What is a CNC router?

A CNC (computer numerical control) router is a computer-controlled routing machine. Routing is a shaping process that produces finished edges and shapes. It is a high speed process of cutting, trimming and shaping of materials.

Parts of the CNC router

The CNC router is made up of four components namely the cutting bed, the drive system, the controller and the spindle. The equipment mounts a hand-held router as a spindle and it is the spindle that does all the cutting. The role of the cutting bed is to support the material while it is being cut. The drive system is an arm connected to the spindle, enabling the latter to move in three directions.

CNC routers come in various sizes and configurations ranging from the small-sized, desk top ones suitable for solo woodworking shops to large industrial routers employed in boat making and the aerospace industry. The large routers may have accessories such as vacuum pumps and t-slot hold down fixtures to hold parts in place for cutting. CNC routers are now made of aluminium extrusion which gives more size options and enables them to be shipped almost anywhere unassembled.

How CNC routers work

The controller dictates the direction in which the arm is to move the spindle and how far to cut. This is achieved by using software which can either be installed on a separate computer connected to the machine or embedded on the device. Unlike the ordinary hand-held routers which are difficult to use, even for experienced woodworkers, the CNC routers now have computer control incorporated into it them. Instead of routing by hand, tool paths are controlled by computer so that tasks which many woodworkers perform can be carried out with greater efficiency.

Uses of CNC routers

CNC routers are great for cutting out complex shapes in a range of materials including wood. Parts of a project can be designed with a CAD/CAM program in a computer and then cut automatically using a router. The drive system allows the spindle to move and cut in three directions so that the machine can carve complex shapes faster and more accurately. They can easily cut our rabbets, edges and dadoes. They can facilitate part repeatability as well as one-off designs. Items such as signboards, interior and exterior decorations, wooden frames, door carvings, furniture and musical instruments can easily be produced with a CNC router. They are also suitable for hobbyists, product developers and for the production of art works.

Final thoughts

The CNC router is easy and intuitive to use, which makes them popular in very many workshops of various sizes. Even the most complex of the machines require little training by the operator. They can carve complex shapes accurately and they can speed up production when this is necessary. If you don’t have a CNC router in your workshop, you should consider investing in one as soon as you can afford to do so.