What Is a Wood Router?

A CNC wood router is simply a machine that you can use to cut patterns, designs, and grooves on several wood pieces . For example, if there is a broken piece of wood, you can trace the original piece’s outline by using a router and recreate it as much as you want.

CNC is short for computer numerical control, and this type of router is automatic and suitable for smart 2D and 3D cutting, routing, drilling, carving, milling, or grooving on woodworking projects such as:

• Wood sign making
• Wood door making
• Wood toys and gifts
• Wood arts and crafts
• Wood cabinets and other furniture
• Decorations etc.

Most CNC machine routers have the following components:

• CNC controller
• Machine frame
• Vacuum table & vacuum pump
• Spindles
• CNC operating system & software
• Driver, motor, guide rail, power supply, ball screw, etc.

Our pick among the best wood routers is nonetheless “Bobs CNC Evolution 3 CNC Router Kit” due to its reputation in the market. However, not every woodworking project is the same. As we go on to review the nine best CNC wood routers, you will come across several features and important factors that set all of them apart.

9 Best CNC Wood Routers

2040 ATC CNC Router with Press Roller

Considered as one of the top CNC machine routers, the 2040 ATC CNC Router with Press Roller is made for users with high efficiency and precision requirements.

It consists of a modern production method with an independent tool magazine that has various tool bits. It does not require you to stop while working as it has the option to change the required tools automatically.  

Even though it has a rapid tool change option, you have to keep it within 20 tools. If they exceed 20, it can cause the cutter head’s weight to increase, affecting the load capacity of the rail sliders and Z-axis screws.

Moreover, it also ensures machining accuracy and long-term use of the ATC CNC milling machine without affecting its accuracy.

Specifications

2000*4000*200mm working size

• Taiwan SYNTEC control system
• 11 kW delta inverter
• Japanese motor and driver
• 12 total tools
• Auto lubrication system
• Automatic tool sensor calibration
• A vacuum working table with two pressure rollers
• SHIMPO reducer

Reasons to Buy It

• It not only has an accurate cutting ability but also has a high bearing capacity.
• Manual participation is not required as tools can be changed automatically
• It has a fast processing speed and high efficiency along with a good starting performance
• Provides service for a long time and also has low noise
• It can compensate for tool length errors accurately

1325 CNC Wood Router

If you’re looking to buy a budget-friendly option, the 1325 CNC Wood Router is one you should definitely consider. It is not only one of the most affordable CNC machine routers but also has lower maintenance costs.

In terms of processing, it is a three-axis engraving machine. One of the reasons why this woodworking machine is considered an entry-level machine is because it does not require special training and is pretty simple to use.

Apart from the independent machine operation, its procurement cost is low, and the repair is also simple. Therefore, if you’re a new user, this one is ideal for both maintenance and operation.

Specifications

• Artcam software
• Automatic tool sensor
• Automatic oil mist cooling
• Manual lubrication system
• Fuling inverter
• Heavy-duty body
• Steel gantry
• Water cooling spindle
• Mach3 control system
• Soft limit switch

Reasons to Buy It

• It has a variety of applications as it can be used in several industries such as mold, craft, advertising, electronics, printing and packaging, construction, decoration, wood, etc.
• The cost performance is high, and you can meet the processing requirements without high training costs. Moreover, you can also use it as a CNC wood cutting machine.
• The processing materials are extensive, and they can meet the processing of many non-metal materials like PVC board, acrylic, wood board, two-color board, marble, density board, glass, and crystal, etc.
• The service life is longer as most of the machine’s core components have been imported, hence the great quality and after-sales service.

However, keep in mind that this CNC wood router is only a basic model, but if you need 3D workpieces, there’s also a 4-axis engraving machine.

Stone Machining Center for Toilet and Kitchen Industry

It is a stone processing center designed for processing many types of metals, stones, wood, crystal, jade, synthetic and man-made materials, etc. The primary functions of this CNC wood router include cutting, embossing, hollowing out, lettering, stitching, milling, surface treatment, etc. It is also used for garden engineering, carving handicrafts, grooming your home, and large-scale sculptures.

Specifications

• 3000*1500*500mm working area
• 5.5 kW water cooling spindle
• Filing inverter from Taiwan
• Shimpo reducer from Japan
• Automatic lubrication system
• Water circulation vacuum pump
• NC 60A control system
• OMRON limit switch
• Automatic tool sensor
• 1 kW servo motor and driver
• Heavy-duty T-structure

Reasons to Buy It

• Its cutting ability is amazing, and it has a high-power drive system.
• The operation is smooth, and the cutting point is precise and powerful
• The service life is extensive as it uses a protection plate and stainless steel sink to protect all the electrical and transmission components.
• It has an automatic leveling function that it uses to correct any uneven slopes of your stone surface.
• It has high stability and can bear a heavy load.
• It can process multiple functions such as polishing, cutting, engraving, and edging various materials.
• Its high degree of automation allows the machine to change tools automatically. As a result, your labor cost decreases, and production efficiency increases.
• The machine accuracy is high as the bed has thick steel pipes.
• Since a steel plate is used to make the working table, it is anti-rust.

