Machines for woodworking are very complicated and hard to understand. There are many choices out there; machines are built for various purposes, and there might be something for you. Here will focus on the ones rated to working with wood: the CNC machine.
Do note that we will not discuss every type of CNC in the review, but we will give you a general idea of what they are capable of.
In this guide, we will introduce some of the best wood CNC machines you can buy now. These machines come with instruction manuals, and you can contact customer service if you have any feedback or questions. As scouring through many designs and models is time-consuming, we have created this list of the best wood CNC machines.
1. VFD CNC Spindle Motor Kit: 220V 2.2KW CNC VFD + 220V 2.2KW 4 bearings 400hz 24000rpm Water Cooled Spindle Motor + 220V 75W Water Pump + 80mm Motor Clamp Mount + 5m Water Pipe
Built with a very good interface, this kit can be adjusted to whatever the situation requires. You aren’t confined to just one option, as you can select different versions from the seller according to your power settings. The different parts included also fulfill various functions and are very flexible.
The water pump can be replaced with one of your choices, and the water pipe can be substituted as well.
Specifications
- Weight: 21.6 pounds
- Package Size: 19.3 x 14.7 x 9.5 inches
- Power Source: Ac
- Voltage: 220 volts
- Wattage: 2.2 kilowatts
- Horsepower: 3 horsepower
- Output Frequency: 0-400 Hertz
- Input Frequency: 47–63 Hertz
- Parts Included: 5
Pros
- Perfect for woodworking
- RPM can be adjusted very easily
- Easily wired
- Not very loud
- Good quality build
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- No spindle wrenches provided
- Tubing is insufficient
- The manual is not very legible
- The fourth pin isn’t connected but can be fixed
- Not plug-and-play
2. VFD 110V Input 1.5KW 2hp Variable Frequency Drive CNC Drive Inverter Converter for 3 Phase Motor Speed Control (1.5KW, 110V)
The fan will run even if the motor stops to help with cooling. The motor can also be easily programmed to your specifications through the keypad. The motherboard is also designed with error protection and short-circuit starting protection.
Specifications
- Weight: 4.42 pounds
- Size: 6.7 x 5.1 x 6.3 inches
- Power Source: Ac
- Voltage: 1 or 3 phase 110V 60 Hertz
- Horsepower: 2 horsepower
- Output Frequency: 0-50 Hertz /60 Hertz 0-400 Hertz
- Input Frequency: 47 – 63 Hertz
- Output Current: 13 amps
- Parts Included: 3
Pros
- Protected electronically
- Easily controlled
- Precise voltage and current settings
- Very affordable
- Can be customized
Cons
- Manual is not in proper English
- Can trip breakers
- Sometimes not durable
3. Huanyang Water Cooled CNC Spindle Milling Motor 220V 2.2KW 24000RPM 400hz ER20 Collet for Engraving Machine
If you need it, you can order it with an ER20 collet ranging from 2-13 millimeters. The standard is 6 millimeters, should your wood CNC machine require a different measurement. Another note is that this spindle is rated at 400 Hertz, and if you input 50-60 Hertz at 220 volts, the spindle will be damaged unless you choose the right option offered.
It is a very versatile product overall and is highly rated.
Specifications
- Weight: 11.88 pounds
- Size: 13.8 x 5.6 x 5.6 inches
- Power Source: Ac
- Voltage: 220 volts
- Wattage: 2.2 kilowatts
- Horsepower: 3 horsepower
- Frequency: 400 Hertz
- RPM: 8000-24000 RPM
- Parts Included: 1
Pros
- High precision bearings for smooth operation
- Water-cooled to increase operating time
- Customizable collets
- Very quiet when running
- Durable build due to materials used
Cons
- Bearings might be faulty at times and unbalanced
- Vibrates too much sometimes
- Does not come with a power cord
- Instructions aren’t very useful
4. VFD 2.2kw 220V Fuling Variable Frequency Drive 3HP frequency Inverter 10A for CNC Router Milling Machine Spindle Motor Speed Control
It has an auto voltage regulation function built-in, providing stability so that the inverter is not overloaded. You can also run this machine at a low speed if required. As mentioned earlier, this is not a full kit, so you must select a different product if you want the full set.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.85 pounds
- Size: 10.31 x 7.13 x 6.34 inches
- Power Source: Ac
- Voltage: 220 volts
- Wattage: 2.2 kilowatts
- Horsepower: 3 horsepower
- Input Voltage: 220 volts
- Output Voltage: 220 volts
- Input Frequency: 48-63 Hertz
- Output Frequency: 0-400 Hertz
- Input Phase: 1- or 3-phase
- Output Phase: 3-phase
- Parts Included: 1
Pros
- One-year warranty included with purchase
- Very detailed and well-translated English manual available for download
- Very responsive interface
- Electronically protected
Cons
- Not widely used and discussed
5. Mini Metal Lathe Machine CNC DIY Tool Benchtop Wood Lathes Motorized Motor Woodworking for Hobby 24W 20000rpm
Made of an aluminum alloy, it is durable and solid, resistant to warping and bending. It can be used to bore, turn, drill, and thread, among other functions. While rated for soft metals, using them on softer materials such as wood and soft plastics is much better for the machine’s lifespan.
