Wood CNC Machine: The Ultimate Buying Guide
With the evolution of technology, we have been introduced new machines, tools, and methods to work on wood. From hand saws to CNC machines, we have come a long way in improving speed, accuracy, ease of use, automation, and other considerable factors.
CNC machines are modern machines that automate the whole process of processing wood and other materials, making it easier and faster than ever before. These are the first choice of wood craftsmen, DIY enthusiasts, businesses, and professionals.
In this article, we will explore what wood CNC machines are, different types of wood CNC machines and everything else you need to know. We will help you in selecting the right CNC machine for your woodworking projects.
In This Article
- What is a Wood CNC Machine?
- Types of Wood CNC Machines?
- Best Wood CNC Machine for Beginners
- Best Wood CNC Machine for Small Businesses
- How to Choose the Best Wood CNC Machine for Your Woodworking Projects?
What is a Wood CNC Machine?
Before we dive into the details of wood CNC machines, it is a must to understand what CNC is, why they are called CNC machines, and what kinds of machines are CNC.
CNC stands for Computerized Numerical Control. It is a kind of control established with the help of preprogrammed codes and software. It is a numerical control, so it controls every part of the machine and its movement similar to our brain, which controls the organs and body parts.
CNC is an advanced control that is done through G-code, which is a special programming language. It makes the machine automated and processes the object according to the given instructions. In the past few decades, CNC has gone through significant evolution and improvement. Now, it is quite precise and accurate.
The machines that are controlled by CNC are known as CNC machines. It could be anything, such as CNC lasers, CNC grinders, CNC lathes, CNC routers, and CNC milling machines. These machines have a dedicated control that improves speed, accuracy, automation, and various other factors.
You might have seen old-schooled lathes, routers, grinders, and other machines. They need an operator that constantly operates the machines and controls the movements of the parts. CNC has completely changed the usage of these machines. Through a control unit, preprogrammed code, software, and other requirements, the machine is controlled.
Wood CNC machines are used for subtractive manufacturing because all these machines remove the material from the surface. Whether it is a laser machine, lathe, or router, all these remove the material from the object. The user provides a design, CAD file, or any other compatible version through the software. Then, the machine follows the instructions and turns the wood into the desired shape, size, or cut.
Types of Wood CNC Machines
CNC Wood Router
A CNC wood router contains a sharp rotating blade that cuts and engraves wood and other materials. It removes the wood from the surface and gives it the desired shape and engraved texture.
The part of the machine that holds the rotating blade is called Spindle. It rotates the blade at different speeds according to the requirements. The material that needs to be processed is placed on the working bed.
The machine moves the spindle on X, Y, and Z axes to control the movement of the blade and turn the object into the desired product. This movement is done with the help of a drive system that contains several powerful motors. The spindle is moved precisely to ensure accuracy during the subtractive manufacturing process.
The whole machine is controlled by CNC. It requires a design for the task. This design is communicated to the machine through the software. The software or preprogrammed code reads the design or the CAD file, and then it provides the G-code to the CNC. Finally, CNC commands the drive system to move the spindle in the desired direction.
CNC Wood Milling Machine
A CNC wood milling machine is also used for cutting and engraving materials. It can turn the material into the desired shape. It also contains a rotating end mill that cuts the materials similar to a drill bit but it works in all directions.
This machine also has a spindle that holds the end mill. The driver system moves the spindle in the required directions to get the desired results. The design is provided to the software through a CAD file, which is then translated into G-code.
CNC milling machines seem to be similar to CNC routers, but there are some differences.
CNC milling machines are specifically designed for harder materials, such as metals; however, they can also work on wood and acrylic. In contrast, CNC routers are only suitable for soft materials, such as wood. The compatibility with materials is a major difference between these machines.
Secondly, the speed of the end mill in milling machines is slower, but the torque is quite high. This is the reason it can cut hard materials easily. Thus, the whole process takes more time.
The working area or bed of routers is larger than CNC milling machines, but their Z-axis is quite limited. Therefore, they can handle large objects. But CNC mills have a smaller area for the objects and deep Z-axis.
CNC Wood Lathe
A CNC wood lathe is used for shaping or carving objects. It can be used for wood and various other materials. There is rotary on the machine that holds the objects in its jaws. It revolves around the spindle. The object revolves at a very high speed through a controlled motor.
Then, the blade of the lathe is moved toward the object. It removes the material from the surface and creates the desired shape.
Similar to other CNC machines, it also requires the CAD file to provide the instructions. Once it has the design, it turns wood on its own.
