CNC wood router
A CNC wood router is a CNC
router tool that creates objects
from wood. CNC stands for computer
numerical control. The CNC works on the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y,
Z) for 3D motion control. Parts of a project can be designed in the computer
with a CAD/CAM program, and then cut automatically using a router or other cutters to produce a finished
part.
The CNC router is ideal
for hobbies, engineering prototyping, product development, art, and production
work.
A CNC wood router uses CNC (computer
numerical control) and is similar to a metal CNC mill with the
following differences:
·
The wood
router typically spins faster — with a range of 13,000 to
24,000 RPM
·
Professional quality machines frequently use surface
facing tools up to 3" in diameter or more, and spindle power from 5 to 15
horsepower. Machines capable of routing heavy material at over a thousand
inches per minute are common.
·
Some machines use smaller toolholders MK2 (Morse taper #2
- on older machines), ISO-30, HSK-63 or the tools just get held in a collet
tool holder affixed directly to the spindle nose. ISO-30 and HSK-63 are
rapid-change toolholding systems. HSK-63 has begun to supplant the ISO-30 as
the rapid change standard in recent years.
A wood router is controlled in the same
way as a metal mill, but there are CAM and CAD applications such as
Artcam, Mastercam, Bobcad, and AlphaCam, which are specifically designed for
use with wood routers.
Wood routers are frequently used to
machine other soft materials such as plastics.
Typical three-axis CNC wood routers are
generally much bigger than their metal shop counterparts. 5' x 5', 4' x 8', and
5' x 10' are typical bed sizes for wood routers. They can be built to
accommodate very large sizes up to, but not limited to 12' x 100'. The table
can move, allowing for true three axis (xyz) motion, or the gantry can move,
which requires the third axis to be controlled by two slaved servo motors.