It is a very low-end and affordable choice for those with a budget.
Specifications
- Weight: 2.2 kilograms
- Package Size: 230 millimeters x 200mm millimeters x 315mm millimeters
- Power Source: DC12V 2A
- Input Voltage: 100-240 volts
- Output Voltage: Not listed
- Motor Rated Power: 24 watts
- Motor Speed: 10,000-20000 RPM
- Maximum Processing Diameter: 13 -millimeter positive claw, 45-millimeter reverse claw
- Three-Jaw Chuck Clamping Diameter: 13-millimeter claw, 45-millimeter reverse claw
- Parts Included: 1
Pros
- Very simple design
- Durable build
- Can also work with softer metals
- Good for low budget
Cons
- Not very good for higher requirements
- Motor does not work sometimes
6. JFT 3040 3 Axis + Usb Port + Mach 3 +1.5kw CNC Wood Router Metal Stone Milling Machine
According to the manufacturer, you can replace some parts such as the spindle and other smaller parts, though they prefer you to use the one that comes with that package. If you want to link it to a computer, there is a USB interface, though a parallel interface can be installed if you wish. While quite powerful for its size, it is not an industrial-grade machine, and cannot handle that type of work.
Specifications
- Weight: 105.6 pounds
- Package Size: 230 millimeters x 200mm millimeters x 315mm millimeters
- Power Source: DC12V 2A
- Input Voltage: 100-240 volts
- Size: 660×540×470 millimeters
- Work Area: 570×360×15 millimeters
- X, Y, Z-axis Working Travel Distance: 300x400x90 millimeters
- Maximum Thickness of Material: 120 millimeters
- Power Details: DC110V~220V,1500W
- Operating Speed: 0-24000 RPM
- Maximum Feeding Speed: 4500 millimeters per minute
- Carving Speed: 50~4000 millimeters per minute
- Repeat Positioning Accuracy: 0.03
- Input Voltage: 220V or 110V
- Instruction Format: G code (tap, nc, ncc, text)
- Compatible software: Mach3/TYPE3/ArtCAM/CAD/CAM etc.
- Machine Net Weight: 48 kilograms
- Supported Windows Versions: XP/Win7/Win8/Win10 (64 bit)/Win7 (32 bit)
- Parts Included: 7
Pros
- Can cut wood easily as well as many other materials
- Can cut large-sized materials
- Durable body resistant to damage
- Software included with the machine
- Stylish design
Cons
- Does not come with a 4th axis
- Not industrial grade
- Not the best tool for stainless steel
Buyers Guide
The wood CNC machines listed here are all functional and dependable for the required tasks at hand. We realize that everyone has different needs, and choosing from these can be difficult. If you still haven’t decided which one is the right choice, please continue reading.
This next guide will assist in giving you directions as to which machine suits your needs.
Only a Single Spindle:
If you only need a spindle to complete your CNC machine, the Huanyang Water-Cooled spindle is perfect. This assumes that you already have a VFD and cooling system (should you prefer to use your own cooling method). After all, the spindle will be the last thing needed to complete your machine before running.
Dependable, quiet, and able to run for continuous operation, Huanyang’s spindle is perfect if it is the only part missing.
A Whole Set:
Huanyang also offers a complete spindle motor kit, which includes the above spindle and a VFD. As the kit comes with equipment made to complement each other, the compatibility is perfect. Should you require it, you can request for customization from the seller, and they will gladly oblige.
If you feel that a whole set is what you need, then please consider this set, as it is highly lauded to be dependable.
A Simple VFD:
If you need a simpler VFD only, then Huanyang also offers its VFD separately. It is built to be durable and precise, capable of accurate input and computing. It is also electronically protected and can be customized to your needs.
As a simple VFD, you won’t go wrong with this one from Huanyang.
A Stronger VFD:
If the Huanyang VFD is not strong enough for your needs, then Fuling’s VFD will be able to satisfy you. Stronger by one horsepower, it is very dependable and easily operated, having a precise PID input system that is straightforward and no-frills. It can also run at lower speeds, which is a bonus should your job require it.
Stronger and reliable, this machine can outperform the one Huanyang sells, performing higher-demand jobs better.
A Low-Budget Lathe Machine:
If you don’t need an expensive wood CNC machine, this lathe is perfect. Usually marketed for students’ use, it can be used for low-demand woodworking jobs and can also work with softer metals though wood is better on the machine. Though not the best for jobs that require more, this machine can still be useful to keep around.
Affordable and simple, this is the one to pick if your budget is low.
The Best Milling Machine on This List:
Shenzhen JFT Technology’s product is a great CNC machine for woodwork. It can process larger blocks of wood as well as a plethora of other materials such as plastics, PVC, acrylic, and more. With these many features, you can’t go wrong with this one.
If you need a strong proverbial workhorse, this milling machine is going to serve you well.
Conclusion
We hope that you have a clearer sense of which choice will be the best one for you after reading this guide. Before purchasing a CNC machine, make sure to look over the reviews left by previous customers and take into account your needs. The perfect CNC machine will come both highly recommended and match your desires.