Bobs CNC Evolution 3 CNC Router Kit

This CNC wood router has a great performance reputation in the market in terms of woodworking. It has a large footprint that proves effective in pulling off excellent carvings. The machine looks elegant and isn’t heavy, but above all, its durable design makes it easy to carve and cut wood easily.

It is a great choice for amateurs due to its ease of use. You can also connect it to your laptop as the router is compatible with several operating systems such as OSX, Windows, Linux, etc. Built using environmentally friendly wood, this router has a gantry and cutting head that operates on a famous rail system. Even in terms of price, it is a pretty affordable option.

Specifications

• Rail system supported by SG20U
• Self squaring gantry
• NEMA 17 Stepper Motors
• Repeatability of up to 0.004.”
• Can use GRBL firmware on the Arduino Uno
• On X and Y axis: GT2 belt drive
• On the Z-axis: Tr8 Acme Rod with an Acetal Nut
• Includes variable speed router
• The cutting area for X, Y, and Z is 18”, 16”, and 3.3”, respectively

Reasons to Buy It

• It has a user-friendly structure
• For wood carving and cutting tasks, it offers a great working capacity
• It supports several operating systems such as Linux, OSX, Raspberry Pi, and Windows.
• It is very easy to assemble the router.
• Since it has a laser-cut plywood frame, it’s ideal for new designs

The only drawback with this item is that you have to purchase the software separately.

Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit

Among some of the best CNC machine routers, this product has user-friendly features and is a good fit for beginners. It is very easy to use for creating exquisite patterns and wood carvings. Furthermore, it allows you to cut materials such as wood, plastic, PVC, soft aluminum, acrylics, etc. You have the option of controlling the router using the controller module it provides without even connecting to a computer. Additionally, it supports all versions of windows on your computer.

It also allows you to work without causing damage as it has high precision and efficiency. On purchasing this tool, you will also get the following items:

• 10 CNC router bits
• Extention rod
• An offline control module
• Four plate clamps

Specifications

• 400 x 330 x 240 mm frame size
• Aluminum frame material
• 24V/4A power supply
• Supports Mac OS, Linux, Windows XP, 7, 8 and 10
• 300 x 180 x 45 mm engraving area
• Component Material for Z-Axis: Nylon
• Maximum Power 120W
• 12 V spindle has 3000 RPM, 24V spindle has 7000 RPM, 36V spindle has 9000 RPM
• Grbl control software

Reasons to Buy It

• It can be controlled offline
• It can be used to engrave materials like wood, plastic, PVC, acrylic, etc.
• It gives you room to try new carvings.
• It is easy to operate for learners in different carving projects
• It also has a laser module kit to engrave different materials and get the design you need.

As per some users, there could be some elements of inaccuracy.

CNC Piranha FX

CNC Piranha FX is yet another amazing pick for woodworking projects, carvings, plaques, and much more. With this router, you also get a work table and a color touch screen. This CNC wood router allows you to work with plastics, wood, and soft metals. Moreover, it also costs less compared to other CNC machines. Due to its 3D carving ability, you can also cut out shapes and engravings of all types. One of the best features of this router is that it gives you excellent accuracy and is also easy to mount on your bench’s end. This way, you get more room for creativity. Through its VCarve Desktop V8 Design software, you can also come up with designs for woodworking projects.

Specifications

• 12” x 18” table dimensions
• Compatible with Windows 7 and above
• Has two hold-down clamps
• Has 1/4” V-Router bit
• Needs a porter cable (comes separately)
• XYZ dimensions are 12” x 13” x 3”
• Needs a Bosch Motor Mounting Bracket
• Needs a PC with a USB port
• Not compatible with MAC
• For customized clamping, there is an aluminum interlocking slotted table track.
• Includes VCarve Desktop Design Software
• Ships completely assembled

Reasons to Buy It

• It can be operated using a USB drive
• It has a good customer service
• A designing program is included in the package
• It comes with a color touch screen
• Beginners can use the device easily
• The package also includes a pendant and a controller

The only downside to this item is that it cannot be used with hard metals, and you may have to purchase the router separately.

VEVOR CNC Router 3020 3 Axis CNC Router Machine

If you’re someone who’s interested in engraving, this CNC wood router is everything you need to complement your skill. It can engrave soft materials like PVC, PCB, and wood. This device consists of 3 axes that are constructed by using trapezoidal screws together. In addition, the working area of this tool is created with aluminum plus. Aluminum plus is not only dust-proof but also easy to clean and lasts long.

