The Best CNC Router, According to Hundreds of Customer Reviews
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Computers have allowed for more precision in manufacturing than was ever possible with the human hand. Recently, computer numerical control (CNC) has been added to many common tools, allowing them to accept digital plans and autonomously perform work on a stock piece of material. One example of such an upgrade is the CNC router, a highly popular machine that comes in many shapes, sizes, and specification ratings. This article will help buyers interested in a CNC router source the best tool for the job by exploring the best CNC routers as found on Thomasnet.com.
What is a CNC Router?
A CNC router is a computer-driven cutting machine — they are like a handheld router but with added CAD-guided capabilities. Just as CNC milling machinery works, CNC routers cut, engrave, and carve objects out of a workpiece based on a program defined by the user. The router is (generally) composed of a dedicated CNC controller module, one or more spindle motors, directional servo/stepper motors, servo amplifiers, AC inverter frequency drives, linear guides, ball screws, and a bed/workspace.
Before operation, the user must either manually code the toolpath of the CNC router or provide CAD blueprints in the form of G-code (or in other machine-specific formats). After the plans are uploaded, material is placed onto the workspace and the user chooses their desired machine tool, speed, cut depth, and tool path. Once ready, the user starts the machine and monitors it as it cuts the design, ensuring that it is correctly converting parts plans into real-world pieces.
Manufacturing errors and finish time are both significantly reduced with CNC routers, making them a general upgrade from handheld routers in most respects. CNC routers are compatible with steel, wood, aluminum, plastic, foam, composites, and other general materials. Old CNC routers can be quite large and powerful; however, the focus on workbench manufacturing has brought desktop-sized CNC routers to the market that are ideal for home use. These desktop models are plug-and-play and highly popular as rapid prototyping or low-volume production tools. Other CNC router models come with preinstalled beds that are typically equipped with anti-movement technology such as vacuum tables which secure the piece airtight to the base. Most CNC routers come in 3-axis and 5-axis configurations and are between 4’ x 8' and 5’ x 10’+ in bed size.
CNC Router Considerations
When considering a CNC router for the first time, use the set of questions below to help narrow your search based on your specific needs. While not exhaustive, this set of questions will quickly eliminate any routers unsuitable for your project right from the start:
- What is the capacity of the router (bed size), and how often will it be used (commercial, hobby, industrial)?
- What material(s) will be cut, how tight must tolerances be, and what is the needed power/speed of the router bit (rated RPMs, rapid speed, cutting speed, servo vs. stepper motor, etc.)
- What are the power requirements for the CNC router (rated wattage), what type of drive system is used (rack and pinion, lead screw, ball screw), and will the tool need a cooling system?
- What are the physical size and weight requirements of the router and how often does it require maintenance?
- How loud can the CNC router be, what safety features are included, what software comes pre-installed, and what interfaces with the router (monitor/AIO, ethernet/WiFi/Bluetooth, USB, etc.) are needed?
Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best CNC Routers on Thomasnet.com 2023
Below are the 10 best CNC routers found on the Thomas Platform, specified for an array of uses.
MTR Series 3 Axis CNC Machine Routers | Buy Now
Python XPR CNC Router & Machine Center | Buy Now
The ANDIMAXX Series Moving Table 3-Axis CNC Routers | Buy Now
Cobra Elite CNC Router Series | Buy Now
Freedom 5 x 12 CNC Router by SCM Group North America | Buy Now
ez Router | Buy Now
B1 Series CNC Routers | Buy Now
Haas GR Series Gantry Routers | Buy Now
Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best CNC Routers, according to many happy buyers.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on retailers’ websites as of March 2023
1. MTR Series 3 Axis CNC Machine Routers
Image credit: CabinetShop MTR 3 Axis CNC Router (thermwood.com)
The MTR 3-Axis CNC Machine Router Series by Thermwood Corp. is built to machine cabinet boxes, custom furniture, and supporting products. Their spindle speeds range from 3000 to 24000 RPM with rapid speeds of 1200-2800 in/min. The three-dimensional, laser-compensated axis alignment ensures perfect cuts, and the MTR Series is also built with Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives that follow CAD plans with little to no deviations. They are offered with single or dual-in-line tables for the nested base, composite, or plastic sheet material, and are available in table sizes of 5’ x 10’, 5’ x 12’, 7’ x 12’, or 7’ x 20’.
