CNC routers use a computer-guided cutting bit; lasers cut or mark with light. Explore the projects each can make, compare your whole setup budget and learn from public reviews.
Choose a starting point, then adjust the budget and filters.
These select a process, not a guaranteed project fit. For clear acrylic, research CO₂ lasers; blue diode machines are generally unsuitable for cutting it. Understand laser types.
01 / Budget for the whole setup
What can you comfortably spend?
$0$50,000
Includes the listed setup allowances and your additional reserve.
Allow for local tax, delivery, software, electrical work and anything your shop still needs. Add these to your reserve.
Will it fit my project—and my shop?
Working area: the width and depth the tool can reach. Leave room for clamps and borders.
Bed size: the surface supporting your material. It can be larger than the usable working area.
Outside size: the machine itself. Allow additional room for cables, exhaust, an open lid and loading material.
Vertical space: CNC travel means how far the tool moves up and down; laser object height means what fits inside. Neither promises that thickness can be cut.
Buying links lead to manufacturer pages. Confirm the exact model, included equipment, local availability, delivery, warranty and returns with the seller.
43 priced configurations · 20 additional models and ranges · 15 brands. Price snapshots checked September 14, 2026; specification checks are dated separately on each listing. Prices are not live offers.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
Small spindle: allow light passes and longer machining time.
Offline controller and laser module are separate purchases.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
Preorder: USA variant lists estimated dispatch in late September. Confirm timing before paying.
Confirm usable travel and stock clearance before choosing a project.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
This is the 5W variant without the separately listed AI-camera upgrade.
Blue diode is not suitable for cutting clear acrylic; use only approved materials.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
10W diode: confirm thickness and material compatibility before buying.
An enclosure still needs an appropriate exhaust arrangement.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
The enclosure does not replace appropriate dust management or machine supervision.
Confirm usable travel and stock clearance before choosing a project.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
The included 775 spindle is a light-duty starting point; a trim-router upgrade is separate.
Confirm usable travel and stock clearance before choosing a project.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
The current product is labeled Ultra; check the exact revision when comparing older MAX reviews.
Confirm usable travel and stock clearance before choosing a project.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
Budget for a suitable enclosure, extraction, fire-resistant bed and wavelength-rated protection.
Blue diode is not suitable for cutting clear acrylic; use only approved materials.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
The selected machine includes the 710W router; do not budget for a duplicate.
Vectric software is an optional bundle, not part of this selected price.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
400W spindle variant; a trim-router bundle changes the price and contents.
Confirm usable travel and stock clearance before choosing a project.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
The optional 2W infrared module is a separate purchase; this price is for the base 20W machine.
Blue diode is not suitable for cutting clear acrylic; use only approved materials.
Allowances are WoodWorkCalc planning estimates, not supplier quotes. They only count toward the filter in setup mode. Existing equipment can reduce actual spend.
Ball screws do not remove the need to validate workholding and cutting settings.
These 20 additional listings need a confirmed configuration price. They are excluded from the budget slider, setup totals and project-machine selections. Search, brand, technology and machine type apply here; budget and project filters apply only above.
20 additional listings match your catalog filters · checked September 14, 2026
Onefinity · Router / mill
Onefinity Apprentice
Confirm configured price
First CNC projects in a compact shop
16.5 × 16.5 in format
Before buying: Compare the complete bundle, software and dust collection costs.
This is a curated shortlist, not a complete market ranking or live inventory. Prices refer to the variants shown and can change. A project match indicates a type of work, not a verified fit: check usable travel, stock thickness, tooling, power and installation requirements against the exact machine.
Learn the setup before the first job
Buy the capability, plan the whole setup
The machine is only one line on the list.
Try a setup, replace the allowances with real quotes and mark suitable equipment you already have. Changing setup or machine resets the equipment list.
Check tax, shipping, software, electrical work and installation separately; use the reserve for costs not covered above. These editable amounts are planning allowances, not vendor quotes. This worksheet is independent of the catalog filter above.
Thinking of selling? Check the recovery math.