Laser CNC Machine for Wood
Laser CNC machines are ideal for cutting and engraving wood, acrylic, leather, cardboard, rubber, and various other materials.
These machines use powerful laser beams to cut and engrave materials. These beams increase the temperature of the object they touch within a fraction of a second, which causes the solid material into gas. Thus, the material is vaporized and removed from the surface of the object in a matter of seconds. Finally, you have a cavity that serves as engraving. If the power of the laser is high, then it cuts the material into pieces.
In the case of wood, the material burns due to the high temperature. The heat from laser beams burns material from the surface and turns it into smoke and ashes. It offers an incredible contrast, which looks appealing.
People often get confused between a CNC router and a CNC laser. They often think that both can do engraving and cutting, so they are the same. However, there is a massive difference between these two CNC machines.
A CNC router creates physical contact with the object and removes the material from the surface by using a sharp blade. But a laser machine does not make physical contact. It vaporizes material using a laser beam. Thus, CNC laser machines create far more less waste than CNC routers.
Laser machines are an advanced CNC machine that has made cutting and engraving materials like wood, acrylic, metals, and other materials easier than ever before. It is a safer, quicker, and perfect option. The most important thing about laser processing is the finishing you get at the end. The final products have an impeccable and eye-catching finish.
Types of CNC Laser Machines for Wood
Laser machines can process a wide range of materials, but it actually depends on the type of laser technology used. Each laser machine offers a certain wavelength of laser beams, and materials absorb specific wavelengths only. If the material can absorb the wavelength, it can be cut or engraved without any hassle.
For processing wood, the ideal CNC laser machines are CO2 and diode lasers.
CO2 lasers are quite powerful, and they are available in various sizes from desktop machines to industrial machines. These are more expensive due to the laser technology and other features in the machine. A desktop CO2 laser will cost over $3,000, and the commercial ones are over $10,000.
On the other hand, diode lasers are quite affordable. These can process wood, plywood and engineered wood with perfection. They are less powerful than CO2 lasers but can still do the job well at an incredible speed. They are suitable for DIY, hobbyists, and professionals. A desktop laser machine will cost you around $700 to $2000.
You can choose a CO2 or diode laser machine, depending on the budget and usage. Both can cut and engrave wood.
If you have a good budget and want to run a small business, select a CO2 laser machine. For DIY and similar tasks, you can go with a diode laser machine.
What You Can Do Using a CNC Laser Machine
The laser has a fine spot that considers tiny details. You can cut and engrave intricate patterns and almost any kind of design using a laser machine. These are quite precise, and you won’t get better results with other types of CNC machines.
With laser cutting, you can make products from scratch. For instance, you can make wall art pieces, wall clocks, wooden boxes, jewelry organizers, puzzles, toys, keychains, and tons of other things. It allows you to cut wood in any shape you like and turn your imagination into reality.
On the other hand, laser engraving is basically used for personalizing objects. You can make logos, write names, engrave photos, or do whatever you like.
Nowadays, personalized objects are quite trending. Using a laser machine, you can personalize keychains, wooden cutlery, wall hangings, signs, plaques, and tons of other things.
The laser engraves whatever you want, and the best part is that it offers an appealing contrast due to the burning of wood. The result of laser engraving is better than other engraving techniques.
Thus, there are uncountable woodworking projects you can do using a CNC laser machine. This machine can be a game-changer. You can turn your imagination into reality and sell your products online through social media and online marketplaces. It is one of the trending and profitable businesses and side hustles these days.
Most importantly, if you have a CNC laser machine, you can process a wide range of materials other than wood. It is a versatile machine that can take your creativity to the next level. You will have a massive range of products in your inventory.
Best Wood CNC Machine for Beginners
For those hobbyists and beginners getting into the realm of woodworking, a diode laser machine is an accessible entry point. And xTool S1 is currently the most powerful enclosed diode laser cutter on the market.
The S1 top variants boast a 40W diode laser module, which is capable of slicing 18mm wood in a single pass. The engraving speed is equally good, it engraves at 600 mm/s. Besides the flagship 40W variant, xTool also offers 20W and 10W models, tailored specifically for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts.
Inside, the S1 provides ample space for your projects. Its substantial working area of 498*319 mm, akin to an A3 paper size, accommodates larger projects with ease. Given the propensity for wood projects to require length, the S1’s design includes an expandable feature to manage such dimensions. Its automatic passthrough slot allows for the handling of materials up to 3000mm in length.