View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Thermwood Corp.’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, Thermwood Corp.
2. Python XPR CNC Router & Machine Center
Image credit: Product - CNC Factory
The Python XPR CNC Router & Machine Center is a driverless, mobile control center with a dual-layer high-volume table with automatic controls. Offered in 4’ x 8’, 4’ x 10’, 5’ x 10’, and 5’ x 12’ sizes, the Python XPR runs on 208-240 V @ 30A with either three-phase or single-phase options. These CNC routers run at 1900 in/min with a rapid speed of 2500 in/min, and their spindles are powered by 12 HP HSD ATC Air-Cooled spindle assemblies.
These routers are operated via a 21-inch touchscreen console with ethernet, WiFi, and USB connectivity, and allow users remote access via HD digital cameras. Upgrades to the base unit include optional 9-position drill blocks, 4-port marking blocks, Deluche Vision marking tools, vacuum pumps, misters, custom gantry height adjustment, robotic labeling, and more.
View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on CNC Factory’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, CNC Factory
3. The ANDIMAXX Series Moving Table 3-Axis CNC Routers
Image credit: Andimaxx RHD - Anderson America
The ANDIMAXX Series Moving Table 3-Axis CNC Routers by Anderson American Corp. are designed for heavy-duty CNC cutting with high accuracy. Offered in 18 HP, 24 HP, or variable frequency, the ANDIMAXX Series has a max router speed of up to 24,000 RPM and can be either air-cooled or water-cooled, depending upon the design. These routers come in sizes ranging from 5 ’x 8’, 5’ x 10’, 5’ x 12’, 6’ x 8’, 6’ x 10’, or 6’ x 12’ and are built out of a highly rigid steel weldment base. Optional vacuum pumps for table vacuum zones are rated 10 HP, 25 HP, 40 HP, or 50 HP depending upon need.
View all the details on Andimaxx America Corp.’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, Andimaxx America Corp.
4. Cobra Elite CNC Router Series
Image credit: Cobra Elite Series | CNC Cobra Machine | CAMaster
CAMaster’s Cobra Elite CNC Router Series comes available in 5’ x 5’, 4’ x 8’, 5’ x 10’, 5’ x 12’, and 6’ x 12’ sizes. Built for both high production and flexibility, these CNC routers have rapid speeds of 2500 in/min and cutting speeds of 1,500 in/min using a 12-16 HP HSD spindle with repeatability values +/- 0.001”. A brushless digital AC servo drive system combined with high precision planetary gearboxes makes the Cobra Elite Series highly accurate. Their frames, gantry, and gantry supports are all built out of heavy steel weldments, and the Cobra Series comes custom-built with touchscreen monitor stands with on/off, cycle start/stop, E-Stop, and USB capabilities.
View all the details on CAMaster’s website.
Buy Now: From US$39,495, CAMaster
5. Freedom 5 x 12 CNC Router by SCM Group North America
Image credit: Freedom 5 x12 cnc router (scmgroup.com)
The Freedom 5’ x 12’ CNC router manufactured by Diversified Machine Systems and offered by SCM Group is a phenolic worktable with four distinct vacuum zones. The Freedom can change between tool options in less than 10 seconds and is controlled by an X/Y/X FAGOR-controlled AC servo motor system and X/Y rack and pinion drive systems.
The Freedom comes preinstalled with a pneumatic up/down dust extraction hood and has a FAGOR 8070 PLC mobile control console touchscreen with Windows, network, and USB connectivity options. Its 10 HP Hiteco Electrospindle can cut accurate and repeatable lines through a variety of materials, operating at a movement speed of up to 2120 in/min.
View all the details on SCM Group North America’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, SCM Group North America
6. ez Router
Image credit: ezRouter (lonestarcuttingsolutions.com)
With a design virtually unchanged since its onset in the 2000s, the ez Router by EZ Router is solidly built and ready for any application. Constructed 100% out of welded steel, the ez Router has a positional accuracy of +/- 0.007”, repeatability of +/- 0.002”, and has cutting speeds of 500+ in/min.
