Mastering CNC Machines for Woodworkers

Woodworking has been a respected craft for centuries, and its evolution to what it is today has been nothing short of amazing. Today, we have the opportunity to take woodworking to new heights thanks to inventions like CNC wood cutting machines. 

In this article, we’ll look at the art of woodworking and how mastering your CNC machine can help you enjoy your craft more, as well as help set the stage for the next generation of woodworkers. 

We’ll also look at our ShopSabre-recommended CNC machines for woodworking. 

Getting To Know Your CNC Wood Carving Machine

Wood CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are computer-controlled tools that help woodworkers create incredible designs and patterns with extreme precision. 

CNC wood carving machines use a combination of software and hardware to control how the tools—like drills, mills, and routers—move to carve into the wood.

You should also familiarize yourself with the different parts of your CNC machine. Here are the key components: 

• The Frame: This is the machine’s backbone and provides stability for the rest of the components. ShopSabre proudly manufactures frames from Industrial components like Structural Steel.

• The Gantry: The gantry moves along the Y-axis on the CNC wood cutting machine and supports the cutting tool, which allows it to move along the X-axis.

• The Cutting Tools: The cutting tool is what will help woodworkers carve out designs on a wooden project. Common tools include Drill Bits, V Bits, Ballnose, and EndMills.

• The Control System: The control system is the brains of the operation. This part consists of a computer and software combination that interprets design files and kickstarts the carving process.

A master woodworker knows the ins and outs of their machine, and knowing what each part does and how it contributes to the woodworking process is more imperative to the final product than you may think. 

A CNC Machine Can Help Develop Woodworking Skills

Woodworking requires the ability to perform several techniques to create high-quality and intricate designs.

A quality CNC wood carving machine can help woodworkers with the following techniques:

• Rough cutting
• Finishing cutting
• Drilling
• Single and multi-pass operations
• Boring
• Pocket
• Profile
• Carving
• Grooving
• Planing
• Nesting

When mastering the art that is woodworking, knowing how to perform these tasks by hand is important. But, using a CNC machine to make these techniques easier lets you focus on creating high-quality products, and it lets you study the result so you can better understand the technique.

These skills are crucial in working on common woodworking projects like: 

• Furniture
• Cabinets
• Signs and carvings
• Musical instruments
• Stage props

The more you’re able to master the techniques that go into making these products, the more you can open yourself up to more advanced projects.

With The Right CNC Machine, Wood Is Your Ally

Woodworking can be intimidating, even for experienced woodworkers.

A reliable CNC machine makes the art of woodworking more rewarding by letting you take your projects to the next level. When you take the time to master your CNC machine for wood carving, you’ll open yourself up to a new world of design possibilities for future projects. 

But, knowing how to use your machine is just one part of the equation; you also need the right machine. 

The Best CNC Wood Cutting Machines

At ShopSabre, we have a selection of the best CNC routers for woodworkers. Here are our top picks:

The Pro Series CNC Router

The Pro Series CNC Router is the most popular machine we have because of its impressive technology and durability.

Woodworking projects are a breeze with this router’s oversized heavy-duty structure and working area, letting you tackle any project—no matter the material—including 5×5 processing on the 4×8 and 5×10 systems. 

If you want a machine that produces quality furniture, cabinets, signs, and more, this is the router for you. 

The RC Series CNC Router

The RC Series CNC wood cutting machine is an excellent choice for beginner woodworkers. 

The RC series features an upgraded rack and pinion XY design when compared to similarly priced machines giving woodworkers a level of precision that is uncommon for the price. This machine is easier to use than many larger-scale CNC machines and far more durable than any imported product. The RC Series gives you affordability without sacrificing quality or ease of use.

The Industrial Series CNC Router

The ShopSabre Industrial Series CNC machine brings more power to woodworkers, 

The Industrial Series CNC router comes equipped with the most accurate drive technology in the industry, the Anti-backlash Ballscrew featuring ShopSabre’s “Whip-Free” design, and AC Digital Servo Motors which include glass encoder technology & matching amplifiers. This machine and its features produce unmatched performance for high performance & heavy duty cutting applications 

The IS-M Series CNC Router

High-production woodworkers love this machine’s incredible speed & rigidity. Providing unmatched accuracy at speeds that will take your breath away. It also is the first CNC router in the world to come equipped with the Mitsubishi M8 Series Control.

On top of that, the IS-M Series comes in three sizes, making it perfect for a variety of woodworking applications.

Another feature that helps this machine stand out for woodworkers is its focus on material waste reduction, something that is prevalent in woodworking and other forms of manufacturing. 

The ShopSabre 23 CNC Router

Woodworkers who do most of their projects from home or in a smaller shop will benefit from this desktop CNC wood cutting machine. 

The ShopSabre 23 CNC router shares the rigid build of an industrial-model CNC for reliability during demanding projects but comes at a size that is convenient for smaller spaces. This machine is designed with industrial ball screws on every axis and comes equipped with the advanced capabilities of the ShopSabre control system for an unmatched range of motion.

Take your pick; if you’re looking to master the art of woodworking, you can’t go wrong with any of these CNC machines.

Get A Reliable Wood CNC Machine At ShopSabre

If you’re ready to start your journey toward mastering your CNC wood cutting machine, make sure you’re well-equipped. 

ShopSabre offers an extensive selection of American-made CNC machines that can help you reach that next level in your woodworking career. As a part of our dedication to quality, we also offer reliable technical support for your machine, as well as an extensive library of resources to help you get to know your machine.

Contact us today if you have any questions about our wood CNC machines or attachments.