The precision of this tool is yet another feature that makes it stand out. The motor facilitates precision up to 8000 r/ min. However, you have to use a desktop computer to control this router.

Specifications

• 300W power
• 500 x 390 x 390 mm shape dimension
• Frame materials include 6063 Industrial Aluminum and 6061 Aluminum, Alloy.
• Repeating accuracy up to 0.002.”
• 21.5kg machine weight
• 240 x 425 mm workpiece dimension
• Comes with a USB cable, disk, and a cutting tool

Reasons to Buy It

• It has the best features for engraving
• It has a fast and powerful motor
• The machines are driven by software for optimal control
• Its spindle motor generates up to 300 watts
• The control software it uses is Mach3

The only drawback of this product is that a software license has to be bought separately.

Next Wave Automation CNC Piranha XL

As a woodworker, the CNC Piranha XL has many features to offer compared to other routers. It is also more economical and comes with a touch screen controller. Even though it can work on every material, it gives the best results on wood, and you don’t have to attach your computer to it. Another impressive feature of this device is that you have all the flexibility to design a project, put it in a flash disk, and run it on the machine. Like many CNC machine routers, it is also very stable and easy to use.

Specifications

• Virtual Zero workpiece mapping software
• Vector art 3D software
• VCarve Desktop
• XYZ travel dimensions: 12 x 24 x 4 inches
• Software not compatible with MAC
• Only compatible with Windows 7 and above
• X & Y homing capability

Reasons to Buy It

• It comes assembled already
• It’s reasonable in terms of price and features
• It comes with a color touch screen
• It can work on several materials
• It can be operated with a USB drive
• As per some users, it is not very stable without clamping.

JFT 3040 3 Axis CNC Wood Router Stone Milling Machine

This is a Chinese CNC wood router that has industrial-grade features such as all-metal construction. Moreover, when you purchase this machine, you also get a water-cooled device that can handle long work effectively. It also comes with a motor and spindle that rotates at up to 24000 RPM.

It is one of the best CNC machine routers because of its massive construction and utilitarian appearance. Due to its 16mm ball screw and hard aluminum gantry, it can stand industrial usage. You would need to learn some things, but as soon as you get a hold of it, the machine is pretty quiet.

Specifications

• XYZ travel dimensions: 11.8 x 15.74 x 3.5 inches
• Comes with a USB port
• Certified for European use
• Water-cooled spindle
• Carved object thickness up to 120 mm
• 6061 aluminum alloy as rack material
• Compatible software: TYPE3/Mach3/CAD/CAM/ArtCAM
• Supports all versions of Windows

Reasons to Buy It

• It allows you to carve large objects as the Z-axis of this tool can travel up to 90mm.
• It is compatible with many operating systems
• It is stable and rigid
• It comes with a water-cooled operation

The only downside to the machine is that it’s heavy

What Factors to Look For in a CNC Wood Router

Now that there are many products for you to choose from, it is important to understand what factors matter the most when opting for a CNC router. To land the best possible products, here are some considerations you must make.

The Spindle

Your router’s spindle helps you figure out how much horse speed you need for your projects. It would be a mistake to buy something with a weak spindle as you may have to spend a huge amount on getting it replaced every now and then. Therefore, look for the right spindle options for your projects.

For instance, a soft spindle goes well with soft materials. Moreover, make sure that the cooling system of your spindle works well so you can extend the life of your device.

A water-cooling spindle is also very effective, and as the name suggests, it uses water for cooling purposes. However, for a system like that, you must have an installed water pump.

On the other hand, air cooling spindles prevent the spindle from heating up by blowing cold air in it. This system does not require any pumps.

The Price

One of the most important factors when looking for CNC machine routers is the price. We do not recommend choosing a package that costs high. We encourage doing your homework beforehand to stay in your financial comfort.

The Work Space

You must determine how big of a project you’re working on before purchasing a router. To work on bigger projects, you must choose a tool that gives you a larger working area.

What Type of Material the Router Can Handle

All routers are different also cut differently. While some are able to cut most materials, others are not. For example, heavy-duty routers can cut hard materials such as steel, while small products can only get through softer materials such as wood and plastic. We have mentioned the materials all routers work well with. Therefore, do not settle for a router before understanding what you need from it.

Spare Part Availability

Spare part availability for your CNC wood router is a crucial factor. Make sure that it is readily available so that replacement can be done easily.

In the end, there is no limit to the number of and variety of routers for woodworking. If you get the right CNC wood router, it will make your projects much more convenient. Therefore, always carry this review as your guide to choosing the best possible product for your woodworking needs.