What is a CNC Router?
Have you heard the term CNC router? What about CNC machine? Have you seen others in the woodworking realm using them and wondered exactly what a CNC router is? Well then, our search is over! This article is going to quickly get you up to speed on the concept, terminology, and applications of the newest trend in the hobby realm, the CNC router!
What Does CNC Stand For?
The letters CNC are an acronym for the term Computer Numerical Control. In short, this means the automated control of a device by a computer. The device or tool being controlled by the computer can be a variety of things such as drills, routers, cutters, 3D printers, and even simple objects such as pens for artwork!
How Do CNC Machines Work?
CNC machines work by receiving instructions from a computer, via controller software, for specific actions to take and then performing them. These actions are usually directional movements along mathematical axes X (left & right), Y (forward & back), Z (up & down). There are other axes of control with special CNC machines, but these are rarely used in the woodworking world.
What is a CNC Router?
A CNC Router is commonly a three-axis (X, Y, Z) CNC machine coupled with a wood trim router or spindle motor with a cutting bit inserted to remove material. For woodworking, a CNC router is used to cut or carve away wood from a piece of stock to reveal the final project. This form of manufacturing is known as subtractive machining because material is taken away to produce the item.
What Can You Make With A CNC Router?
The range of what can be made from a CNC is a wide as you can dream up! From wood signs, custom metal parts, and 3D carvings of objects, the sky is the limit with a CNC! CNC routers machines are used to cut, engrave, and mill a wide variety of materials. They easily handle all plastics, wood and most soft metals.
What Are Some Popular Woodworking CNC Machines?
Woodworking CNC machines have grown exponentially in the last few years as the market explodes with interest and new technologies. There are many companies offering CNC routers marketed towards DIYers, Hobbyists, Woodworkers, and Makers. Two companies dominate the US market in 2020 and are the top of the list for most customers: Carbide 3D’s Shapeoko and Inventables’ X-Carve.
Top CNC Routers in 2020 for Woodworkers
Carbide 3D
Shapeoko 3 & Shapeoko Pro
Based in the USA, Carbide 3D offers the best bang for your buck and has a great community backing as well as outstanding customer support.
Inventables
X-Carve & X-Carve Pro
Based in the USA, Inventables has been a long standing name associated with woodworkers and makers and CNC router machines. They have a large presence on YouTube via partnerships and offer great CNC machines at a variety of price points.
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