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Best Wood For Cnc Routing (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable material for your CNC routing projects, wood might just be your perfect choice. Wood provides a warm natural texture and can be easily customized to achieve a wide range of finishes. However, before diving into buying wood supplies for your CNC routing project, there are a few factors to consider.

Firstly, you need to decide on the type of wood that suits your project needs. The hardness level and density of the wood will affect how well it responds to the routing process. Also, the grain and quality of the wood will determine the final look of your product. Secondly, consider sourcing your wood from an experienced supplier. Buying from suppliers with a reputation for quality can save you time, money and the hassle of sourcing low-quality products.

Lastly, ask yourself some important questions when selecting your wood for your CNC routing project. What type of finish do you need? Is the wood suitable for your project design? Can you get the wood in the shape and form required for your project? With these questions in mind, you can make an informed decision and select the perfect wood for your CNC routing needs.

In conclusion, wood is a natural, durable and versatile material that works perfectly for CNC routing projects. When selecting wood for your project, consider the type of wood, the supplier, and the finish required. With these factors in mind, you can choose the right wood for your project and achieve the perfect end-product that will stand the test of time.

10 Best Wood For Cnc Routing

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for DIY projects, painting, drawing, laser cutting, wood engraving, wood burning, and CNC cutting.
2
Ideal for cutting and engraving various materials including wood, plastic, acrylic, PVC, and PCB.
3
This product is ideal for flattening and planing wood surfaces with precision and efficiency.
4
Ideal for woodworking tasks such as CNC work, crafting, wood template routing, as it is removable and residue-free.
5
The CNC router machine is ideal for wood and metal engraving and cutting, with limit switches and emergency-stop features included.
6
Ideal for woodworking and CNC machines, strong double-sided tape for routing templates, can be used for heavy-duty tasks.
7
This product is ideal for woodworking, CNC work, crafting, wood template routing, and leaves no residue.
8
The plywood sheets are ideal for various DIY projects, painting, drawing, laser engraving, wood burning, and CNC cutting.
9
The product is ideal for woodworking and routing rounded corners with various radius sizes using high hardness ABS+CNC templates.
10
Ideal for woodworking projects such as edge banding, routing, anchoring, and creating wood templates with strong but removable adhesion.
This product is ideal for DIY projects, painting, drawing, laser cutting, wood engraving, wood burning, and CNC cutting.
Ideal for cutting and engraving various materials including wood, plastic, acrylic, PVC, and PCB.
This product is ideal for flattening and planing wood surfaces with precision and efficiency.
Ideal for woodworking tasks such as CNC work, crafting, wood template routing, as it is removable and residue-free.
The CNC router machine is ideal for wood and metal engraving and cutting, with limit switches and emergency-stop features included.
Ideal for woodworking and CNC machines, strong double-sided tape for routing templates, can be used for heavy-duty tasks.
This product is ideal for woodworking, CNC work, crafting, wood template routing, and leaves no residue.
The plywood sheets are ideal for various DIY projects, painting, drawing, laser engraving, wood burning, and CNC cutting.
The product is ideal for woodworking and routing rounded corners with various radius sizes using high hardness ABS+CNC templates.
Ideal for woodworking projects such as edge banding, routing, anchoring, and creating wood templates with strong but removable adhesion.

1. Craftwood: Diy Thin Plywood Sheets For Creative Projects

This package of 25 pieces of unfinished basswood sheet is an essential material for model building and DIY projects. The wood has a soft, fine, and even grain that makes it easy to work with and has good workability and surface quality. Each board measures about 100 x 150mm with a thickness of 1.5mm. The size and thickness make it easy to cut with precision using your Cricut Maker machine without wearing down your blade.

The boards come unfinished with a natural wood color. The surface is smooth and burr-free, and the edges hardly need sanding as they are neat and smooth without any jaggedness. The smooth surface allows the boards to be painted, colored, and marked to fit your project's needs.

These wooden boards can be used to create a wide variety of projects, including plane models, house models, sculptures, wooden sailboats, pagoda bridges, film props, science and military models, toys, Easter and Christmas ornaments, holiday and wedding decorations, wood home decor, outdoor welcome signs, and name puzzles. They are perfect for architectural model building, wood burning projects, various handmade model bodies, DIY craft projects, and school projects.

Pros

  • Soft, fine, and even grain makes it easy to work with
  • Good workability and surface quality
  • Can be cut with ease and precision using a Cricut Maker machine without wearing down the blade
  • Smooth and burr-free surface
  • Neat and smooth edges without any jaggedness
  • Can be painted, colored, and marked
  • Versatile and can be used for various projects

Cons

  • – None

2. 3018 Pro: Ultimate Cnc Engraver Upgrade Kit

The CNC 3018PRO-N engraving machine has undergone an update, with the two sides of the Y-axis being replaced with orange bakelite resin boards, giving the machine a brighter and more novel appearance. The external frame is made of resin, while the work stable is made of aluminum alloy and the screw rod is made of stainless steel, making the machine lightweight yet durable.