Use a realistic selling price and include materials, your labor, packaging, platform fees and other per-unit costs. This estimates recovery of the upfront amount above, not overall business profitability.
32 items
At $20 contribution per item, before ongoing fixed expenses.
Formula: upfront spend ÷ (selling price − variable cost), rounded up to whole items. Demand, waste and run time still need testing. SBA break-even method ↗
Match the cutter to the work
Which bits should you buy first?
Explore practical choices for pockets, clean plywood edges, lettering, 3D carving and acrylic. See why each helps, what it is made from and which sizes to check before buying.
Router and CNC tooling only; laser machines do not use these bits. Recommendations are not automatically matched to your selected machine.
Enter the usable travel from the exact machine specification, then allow space for workholding and tool access. These sample dimensions are not a selected machine’s specification.
Not enough room with this marginRemaining area: 340 × 240 mmSolid outer line: travel · dashed line: reserved-margin boundary · colored rectangle: blank
This is a 2D planning aid, not a collision check or cutting authorization. Check actual clamps, cutter radius, travel limits, Z clearance, dust-boot access and loading space. Rotation must also suit grain and artwork. A full sheet may need breaking down before it reaches the machine.
Lessons worth learning before the receipt
Spend less on the wrong things.
Practical planning prompts for a first machine or the next upgrade. Start with the work, then compare equipment that can do it.
01
Buy for a real product, not a feature list
Write down three things you intend to make: material, finished size, thickness and quantity. A sample file and a real test piece are more useful than a list of maximum speeds.
Before you spend
Ask the seller to demonstrate your material and intended operation. Separate cutting, surface marking and engraving when comparing claims.
02
A bigger power number does not answer every question
Check whether a laser rating describes optical output or electrical consumption. For CNC, evaluate the spindle, motion system, tooling and workholding together.
Before you spend
Compare complete configurations. Ask which module, spindle, software and accessories produced the advertised result.
03
The footprint is bigger than the cutting area
Lids need room to open. Sheets need somewhere to enter and exit. Add the bench, extraction, computer and access for cleaning before deciding where a machine will live.
Before you spend
Mark the planned footprint and loading area on the shop floor. Check delivery access, support requirements and the manufacturer’s service clearances.
04
The software is part of the purchase
Drawing a shape, creating a toolpath and controlling a machine can involve different software. A vector file is not a verified CNC program.
Before you spend
Try the full design-to-machine workflow before buying. Check supported controllers, postprocessors, file formats, paid features and license terms.
05
The cut is only part of the job
Quoting, preparing stock, alignment, sanding, cleanup, finishing and packing all consume time. A faster machine may not fix the slowest step in your process.
Before you spend
Time one complete product, including a reject allowance. Upgrade the operation that actually limits useful output.
06
Used equipment needs a complete-cost check
A lower asking price can be offset by missing workholding, worn consumables, software access, moving costs or unavailable replacement parts.
Before you spend
Request a repeatable test cut and exact model/serial details. Confirm included items, license transfer, service support, operating history and a delivered setup cost.
Three routes. Different strengths.
Use this to narrow the process before comparing prices. Capabilities still depend on the exact machine, material, tooling and thickness.
Match the process to the product
What matters
CNC router
Blue diode laser
CO₂ laser
Useful starting work
Wood signs, pockets, profiles and joinery
Wood engraving and suitable thin-sheet products
Wood and suitable acrylic cut-and-engrave products
Material removed by
A rotating cutter; tool geometry affects the result
A focused laser beam; absorption and thickness matter
A different laser wavelength; material compatibility still matters
Watch the limitation
Inside corners retain a cutter radius; fixtures take space
Clear acrylic is not a suitable blue-diode cutting target
Exhaust, maintenance, footprint and accessory limits
Plan into the setup
Workholding, cutters, spoilboard and dust control
Approved material, exhaust, focus and material tests
Exhaust, specified cooling/maintenance and material tests
For automatic tool changes and larger production work, compare installation, service, tooling and workholding alongside the machine. The ShopBot Desktop MAX ATC is one option to quote against your requirements.
