CNC Router

Turn your woodworking shop into a machining, cutting, carving, and milling powerhouse with our shop-made, CNC machine.

Bring industrial-grade precision into your home workshop with these step-by-step plans for building your own shop-built CNC router. Designed for the tech-savvy woodworker, this affordable CNC project costs about $1,500 (excluding software) and delivers a generous 24" x 48" working area — perfect for signs, furniture components, and custom designs.

Built primarily from durable Baltic birch plywood, this DIY CNC machine uses simple joinery, off-the-shelf hardware, and an online-sourced electronics kit. Despite its complex appearance, construction is straightforward — with detailed guidance on building the CNC bed, gantry, and later the router mount and wiring.

This project introduces you to the world of computer-controlled woodworking, including 3-axis motion (X, Y, Z) using a standard router. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with basic software for designing and running projects — no advanced coding or engineering required.

Whether you're expanding your skills or creating custom CNC projects to sell, this shop-built CNC router offers big value and flexibility at a fraction of the cost of commercial machines.

***This plan is not eligible for Free Plan Credit Redemption***

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What You Get:

  • 24 pages of step-by-step instructions
  • Over 100 full-color photos and illustrations and exploded views
  • Materials list
  • Retail Sources for Hardware and Supplies
  • Premium Plans also include drawings for a mobile cart for the CNC Router

Project Supplies & Hardware

Check out our Editor’s recommendations for project supplies and hardware. (We may receive commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.)

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