The effective cutting size of the ez Router ranges from 4’ x 4’ to 6’ x 8’ with a gantry height of 6”, and each stepper motor is NEMA 32 rated. The ez Router is available in 3-15 HP and comes with a belt reduction system to ensure precise cutting resolution with high speeds.
View all the details on Lone Star Cutting Solution’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, Lone Star Cutting Solution
7. B1 Series CNC Routers
Image credit: Affordable CNC Router | Signmaking | 4x4 CNC Router | 2x3 CNC router (cancam.ca)
The B1 Series Light Duty CNC Routers by CanCam are perfect entry-level routers for small budgets and small spaces. Built for hobby, home, and industrial uses, the B1 Series can cut wood, plastic, acrylics, non-ferrous metals, and foam. Their bed sizes range from 2’ x 3’ to 4’ x 4’ and are plug-and-play in operation. All four options come with a 3HP spindle assembly with speeds up to 24000 RPMs and can be custom ordered for specific features and applications in mind.
Their positional accuracy is +/- 0.2 mm and they have 3.5 kW power requirements (220 V single phase @ 16 A). Their largest model (B1-44 ATC) automatically switches between up to six tools mid-run, while their smallest model (B1-23 M) minimizes price and maximizes small form-factor CNC capabilities.
View all the details on CanCam’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, CanCam
8. Haas GR Series Gantry Routers
Image credit: GR-510 | 40-Taper Mill | Large-Platform CNC Routers | Vertical Mills – Haas CNC Machines
Haas Automation’s GR Series gantry CNC routers are fitted with 8100 RPM 15 HP spindles and 10-pocket carousel tool changers, ready to tackle the hardest CNC tasks. Its gantry sits atop a 1” thick aluminum table measuring 122” X 53”. The GR Series is built to cut aluminum and other metals, easily handling sheet metal or many thousands of small parts with little error.
Requiring input air and liquid cooling, these CNC routers bring a powerful 48 ft-lbs of force at 1500 RPM from its direct speed or belt-drive drive system. The GR Series is controlled via a touch screen or Haas’s Haas Connect remote monitoring system, and each router comes with an ethernet interface, WiFi connectivity, and a standard program memory of 1GB.
View all the details on Haas Automation’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, Haas Automation
The Best CNC Routers—Summary
This article provided a summary of the best CNC routers as found on Thomasnet.com. CNC routers come in a variety of sizes, ratings, and capabilities, so it is necessary to outline your needs before finding a machine. If unsure of what to look for or where to start, use the information in this article as well as the knowledge of experts, manufacturers, and suppliers of CNC routers on Thomasnet.com, as they will have the most up-to-date recommendations for your project. To learn more, visit our Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform where we have over 135 CNC router suppliers available.
Sources:
- What is a CNC Router and How Does it Work? - CNC.com
- What is CNC routing? (Woodworking) (treatstock.com)
- What to Consider When Buying a CNC Router | Complete CNC Solutions | MultiCam
Other CNC Machining Articles:
- Understanding CNC Machining
- Understanding CNC Milling
- What is a Desktop CNC Machine?
- G-Codes Explained: An Introduction to Common G-Code Codes
- A Guide to the CNC Swiss Machine/Swiss Screw Machine
- USA and World Top 10 CNC Machine Manufacturers
- An Introduction to G-Code and CNC Programming
- List of Common G-Code Commands and What they Mean
- An Introduction to M-Code and CNC Programming
- Examples of G-Code for Common CNC Functions
- G-Code Cheat Sheet of Common Commands
- What Does CNC Stand for Anyway?
- Thread Cutting on CNC Lathes
- Subprograms, Macros and Parametric Programming for CNC Machining
- Top CNC Lathe Suppliers
- What is a CNC Lathe?
- How to Reduce Coolant Foaming in your CNC
- Top Suppliers of CNC Routers
- Top CNC Milling Machine Manufacturers
- How CNC Routers Work
