The cutting
beds of CNC routers vary by machine. A CNC router can
have a bed that ranges from a few feet across to several yards wide. The bed
may also contain unique features such as a vacuum, a perforated top, or a
disposable top. When shopping for a router among used CNCwoodworking machines, woodworkers should understand the benefits of
the following cutting bed features before they invest in a certain piece of
equipment.
Table
Size
Table size is important as it pertains to the size of the raw
material and/or the number of pieces that must be cut in a certain time. A
large top will obviously facilitate the production of large pieces, but it can
also expedite the production of smaller pieces; the large cutting area means
less reloading is needed to finish the production run. Regarding size, it is
better to choose a table that has more space than necessary than one that is
cramped.
Vacuum
Table Top
A vacuum table keeps material securely in place by applying a
vacuum from underneath. Typically available in high-end new or used CNC
woodworking machines, a vacuum table replaces clamps. The advantages of this
technology are the vacuum can be released faster than clamps, and every inch of
the material is held in place with the same amount of force. The biggest
disadvantage is, unlike clamps, the vacuum pump requires special maintenance,
uses electricity, and may be subject to repairs.
Disposable
Table Top
Disposable tabletops, which are typically composed of layers of
high-density MDF boards, are ideal for first-time CNC router operators who may
accidentally bypass limit switches and sensors, and cut into the table.
Disposable tops can also be added to tables that already have non-disposable
tops. They are typically used for hobbyist woodwork.
Perforated
Table Top
Perforated tops tend to be the least expensive because they
require the smallest amount of material to produce. Available with various
types of perforation, perforated tops allow dust to fall through the slots into
a collection bin. While letting gravity do the work of a dust collector is an
inexpensive option, it may complicate the dust collection process. If you
perform a low volume of work, and do not perform dust removal until the end of
the day, using a router equipped with a perforated top would be optimal.
T-Slot
Table Top
T-Slot tops are typically found on hobby grade routers and
commercial models reduced in price. A T-slot top has some attractive
advantages: it is inexpensive, easy to use, and does not consume much
electricity. The biggest downside to T-slot tops is traditional clamping
methods must often be modified to prevent the spindle head from hitting the
clamps. The software that comes with T-slot routers might lack the programming
capacity to create paths around the clamping system.
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