Unlike standard machines that rely on camera systems for design placement, the S1 employs an advanced pin-point positioning system that offers superior precision. This system allows for the marking of specific points on the material with a laser, providing a real-time layout of the workspace.
For those looking to engrave curved wood surfaces, the S1 is well-equipped. It generates a 3D model of the object's surface and adjusts focus dynamically during engraving. This ensures high-quality results comparable to those on flat surfaces. Engraving on cylindrical objects is made possible with the addition of the RA2 Pro attachment.
Although xTool S1 is compatible with Lightburn software, we suggest using our proprietary software, XCS. The interface is simple and you have access to 1000+ project ideas at your disposal.
Best Wood CNC Machine for Small Business
CO2 typically comes with more power compared to diode lasers and their absorption efficiency is better compared to diodes. Therefore, they are recommended for commercial use. For small businesses venturing into the woodworking segment, xTool P2 is a perfect companion.
The P2 is a potent 55W CO2 laser capable of slicing through 18mm oak wood in a single pass. Its performance surpasses standard 40W laser machines by 500% in cutting speed across a variety of materials. Furthermore, its maximum engraving speed of 600mm/s sets a benchmark for desktop CO2 lasers in the industry.
The interior of the machine is spaciously designed, with a bed size of 26 x 14 inches, accommodating most woodworking project requirements. Echoing the features of the S1, the P2 also incorporates a passthrough slot and eliminates limitations on material length. Thanks to its AutopassThrough Technology, it can handle wooden sheets up to 118 inches (3000mm) long.
The machine has also got a dual HD camera setup for real-time preview of the operation, which ensures everything is being done according to the desired parameters. The setup also helps in accurately dragging designing onto the materials.
Equipped with CurveAce™ technology, the P2 excels in engraving on uneven and curved surfaces. It generates a 3D model of the object and dynamically adjusts focus to match the curvature.
Given its powerful capabilities, the P2 is designed with paramount safety features. It automatically secures the lid during operation, includes an emergency stop button, and is constructed with an enclosure to contain the laser and exhaust gases.
Although P2 is compatible with Lightburn, the xTool Creative Space (XCS) is recommended for beginners seeking a simpler experience. Everything is simple with loads of project ideas and tutorial videos for a new user.
How to Choose the Best Wood CNC Machine for Your Woodworking Projects
CNC machines are quite expensive, which is why you have to consider every detail and factor to save time and money. Here are some of the important factors you need to consider to get the right CNC machine for your projects.
Type of the Woodworking Projects
The first thing that you need to look at is the type of woodworking projects you want to work on. It can be furniture making, decorative pieces making, engraving, etc. You have to consider the projects you want to cover, and then it will be easier for you to pick the right machine for your needs.
The machines we have discussed serve different purposes. So, you need to understand what each machine does to decide which one is suitable for your tasks.
Material the Machine can Process
You will be processing wood, so the CNC machine should be able to process it. But it is not enough. Sometimes, you need to process other materials as well to add more beauty to the products and make them versatile.
Check what materials can be processed in the machine. For instance, a CO2 laser can process wood, acrylic, leather, rubber, etc. A milling machine is ideal for working on hard materials, such as metals. So, you need to know what materials the machine can process, and then it will be easier for you to choose the right wood CNC machine.
Maximum Volume Capacity
In CNC machines, it matters a lot. You are buying it for manufacturing in bulk. Each machine has a maximum capacity. You can check it to know what you can do with the machine, how many machines you need for your goal, and how you can scale in the future. Once you have a clear idea of the capacity, it will be easier for you to invest in the right direction.
Speed
CNC machines have a specific speed limit that gives you an idea of the number of items you can make and which machine is faster. People prefer these machines because of their speed and efficiency. They are meant to increase your overall productivity. Therefore, always compare the speed of the machines to get the best deal.
Spare Parts and Maintenance
CNC machines require maintenance. Before buying one, you should have an idea of the maintenance and how it can be done. Secondly, often there can be issues with the parts in the future, so the spare parts should be easily available. Otherwise, the machine will become a headache.
Budget
Last but not least is the budget. CNC machines are expensive, so you have to consider your budget and select the right option. There are different variants of machines due to distinct sizes, features, and other specifications, so the price differs.
If you want to engrave materials at a low cost, you can go with a small desktop laser machine. It will do the job without any massive investment, but it is ideal for DIY and small businesses only. Similarly, you can also go with desktop CNC routers and milling machines.
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