CNC (computer numerical control) routers are a great way to cut and engrave a wide range of materials. They’re also incredibly efficient, producing multiple identical parts without error and with little maintenance.
CNC wood routers are primarily characterized by their high-power cutting motor and ability to process a broad variety of materials. They can be used to engrave, cut and drill a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, acrylic, copper and aluminum.
Engraving
Using cnc routers for woodworking allows you to engrave a variety of materials. They can cut through softer, wood-based materials like plywood and MDF, while also cutting thicker, harder, non-ferrous metals.
Several types of CNC routers can do this. They range from entry-level desktop routers to high-performance machines for professional use, such as the Taishi 3 AXIS 6040 CNC.
For a router to engrave material, it must have an appropriate toolpath program (often called a “tool path”) and be able to accommodate the bit or cutter. This requires a certain amount of vertical travel, typically 3-1/4″ or more, depending on the machine’s Z-axis capacity.
Some machines can add a rotary device, or sprue, along the X or Y axis, which can do this, too. This enables you to engrave cylindrical or three-dimensional workpieces, which is important for applications in stone, woodworking, advertising, and metal.
Cutting
CNC routers are computers that automatically control a spindle that holds a cutting tool. They can cut a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastic, glass, and metal.
These machines can also be used to engrave and drill. They are ideal for creating one-of-a-kind pieces of woodwork.
Typically, you design your project on a computer and save the file to a flash drive. Then you plug the flash drive into a fob attached to the CNC’s controller (photo, above).
In most cases, a benchtop CNC can cut in two axes: x and y. Some models can also add a fourth axis: rotation, like you’d find on a lathe.
These machines are easy to operate, and provide an excellent way to produce custom pieces. They increase production capacity and efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve consistent results. They’re also safe to use if the proper training is done.
Drilling
CNC routers are versatile machines capable of cutting a variety of materials including wood, plastic and metal. They use a computer program to control the spindle that holds the cutting tool.
Drilling using a CNC router is often done on large workpieces, such as 4 X 8 sheets or long stair stringers. These machines typically employ a traveling gantry arrangement that permits full access to the workpiece.
When drilling with a CNC router, it is important to choose the right drill bit for your needs. You will also want to consider the chipload and speed rate for the bit you select.
There are a lot of different types of routing bits available, and they all influence how your cut will look when finished. Some of these include straight bits, rabbeting bits, chamfer bits, beading bits and molding bits.
Milling
CNC routers are highly versatile machines that can be used to cut a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and composites. They are commonly used to produce wood panels, sign boards, wooden frames, moldings, and furniture.
A CNC router uses a series of servo motors to move the tools around in precise sets of coordinates, cutting material at various locations throughout the available working area. The servo motors get their position information from the control-circuit board which converts user-supplied G-code into precise sets of coordinates for material removal, ultimately resulting in a finished part.
CNC routers typically have a large flat bed for the workpiece and a spindle that rides on a gantry (two rails at 90 degrees to one another) over the workpiece. The gantry supports a rack and pinion structure for the long axis (Y-axis) and linear guides for the shorter axis (X-axis). Vertical travel is handled with ball screws.