The Best CNC Router Buying Guide in 2025

The woodworking industry has been revolutionized by the advent of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) routers. These machines allow for precise, automated cutting, carving, and shaping of wood, making them indispensable tools for hobbyists, small businesses, and large-scale manufacturers alike. Whether you’re crafting intricate designs, producing custom furniture, or creating signage, a wood CNC router can take your projects to the next level.

This is a comprehensive article explaining CNC routers, covering what a CNC router is, what a CNC router can do for me, what CNC router kits are, and the CNC router types and prices. By reading this article, you can better choose the right CNC router machine for yourself.

CNC Router Buying Guide

What is a Wood CNC Router?

A wood CNC router is a computer-controlled machine designed to cut, carve, engrave, and shape wood with incredible precision. Unlike traditional woodworking tools, CNC routers follow pre-programmed designs created using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. This eliminates the need for manual operation and ensures consistent, high-quality results.

CNC router machine can perform different tasks like milling, drilling, sawing, planing, engraving etc. in wood workshop machines. Doing the same amount of work with simple hand or power tools consumes a lot of time and labor costs, and the whole process is laborious and tedious.
CNC router is controlled by computer numerical control, which can provide stable and excellent work and increase workshop productivity. Its advantages include automation, precision, repeatability, and reduced waste and errors. The repeatability feature allows you to make 100 identical parts and each part is guaranteed to be exactly the same as the first.

Rotary Axis CNC Router

The rotary axis CNC router machine is based on the ordinary 3-axis engraving machine, and adds a fourth axis, that is, the rotary axis. The fourth axis is a machine tool accessory that holds the workpiece on the chuck or between the two centers to rotate and position it. Due to the rotational motion of the fourth rotation axis, the CNC engraving machine can realize 3D machining of cylindrical surfaces and arc surfaces. In terms of use, it can machine planes, reliefs and cylinders.

The rotary axis CNC router machine has certain limitations when processing 3D projects. It can only do some regular, symmetrical cylindrical carving projects. Suitable for processing table legs, chair legs, Roman columns and other products.

4 Axis CNC Router

The 4-axis CNC router can make all four axes of X, Y, Z and A work simultaneously. Accordingly, it is capable of sculpting various 3D items of regular, irregular, symmetrical and asymmetrical. A true 4-axis CNC engraving machine gives you more flexibility, it can engrave or mill cylindrical blanks at any angle from 0 degrees to 180 degrees.

The 4-axis CNC woodworking engraving machine can realize the processing of three-dimensional workpieces such as Buddha statues, Roman columns, and models. If you have the processing needs of 3D workpieces, complex workpieces, and special-shaped workpieces, this 4-axis CNC router machine can meet your diverse processing needs.

Industrial ATC CNC Router Machine

If your business focuses on mass production of woodworking projects, then choosing an ATC CNC router will better improve the efficiency of the workshop. The G8 1325C ATC CNC router has an automatic tool changer, which is loaded with 8 different tools. It can be controlled by a computer program to automatically change the required tools without stopping during the machining process. Therefore, different processing requirements such as cutting, hollowing, grooving, punching, etc. can be completed at one time, which greatly improves the processing quality and production efficiency.
And each ATC CNC router machine of IGOLDEN factory is equipped with a double-bag dust collector, which can suck the sawdust waste into the dust bag during the process of cutting wood by the machine, reducing environmental pollution. Of course, the ATC CNC router price is also more expensive, and the cost is about 10,000-20,000 US dollars. But for larger businesses, it can pay for your machine faster and create greater benefits.

3-Axis Woodworking CNC Router Machine

If you are a furniture maker, then it is recommended that you buy a large woodworking CNC router machine. G8 1325 (4×8ft) or 1530 (5×10ft) models can meet your needs. They can engrave, cut, drill, and mill wood. The rear of the machine tool is equipped with a feeding auxiliary wheel, which is convenient for feeding when processing large-sized plates and reduces the labor intensity of the staff.
This standard CNC wood router can run for a long time, produce high-quality products, and cost only about 4500-6500 US dollars, which is a good choice for small woodworking enterprises.

 CNC Router for hobbyist and beginner woodworking

If you are just getting into the woodworking CNC industry, you can buy a cheap desktop CNC router engraving machine. IGOLDENCNC has three types to choose from, namely 6090, 6012 and 1212.

The size of these three CNC machine tools is 600×900mm, 600×1200mm, 1200×1200mm, and the machines of this size are suitable for processing advertising signs, handicrafts, children’s toys, models and other small wood products.

Small CNC machines for woodworking are compact and versatile tools that utilize computer-controlled movements to cut, carve, and shape wood materials. These machines are equipped with cutting tools, such as routers or lasers, that follow digital designs created using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Small CNC machines offer a range of capabilities, allowing woodworkers to create intricate designs, precise cuts, and complex shapes with ease.

A small  CNC router is specially designed for small-sized woodworking. Standard worktable sizes include 2’x3’, 2’x4’, and 4’x4’. Its excellent processing precision enables it to be good at cutting and carving wood, acrylic, and plastic advertising signs, letters, logos, double-colored boards, and also guitar, Erhu, or other string instruments. Based on your needs, you can add a rotating spindle, ATC, or other higher configurations.

