If you are looking to do a bit of automated woodworking and precision machining, then something you might want to look into is a CNC router. A CNC router is a special kind of device that allows you to easily perform repetitive and detailed woodworking tasks, and much more.
There are plenty of different CNC routers out there, with the VEVOR CNC Router standing out as one of the best on the market.
It combines ease of use, great functionality, durability, and affordability to provide you with a CNC machine that is both versatile and affordable. This article is going to take a closer look at the VEVOR CNC Router to find out exactly what it’s all about.
Table of contents
What is a CNC Router?
CNC stands for computer numerical control. A CNC router is therefore a special type of cutting machine that is operated and controlled by a computer instead of a human being.
CNC routers are able to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to, milling, engraving, carving, and cutting.
Even better is that these machines can work with a variety of materials, which include, but are not limited to, foam, metal, plastic, and wood. CNC routers use instructions that are programmed into them, which makes them very efficient, precise, and fast.
The CNC router consists of a spindle or router, a worktable, a computer that contains the software, and a drive system that controls and moves the spindle in three axes, or in some cases even more. This allows a CNC router to produce a variety of intricate and complex designs that are accurate and great-looking.
What is a CNC Router Used For?
Based on what we’ve said above, you can rightfully assume that CNC routers can be used for a variety of applications. One of the most common uses of the CNC router is for woodworking. These devices can create a variety of great-looking designs on decorative pieces, cabinetry, furniture, and more.
Although woodworking might be one of the main uses of CNC routers, they can also be used for basic sign-making. They are ideal for cutting letters and logos into a variety of materials such as metal, plastic, and wood. On that note, CNC routers are also ideal for making a variety of custom pieces, engravings, sculptures, and all sorts of arts and crafts pieces.
Another very common application of the CNC router is for prototyping. On that note, CNC routers are widely used in many manufacturing settings. They can be used to produce a plethora of components and parts from many different industries from the automotive industry to the computer industry and so much more. CNC routers are used in many different industries.
How to Choose the Best CNC Router for Your Needs
Before we can talk about any specific CNC router for you to purchase, there are a few main considerations that you should keep in mind, so you can make the best purchase possible.
Your Needs
One of the main considerations is what your own needs are. For instance, if you are a DIY wire or hobbyist looking for something basic to you at home, then a smaller CNC router should be fine.
However, if you are a professional or even a manufacturer who needs a high-quality and extremely robust system, then you need to go for something larger. Knowing what your own needs are will allow you to choose a CNC router with specifications that will allow you to work as needed.
The Worktable Size
The next consideration to keep in mind is how large the work area is. What you need to consider here is what the largest material is that you will be working on.
The work table of the CNC router in question needs to be large enough to handle the biggest of materials that you plan on working with.
For instance, the CNC router that we are here to discuss today is able to handle materials up to 400 by 400 by 75mm. This makes it ideal for many different projects.
Speed and Spindle Power
What you then need to pay attention to when choosing from the many CNC routers available on the market is how fast the spindle is able to move. In general, you should look for a CNC router that features a spindle that can move from anywhere between 8000 RPM to 15,000 RPM.
This should make it ideal for handling a variety of materials including foam, PVC, plastic, MDF, acrylic, and wood. Furthermore, the power level of the CNC router in question should be anywhere between 200 watts and 400 watts.
The Software
The next thing that you need to consider when choosing a CNC router is how compatible the software is with a variety of systems. For instance, CNC routers that use GRBL control should be compatible with most software systems. Always make sure that your software system is compatible with the CNC router in question.
Overall Durability
Next on the list of considerations when choosing a CNC router is what the overall construction quality is like. What it really comes down to is that you need to choose a CNC router that is built with highly durable materials.
The more high-quality metals and plastics that the machine in question is built out of, the more durable it will be. On that note, you should also pay attention to both the warranty and customer support of the product in question. At the least, a one-year manufacturer’s warranty is generally called for.
Your Budget
Although your budget isn’t the first thing that we would recommend considering, it does of course play a role. With that being said, as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. Therefore, we do recommend investing a certain amount of money into a decent CNC router. You certainly don’t want to go for the very cheapest option possible, because it likely won’t perform the way you need it to.
