How Many Types of CNC Router Tables?

The most common CNC router tables (by feet) include 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 4x4, 4x6, 4x8, 5x10, and 6x12 table kits. The types are also known as 16x16, 16x24, 24x24, 24x36, 24x48, 48x48, 48x96, 60x120, 80x120, 80x160 in inches. Someone may call the table tops 4040, 6040, 6060, 6090, 1212, 1218, 1224, 1325, 1530, 2030, 2040 based on millimeters (mm). 

DIY Table Building Plans 

How Does A CNC Router Machine Work? - Working Principle 

An automatic CNC router machine needs at least three axes to complete the routing works instead of the handheld router, which are called X, Y and Z axis. The X-axis is horizontal, the Y-axis vertical, and the Z-axis refers vertical to the other two axis. A computer controller reads G-code or other machine language instructions and drives a tool for motion control. The spindle holds the tool, moves along X, Y and Z axis, following the tool path generated by the CNC software. In the 3 axis CNC machine, the tool is always vertical, and undercuts are not possible. In addition, the 3 axis kit can be equipped with a rotary axis (4th axis) around the X, Y and Z axis, which is known as a CNC lathe router machine. It is mainly used for cylinder carving & cutting projects and some 3D projects. A real 4 axis CNC machine has one additional axis, which refers to X-Y-Z-A, X-Y-Z-B, X-Y-Z-C. Four axis are linked, which can work at the same time. 5 axis CNC machine has two additional axis, which refers to X-Y-Z-A-B, X-Y-Z-A-C, X-Y-Z-B-C. The machine moves a tool on five different axis at the same time. The spindle can be rotated left and right by 180 degrees around. These additional axis allow for shorter project time due to their capability of carving five edges of the material simultaneously. The position is determined by a computer. The computer will tell the motors how much to move in each direction. Any location within the work area can be defined by using the method of positioning. The machine can be moved within that space, and the machine is connected to a computer, the computer will tell it where to move. First, the operator should do the tool path creation, the operator uses CAD (Computer-Aided Design) & CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software to draw the shapes and create the tool path that the machine will follow. So, when you have plans in your mind, what kind of table sizes should be chosen? Which all depends on your requirements and budgets. 

What Are CNC Router Machines Used For? - Applications 

CNC routers have a wide range of applications for woodworking, sign making, furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, custom millwork, channel letters, model making, joinery, orthotic manufacturing, point-of-purchase (pop), jewelry manufacturing, CAD/CAM instructional, prosthetic manufacturing, educational, solid surface production, prototyping, radius mouldings, aerospace, foam packaging, countertop production, plastic packaging equipment manufacturers, mannequin production, metal working, musical instrument manufacturers, packaging, store fixtures, boat building, extrusions cutting boards, PCB fabricators, safety enclosures, conveyor manufacturers, engraving, pool cues, magnetic, gun stock manufacturers, knife template manufacturing, fan blade manufacturers, pistol grip manufacturers, korbal manufacturers, kneuls manufacturing, artistic carvings, name tags, MDF doors, puzzles. They are widely applied in industrial manufacturing, small business, small shop, home business, home shop, school education, hobbyists, and SMBs. 

What Materials Can Be Cut With CNC Router Kits? - Practical Guide 

CNC router machine is a fully automatic computer numerical controlled machine kit for routing in a wide variety of materials, like woods, foams, plastics, stones and soft metals: 

Solid Wood & Hard Wood: Redwood, cherry, cottonwood, ash, oak, pine, birch, mahogany, poplar, beech, hard maple, walnut, teak, purple heart, tigerwood, hickory, leopardwood, cocobolo, bloodwood, aspen, basswood, alder, yellow birch, red elm, beech, cypress, gum, hackberry, pacific coast maple, pecan, red oak, bolivian rosewood, sycamore, sassafras, white oak, hondura mahogany, black walnut, spanish cedar, african padauk, willow, wenge. 

Soft Wood: Soft maple, pine, fir, hemlock, cedar, spruce, redwood. 

Composite Wood: MDF, OSB, LDF, plywood, masonite, particle board, melamine. 

Plastic: ABS, PVC, PET, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, cast and extruded acrylic, uhmw, phenolic, luan, vhmw, hdpe, mica, acetate, sintra, lucite, marine PVC, nylon, lexan, wood plastic, solid surface materials. 

Stone: Tombstone, granite, natural marble, milestone, jade, artificial stone, bluestone, sandstone, ceramic tile. 

Metal: Copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, honeycomb aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel. 

Foam: Sign foam, polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, EVA, styramfoam, urethane, precision board, foam rubber, silicone rubber. 

Other Materials: PCB, ren board, fiberglass, vinyl coated panels, machinable wax, mat board, butter board, gypsum, magnetic rubber mats, composites, leather, wood veneers, mother-of-pearl, delrin, rubber, modeling clay. 

How Much Does A CNC Router Cost? - Pricing Guide 

Different table sizes, features, durability, performance, and quality will lead to different costs, including the assembly parts and optional accessories: A CNC router is built with machine bed frame, X, Y table (T-slot table or vacuum table), spindle, gantry, ball screw, guide rail, vacuum pump, driver, motor, CNC controller, operating system, software, collet, rotary 4th axis, limit switch, power supply, rack and pinion. CNC machines from different manufacturers and brands have different customer service and support, which will lead to different costs. Machines from different countries have different tax rates, different customs, different shipping costs. All of these factors will result in the final price. All depends on your specific needs, CNC routers vary in cost. DIY CNC router kits start around $1,800. Most entry level CNC routers for hobbyist are priced from $2,380 to $5,080, while some can be as expensive as $6,780. The higher-end types, such as professional CNC routers for enthusiast are priced anywhere from $3,280 to $18,000, depending on the machine's capabilities. Lastly, enterprise and industrial CNC router machines are pricey to own and operate for commercial use, and can cost anywhere from $16,000 to $150,000. Pick Up Your Budget