These CNC router machines meet your engraving and cutting needs at a very cheap price, around $2500-3500.

Wood CNC Router Used For

1. Woodworking and Cabinetry: CNC routers are widely used in woodworking and cabinetmaking for cutting and shaping wood components such as cabinet doors, panels, and intricate wooden details.
2. Furniture Manufacturing: In the furniture industry, CNC routers are employed to cut and carve components for various furniture pieces. They can create complex shapes, decorative patterns, and precise joints.
3. Sign Making: CNC routers are popular in the sign-making industry for precisely cutting letters, logos, and other elements from wood. They can achieve intricate details that may be challenging with traditional methods.
4. Art and Crafts: Artists and craftsmen use CNC routers to create detailed sculptures, relief carvings, and artistic designs on wooden surfaces. The precision of the router allows for intricate and repeatable patterns.
5. Prototype and Model Making: CNC routers are valuable in the prototyping and model-making process. They can quickly and accurately produce prototypes of wooden parts and components for various applications.
6. Custom Woodworking: Whether it’s personalized gifts, custom decorations, or unique wooden products, a CNC router allows for the efficient and precise creation of custom woodworking projects.
7. Door and Window Manufacturing: CNC routers are used in the production of doors and windows, enabling the precise cutting and shaping of components for frames, panels, and decorative elements.
8. Educational Purposes: CNC routers are often used in educational settings to teach students about computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) processes. They provide hands-on experience in modern manufacturing techniques.
9. Relief Carving and Sculpting: CNC routers excel at relief carving, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional designs on wooden surfaces. This is particularly useful in creating intricate patterns and textures.
10. Repetitive Tasks: CNC routers are efficient for tasks that require precision and repetition, as they can reproduce identical pieces with high accuracy, reducing the likelihood of errors.

What can you do with a CNC Router

Furniture industry

The furniture industry is one of the most widely used fields of woodworking CNC router machines. The CNC router can perfectly combine furniture design and furniture manufacturing by carving, cutting and hollowing out patterns on wooden boards, making it possible to customize furniture. The common wooden doors, cabinets, wardrobes, coffee tables, dining tables, sofas, screens, etc. in our lives are inseparable from the presence of woodworking CNC engraving machines.

Advertising industry

The application of CNC router machine in the advertising industry is mainly reflected in the engraving and cutting of two-color board, acrylic, PVC board, wood, MDF and other materials. CNC cutting machine can be used to make badges, crystal words, seals, trophies, handicrafts, signs, advertising words, advertising light boxes, etc.

Mold industry

The CNC router machine in the mold industry mainly embodies the carving of various wood and foam, such as ship model, car model, airplane model, etc. In addition, the metal CNC router can also be used for mold manufacturing of hardware, watches, glasses accessories, etc.

Stone carving industry

The stone CNC router machine replaces manual engraving, which greatly reduces labor costs and improves production efficiency. It can realize various processes such as lettering, hollowing out, carving, embossing and so on. The materials that can be processed are marble, granite, bluestone steles, etc.

As with other CNC machines, CNC routers stand out for their precise and efficient machining. In any case, CNC engraving machines are widely recognized for use in the field of manufacturing.

Benefits of Using a Wood CNC Router

1. Precision and Accuracy

• CNC routers can produce intricate designs and detailed cuts with a level of precision that is difficult to achieve manually.

2. Efficiency

• Automates the cutting process, significantly reducing production time and labor costs.

3. Versatility

• Suitable for a wide range of woodworking tasks, including cutting, engraving, drilling, and shaping.

4. Consistency

• Ensures uniform results across multiple pieces, making it ideal for mass production.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

• While the initial investment may be high, the long-term savings in labor and material waste make it a worthwhile purchase.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Wood CNC Router

1. Cutting Area

• The size of the cutting area determines the maximum size of the material you can work with.
• Small Projects: Look for a cutting area of around 12″ x 12″.
• Large Projects: Opt for cutting areas of 24″ x 48″ or larger.

2. Spindle Power

• The spindle is the motor that drives the cutting tool.
• Low Power (1-2 HP): Suitable for softwoods and light-duty tasks.
• High Power (3+ HP): Ideal for hardwoods and heavy-duty projects.

3. Material Compatibility

• Ensure the router can handle the types of wood you plan to use, as well as other materials like plastics or composites if needed.

4. Software Compatibility

• Look for machines compatible with popular CAD/CAM software like Fusion 360, VCarve, or Aspire.
• Some routers come with proprietary software, which may have limitations.

5. Frame and Build Quality

• A sturdy frame made of aluminum or steel ensures durability and reduces vibrations for precise cuts.

6. Speed and Accuracy

• Check the machine’s feed rate (speed at which it moves) and resolution (accuracy of cuts).
• Higher-end models offer faster speeds and greater precision.

7. Ease of Use

• Features like touchscreen controls, pre-set programs, and user-friendly software make the machine easier to operate.