Introducing the VEVOR CNC Router
The VEVOR CNC Router is an excellent tool to consider, as it comes loaded to the brim with many features that officially make it one of the most useful CNC routers on the market at this time. Let’s take a look at the main features right now.
Features
One of the standout features of this particular CNC router is the fact that it comes with a 300 Watt spindle. Thanks to this 300 Watt spindle, the machine can reach speeds of 12,000 RPM. This is more than enough power and speed for a plethora of cutting and engraving tasks, and it makes it ideal for working with many different materials. It can work with various kinds of wood, metals, composite wood, plastics, and more.
Something else that you may appreciate about this particular CNC router is that it features a large working area of 15.7 by 15.7 by 2.95 inches, or 400 by 400 by 75mm. This means that the VEVOR CNC router can be used to work on some fairly large projects. With that being said, this is of course not a unit that you would use for very large tasks. However, thanks to its size, it should work fine for smaller applications.
Speaking of applications, this CNC router is also very easy to use. This is thanks to the fact that it features GRBL control. This type of open-source software is easily integrated with many different design systems. This software also features a special protection system to ensure that the spindle does not overheat or start burning the material.
On that note, this unit also features a 2.4-inch touchscreen offline controller that allows you to use it without being connected to a computer. It even comes complete with a knob that allows you to operate the spindle motor accurately and easily. This CNC router also allows for manual adjustments, not to mention that it also functions on a three-axis basis.
Speaking of ease of use, more than 70% of the parts of this CNC woodworking router have already been pre-assembled. All you need to do is to put three main parts together.
In terms of the overall construction, this CNC wood router is made out of industrial-grade aluminum alloy combined with the surface oxidation treatment. This makes it a strong and durable yet lightweight CNC router that is able to perform a wide variety of tasks without taking damage.
Recommended For Your Project
Pros
- Affordable price
- Plenty of support
- Very precise
- Easy to use
- Can be used for many applications
Cons
- Generally only works with lighter materials
- Initial setup can take some time
Using a CNC Router: Safety Tips
Let’s go over a few important safety tips to make sure that you’re as safe as possible when using a CNC router.
- When using a CNC router, always wear the proper protective gear. This means that you should be wearing ear protection and safety goggles at the very least. Furthermore, wear tight clothing to ensure that your clothes don’t get caught in the machine.
- Always make sure that whatever material you are working on is securely attached to the worktable. You don’t want it to move while using the CNC router.
- Always maintain a clean area. You don’t want any obstacles or tripping hazards that can pose dangers to you and those around you.
- Never listen to music or do anything else that may distract you while using a CNC router. To avoid mistakes and injuries, you absolutely need to be paying attention at all times.
- Every CNC router has its own certain set of instructions, so be sure to follow them at all times.
FAQ
Let’s answer a few of your most frequently asked questions about the VEVOR CNC Router.
What Types of Materials Can the VEVOR CNC Router Work With?
Although the VEVOR CNC Router is designed primarily to work with wood, it can also handle acrylic, other plastics, foam, MDF, and PVC.
Can the VEVOR CNC Router be Used by Beginners?
Thanks to its easy assembly and ease of use, the VEVOR CNC Router is more than ideal for beginners to use. It features an almost zero learning curve, which means that even those who have never used a CNC router before should be able to use it with ease.
Is the VEVOR CNC Router Precise?
What stands out about the VEVOR CNC Router is its very high level of precision. It is accurate up to 0.05mm, making it one of the most accurate units on the market, especially at this price point.
What Software Can I Use with the VEVOR CNC Router?
What is really convenient about this particular CNC router is that it features GRBL control. This means that it should be compatible with a plethora of control and design software programs.
Final Thoughts on the VEVOR CNC Router
The bottom line is that the VEVOR CNC Router is one of the most versatile, durable, and user-friendly CNC routers that you could possibly get your hands on.
It features a fairly large working area that allows you to perform many different tasks, which is combined with a high-power and high-speed spindle with great accuracy.
Whether you’re looking to create some prototypes, make some intricate designs, or just do some basic woodworking, then the CNC Router from VEVOR is certainly worth looking into.