend time and energy to find a good CNC wood router manufacturer. Before this, please take a look at Blue Elephant. With over 10 years of experience in researching, developing and producing CNC machines, Blue Elephant CNC router machines are sold to over 130 countries and regions all over the world. We have also received many positive comments.
Below are several best Blue Elephant CNC router machines for sale.
CNC wood router recommendation
Blue Elephant CNC wood routers are available in various models and configurations. Here I’d like to recommend three best selling CNC router models.
Cost-effective mini CNC wood router
Mini CNC router, also called small CNC router, desktop CNC router or hobby CNC router, is quite popular in the advertising industry. The common mini CNC router table sizes include 300x180mm, 300x400mm, 600x900mm (2’x3′), 600x150mm, 1,200×1,200mm (4’x4′), etc.
You can also upgrade the mini CNC router by adding the automatic tool changing function, a rotating spindle, or a rotary device.
The mini CNC router has a wide range of applications and is suitable for cutting and engraving small-size materials. For example:
Double-colored plates, signs, PVC signs, billboards, acrylic or wooden signs, 3D letters and characters
Small wooden furniture, cabinet doors, chairs, tables, doors, screens.
Crafts and gifts
Guitar and other stringed instrument
Multi-process CNC wood router for sale
The multi-process, or multi-head, or multi-step CNC routers can be deemed as simple ATC CNC routers. Because they can realize automatic tool changing at a high speed. But the multi-process CNC wood routers can only carry the same number of tools as the number of spindles. While the linear or disc tool magazine of the ATC CNC wood routers can hold 8 to 16 tools.
The multi-process CNC routers are widely used in the panel furniture industry. It can cut, drill, engrave and groove wooden boards of various sizes to make:
Cabinets, cabinet doors, doors, bookcases, shelves, cupboards, wardrobes, wine cabinets, office furniture, tables, chairs, desks, etc.
4 axis ATC CNC router for multi-dimensional processing
Except for the rotating spindle, the CNC wood routers can also equip a rotary device for engraving cylindrical objects. Both the rotating spindle and the rotary device enable the wood CNC router to engrave 3D complex parts. The 3D CNC wood routers have extensive uses in many industries. For example:
Wooden furniture: antique furniture, traditional Chinese style furniture, European style furniture with complex engraving patterns, door frames, cabinets, cupboards, wardrobes, night stands, benches, sofas, couches, tea boards, stools.
Decoration: building columns and pillars, stair railings, stair armrests, newels, handrails, 3D statues and sculptures, reliefs, openwork statues, Buddha statues, 3D screens, partitions.
Mold: wooden, foam and metal molds, car molds, construction molds, boat molds, part and component molds, plastic molds.
Musical instrument: 3D heads of various stringed musical instruments, guitar, bass, violin, viola, Erhu, scrolls.
Conclusion
As a numerically controlled machine, the emergence of CNC wood router has greatly improved work efficiency, improved product quality, and brought more benefits to the woodworking industry. According to different classification standards, the CNC engraving machine can be divided into multiple categories. Each type of wood CNC router has a wide range of applications. Even the most basic 3-axis woodworking machine can process a variety of materials, such as wood, stone, plastic, acrylic, rubber, crystal, aluminum, steel, etc.
When choosing a CNC wood carving machine, you should first figure out your processing requirement. And choose the configurations accordingly, such as CNC router table size, spindle type and power and determine whether ATC, or rotating axis, or loading and unloading platforms, etc. are required.
Choosing the right CNC wood router manufacturer is a very time-consuming but necessary link. A good CNC wood router manufacturer can not only offer high-quality woo CNC machines, but also provide a complete service system to eliminate all customers’ worries.