Looking for the best CNC router for your shop or home workshop? This CNC router review and buyers guide is perfect for beginners and hobbyists looking to get started with CNC woodworking. In this CNC router tutorial, you’ll learn how to choose the right CNC router for your woodworking projects, small business, or personal hobby — while avoiding common beginner mistakes.
We'll review the Longmill MK2 CNC router and use it as a baseline to compare desktop CNC routers, benchtop CNC routers, and industrial machines. You'll discover what makes a good CNC router, how to select the best CNC design software, the best controller software for CNC, and the essential starter CNC router bits to get you up and running fast.
Whether you're starting a CNC woodworking business to make money or just want to enhance your CNC hobby, this guide will help you find the perfect CNC router for your needs. Learn CNC router setup, project ideas, and tips for getting started with CNC routing today!
Your list of all supplies needed. Download the PDF here → https://idcwoodcraft.com/download/6458/
LINKS
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RECOMMENDED CNC ROUTERS
- Longmill MK2 → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/a0x8z9
- Corner touch plate (XYZ probe)→ https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/ypj1s0
- Auto-zero touch plate → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/gxkbg5
- Longmill limit switches (MK2) → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/z1omjj
- Longmill spoilboard file → https://etsy.me/3oxX79l
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ROUTER BITS FOR CNC ROUTERS
• 12pc Complete CNC Router Bit Starter Set → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/11P-SET-W
• 6pc Essentials CNC Router Bit Starter Set → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/6P-SET
• 1” Ultra-Smooth Cutting Surfacing Bit → https://www.idcwoodcraft.com/SU-10
• Other bits: IDC Woodcraft Website → www.idcwoodcraft.com
- 1/4" down-cutting endmill → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/lr6h5f
- 1/8" down-cut endmill → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/5itgvt
- 1/16" down-cut endmill → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/k9tafm
- 90° v bit → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/qqzw2b
- 60° v bit → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/3uplrv
- 30° engraving v bit → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/3tfjx2
- 1/4" ball nose endmill → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/9v7zac
- 1/8" ball nose endmill → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/kfpt98
- 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor collet → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/x1bbwf
- Glass engraving drag bit → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/ep5jjk
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RECOMMENDED DESIGN SOFTWARE
NOTE: With these, you can carve 3D models but cannot design them
• Vcarve Pro (RECOMMENDED) → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/c19df4
- Carveco Maker → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/cmbzss
NOTE: To create 3D models, get the following instead of the above
- Vectric Aspire → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/7zfwyp
- Carveco Maker Plus → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/9bocz5
You will need to add Lightburn software to use the laser
- Lightburn (for laser add-on) → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/vgvw3m
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Laser add-on for CNC router → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/8e7nxn
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DUST COLLECTION
- Dust shields for Longmill → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/2ftek7
- Dust shoe → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/5cytlr
- Flexible 20' vacuum tube from Amazon → https://amzn.to/39UcJSW
- Recommended shop vac → https://amzn.to/3u40H0d
- Hurricane adaptor separator for shop vac → https://amzn.to/3bwfz0Z
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OTHER ‘MUST HAVES’ FOR CNC ROUTERS
- Calipers → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/vp2a3e
- Sanding/Buffing Brushes → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/u01ge2
- CA Glue - 10% Off with Code: "IDC WOODCRAFT": https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/5fj21e
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COMPLETE VECTRIC SOFTWARE TRAINING
• https://academy.learnyourcnc.com/a/2147507626/CqkFCPi3
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GSENDER CNC CONTROL
• https://sienci.com/gsender/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT
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CNC RESOURCES
• CNC Set Up Checklist → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/xi8r0n
• Ultimate CNC Router Buyer’s Guide → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/xxakuh
• Machine Setup Checklist → https://link.idcwoodcraft.com/yz5k2m
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CNC ENTREPRENEURS Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/cncentrepreneurs
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CNC Insiders (free files and more) → https://idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-lp2-free-files/
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SUPPORT THE CHANNEL → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/garrettfromme
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Email: [email protected]
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