If you're thinking of a CNC Router for woodworking or your trying to get your head around the tooling for it, use this handy guide to get an understanding of the common operations, tool holders and router bits and the best brands, used in everyday CNC Router processes.

Common CNC Router Toolpaths / Operations:

There are several types of CNC router cuts, each of which is used for specific purposes. Here are some common types of CNC router cuts:

  1. Profile cut: This is the most common type of cut, where the router follows the outline of the design and cuts it out of the material.
  2. Pocket cut: This type of cut is used to remove material from within a defined area, leaving a pocket or recess.
  3. Drill cut: A drill cut is a simple cut that creates a hole in the material.
  4. Engraving cut: This type of cut is used to create text or designs on the surface of the material.
  5. V-groove cut: A V-groove cut is a type of engraving that creates a V-shaped groove in the material.
  6. Chamfer cut: A chamfer cut is used to create a beveled edge on the material.
  7. 3D carving cut: This type of cut is used to create intricate 3D shapes and designs in the material.
  8. Pocket with islands cut: This type of cut is used to create a pocket in the material with small areas of the material left intact (islands).

CNC Toolholders for Woodworking:

CNC toolholders are an essential part of any CNC machine, including those used for woodworking. They are used to securely hold the cutting tools in place during the machining process. CNC toolholders for woodworking come in a variety of sizes and types to accommodate different types of cutting tools and machine spindles. Here are some common types of CNC toolholders for woodworking:

  • ER Collets: ER collets are the most common type of toolholder for CNC machines, including those used for woodworking. They are available in a wide range of sizes to fit different cutting tool shanks, and they provide high clamping force to keep the tool securely in place.
  • HSK Toolholders: HSK (Hohl-Schaft-Konus) toolholders are a newer type of toolholder that is becoming more popular in woodworking. They offer improved tool stability and accuracy compared to other types of toolholders, making them ideal for high-speed machining applications.
  • BT Toolholders: BT (Blickle Toolholder) toolholders are a common type of toolholder used in woodworking. They are available in a range of sizes and styles and provide a strong clamping force to hold the cutting tool in place.
  • ISO Toolholders: ISO (International Organization for Standardization) toolholders are a standardized type of toolholder used in many different industries, including woodworking. They are available in a range of sizes and styles and provide good tool stability and accuracy.

When selecting a CNC toolholder for woodworking, it's important to consider factors such as the size of the cutting tool shank, the size and type of the machine spindle, and the level of precision required for the machining task. Choosing high-quality toolholders from reputable manufacturers such as Haimer, Techniks, or REGO-FIX can help ensure reliable and accurate results.

The main types of CNC Router Tools available from scosarg.com

  • Straight Cutters: Straight cutters are the most common type of cutter used for CNC woodworking tasks. They are used to make straight cuts on wood materials and are available in a variety of sizes and lengths.
  • Spiral Cutters: Spiral cutters are used to create intricate designs and patterns on wood materials. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used for both roughing and finishing cuts.
  • Ball Nose Cutters: Ball nose cutters are used for carving and 3D modeling tasks on wood materials. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used for both roughing and finishing cuts.
  • Chamfer Cutters: Chamfer cutters are used to create angled cuts on the edges of wood materials. They are available in a variety of angles and can be used for both decorative and functional purposes.
  • Dovetail Cutters: Dovetail cutters are used to create dovetail joints on wood materials. They are available in a variety of angles and can be used for both decorative and functional purposes.
  • Profile Cutters: Profile cutters are used to create decorative shapes and designs on wood materials. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as ogee, cove, and bead.
  • Round Nose Cutters: Round nose cutters are used to create rounded edges and contours on wood materials. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used for both roughing and finishing cuts.
  • V-Bit Cutters: V-bit cutters are used to create V-shaped grooves and decorative designs on wood materials. They are available in a variety of angles and can be used for both roughing and finishing cuts.
  • Engraving Cutters: Engraving cutters are used to create precise and detailed designs on wood materials. They are available in a variety of tip sizes and can be used for both shallow and deep cuts.
  • Mortising Cutters: Mortising cutters are used to create mortises (rectangular slots) in wood materials. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used for both roughing and finishing cuts.
  • Raised Panel Cutters: Raised panel cutters are used to create raised panel doors and other decorative wood features. They are available in a variety of sizes and profiles and can be used for both roughing and finishing cuts.
  • Bevel Cutters: Bevel cutters are used to create angled cuts on wood materials. They are available in a variety of angles and can be used for both decorative and functional purposes.
  • Compression Cutters: Compression cutters are used to create clean and precise cuts on both the top and bottom of wood materials. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used for both roughing and finishing cuts.

Why should I use Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutters?

They're commonly used in woodworking for cutting and shaping harder materials, such as MDF, particleboard, and laminates. PCD cutters are made from synthetic diamond particles that are sintered together under high pressure and temperature, creating a very hard and wear-resistant material.

PCD cutters are popular in woodworking for several reasons:

  1. Long tool life: PCD cutters have a very long tool life compared to other types of cutters. This is because PCD is extremely wear-resistant and can maintain its sharp edge even after prolonged use.
  2. High cutting speed: PCD cutters can cut through materials at high speeds, which can improve productivity and reduce cycle times.
  3. Clean cuts: PCD cutters produce very clean cuts with minimal tear-out, making them ideal for cutting materials that are prone to chipping or splintering.
  4. Reduced downtime: Because PCD cutters last longer than other types of cutters, they can reduce downtime associated with tool changes and sharpening.
  5. Reduced tooling costs: Although PCD cutters can be more expensive than other types of cutters, their long tool life and reduced downtime can lead to overall cost savings over time.

However, it's important to note that PCD cutters are not suitable for cutting through solid wood or other materials that are not abrasive. They are specifically designed for cutting and shaping harder, more abrasive materials commonly used in woodworking, such as MDF and laminates.

Who are the big tooling brands:

  • CMT - CMT is a leading manufacturer of high-quality tooling products for woodworking and CNC routing. They offer a wide range of products specifically designed for CNC routing, including router bits, collets, and toolholders.
  • Amana Tool - Amana Tool is a well-respected brand in the woodworking industry, offering a wide range of cutting tools for CNC routing, including router bits, saw blades, and shaper cutters.
  • Freud - Freud is a trusted name in the woodworking industry, offering a wide range of cutting tools for CNC routing, including router bits, saw blades, and shaper cutters. They are known for their precision engineering and innovative approach to tooling products.
  • Onsrud - Onsrud is a manufacturer of high-quality tooling products for a variety of industries, including woodworking and CNC routing. They offer a wide range of cutting tools specifically designed for CNC routing, including router bits, toolholders, and collets.
  • Whiteside - Whiteside is a family-owned business that has been producing high-quality cutting tools for over 50 years. They offer a wide range of CNC tooling products for woodworking, including router bits and shaper cutters.

Why CMT is a great choice for CNC Routers Tooling?

CMT is known for producing high-quality tooling products for a variety of industries, including woodworking and CNC routing.

CMT offers a wide range of tooling products specifically designed for CNC routing, including router bits, collets, toolholders, and more. This allows customers to find the right tool for their specific needs.

High-quality materials: CMT uses high-quality materials in the production of their tooling products, including tungsten carbide and high-speed steel. This ensures that the tools are durable, long-lasting, and able to withstand the demands of CNC routing.

Precision engineering: CMT uses precision engineering techniques to manufacture their tooling products. This ensures that the tools are accurate, reliable, and able to produce consistent results.

Innovation: CMT is known for its innovative approach to tooling products, constantly seeking new ways to improve their products and meet the evolving needs of customers.