CNC router machines are an amazing piece of technology with the ability to create some outstanding products. With so many router machines available on the market, it can be rather challenging to find the one that best suits your needs, especially if you’ve never invested in one before. If your primary purpose for a CNC router machine will be woodworking, then you’ll want to invest in a high-quality CNC wood router machine.
What Makes a CNC Wood Router Machine Different from Others?
For those looking to purchase their own CNC wood router machine, you’ll want to make sure you take adequate time to familiarize yourself with this particular machinery. The good news, while there are different types of CNC router machines available, most are general purpose CNC routers that can handle multiple materials, including:
- Wood
- Plastics
- Metal
- Foam
What makes a CNC router for woodworking different from other CNC routers is the features that come with the machine such as spindles, drilling heads, vacuum hold down systems and table sizes.
What You Need to Know About Your CNC Wood Router Machine
When purchasing a new CNC router for woodworking, you must take the time to understand the most important aspects of your new machine. Now, each one will vary. However, there are several key things you’ll want to consider, including the machines:
- Available machine features
- Table size
- Electrical requirements
- Drive systems/components
- Hold-down Systems
- Software requirements
Now, when it comes to woodworking, it’s important to determine what your primary applications will be since there are a wide variety of options available when it comes to each of the key components mentioned above.
Will you be:
- Building furniture?
- Building cabinetry?
- Creating signs?
- Engraving?
Each of these applications will require investing in certain types of tools or will require various features to complete your projects.
With that in mind, you’ll want to start researching your options for:
Software
Now, to run your new CNC wood router, you are going to want to check out your available options for software. While your machine may come preloaded with the necessary software to run it, others may find themselves having to invest in software that is very specific to their application.
To turn your design from concept to physical creation, you need to be able to design the piece on your design software, then transfer it into a language that your CNC machine understands. This language is referred to as G-Code, which tells your machine how to move, at what speeds, etc.
Now, CNC wood routers typically come with three types of software, including:
- CAD
- CAM
- CNC controller software
However, most design software offer both CAD and CAM capabilities. The most common are
- Vectric
- Mozaik
- KCD
For those who have purchased a CNC wood router through CAMaster, you’ll be happy to know that many of our products come preloaded with WinCNC control software and Vectric CAD/CAM software (unless otherwise stated). We also have several recommendations for those looking for alternative software suggestions.
Machine Capabilities
Finally, you’ll want to make sure you are paying particular attention to your machine’s capabilities, and by that, we mean the necessary power required to run your machine as well as making yourself aware of any safety features.
Depending on the size of your particular unit, you’ll want to make sure you are supplying it with adequate power. Machines that are larger in stature and capable of higher outputs will require not only more space to run safely but also adequate power.
For example, the CAMaster Panther series requirements are different compared to those of our Stinger machines:
Tools/Features Required to Get Started
The tools and features that are required to get you started will typically come with your newly purchased CNC wood router and will consist of:
- ATC Spindles
- Locating pins
- Vacuum Systems
- Phenolic table top
- Drill Banks
- X3 Multi Tool System
CNC Wood Router Machines from CAMaster
When it comes to exploring the world of CNC wood router machines, there is a lot to take in. That’s why you must take the necessary time to do your research and ask all your questions. That way, you’ll not only be able to make an informed decision, but you’ll be ready to get started as soon as your new machine comes in.
Have questions or need guidance on what CNC wood router machine may suit your needs? Then contact our team today!