The machine comes with a detailed English instruction manual for installation and engraving, including instructions for the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, and overall assembly of the engraving machine. Each installation step has been marked with the necessary parts. In addition, detailed assembly and use videos are provided, making it easy for even novices to assemble and use the machine.

The machine also features a newly added emergency stop button, which users can press to stop the engraving immediately in case of an emergency. The X/Y/Z axis limit switch has also been added, which stops the machine immediately if it exceeds the forming range. These features, along with the GRBL control board, create a safe and simple working environment for users.

The GRBL control board supports emergency stop and X/Y/Z axis limit functions, which can be used together with the emergency stop button and limit switch on the engraving machine. Additionally, it supports a maximum spindle speed of 2000RPM, 0.5W-20W laser module, tool setting(probe), a power switch button and a silent fan cooling. The machine also comes equipped with a CNC GRBL offline controller.

This engraving machine supports a variety of soft materials, including wood, plastic, acrylic, PVC, PCB, carbon fiber, density board, plastic phone cases, rubber stamps, copper, and aluminum. However, it is important to note that materials such as jewelry, jade, stainless steel, stone, ceramics, and other similar materials are not supported.

Pros

  • Lightweight and durable design
  • Detailed installation and operating instructions
  • Newly added emergency stop button and X/Y/Z axis limit switch for safety
  • GRBL control board supports multiple functions
  • CNC GRBL offline controller included
  • Supports a variety of soft materials

Cons

  • – Does not support harder materials such as jewelry and stone

3. Binstak Carbide Surfacing Router Bit Set

The 3 Wings Wood CNC Router Bit is an essential tool for professional woodworking, designed and manufactured to meet the high quality demands of industrial applications. This versatile router bit has a shank size of 1/4 inches, a cut diameter of 1 inch, and a cut length of 1/4 inch. It is suitable for use on CNC and other automatic routers, as well as handheld and table-mounted portable routers like woodworking engraving machines and trimming machines.

Made from solid hardened steel bodies with an anti-kickback design, this router bit is built to withstand heavy-duty use and the test of time. It features a sharp carbide-tipped bit and is coated with heat-resistant Teflon, which helps reduce resin build-up for fast and easy cleaning.

This professional bottom cleaning router bit is perfect for wood slab flattening, resurfacing or planing the top surface of the spoilboard, as well as trimming and slotting/grooving. It can be used on a variety of materials such as solid woods, MDF, laminate, particle board, plywood compact panel, acrylic, and more. However, it is not suitable for cutting metal or non-wood materials.

Pros

  • Sharp carbide-tipped bit for precise and accurate cuts
  • Solid hardened steel bodies with anti-kickback design for durability
  • Heat-resistant Teflon coating reduces resin build-up for easy cleaning
  • Versatile tool suitable for a variety of woodworking applications
  • Can be used on CNC and other automatic routers, handheld and table-mounted portable routers

Cons

  • – Not suitable for cutting metal or non-wood materials

4. Versatape: The Ultimate Double-Sided Woodworker's Tool

The Double Sided Woodworking Tape is a specially calibrated tape designed for woodworking activities such as splicing, machine cutting, template making, CNC woodworking, routing, and anchoring. It is thin yet strong and convenient to use. Its intended purpose is to fasten templates to wood for marking and cutting.

The cloth backing of the tape allows it to resist curling, making it easy to manage, adhere, and remove. It lessens the preparation time and effort needed on each template. The silicone-based adhesive used on this tape makes it stable yet removable and residue-free. It does not damage the wood’s delicate surface.

This double-sided tape is easy to use, with a backing that is easy to peel. It adheres well to wooden parts and can be removed without leaving any residue. The optimal thickness of the tape enables it to be applied and peeled off easily from the wood. With a strength rating of 28lbs per square inch, this tape is a real professional industrial grade double sided woodworking tape.

With a width of 2.5 inches and a length of 36 yards, this tape is the perfect size for all your woodworking needs. It works well, sticks great, and is easy to remove, making it a must-have for all your woodworking projects.

Pros

  • Specially calibrated for woodworking activities such as splicing, machine cutting, template making, CNC woodworking, routing, and anchoring
  • Thin yet strong and convenient to use
  • Cloth backing resists curling, making it easy to manage, adhere, and remove
  • Silicone-based adhesive is stable yet removable and residue-free, does not damage the wood’s delicate surface
  • Easy to use, with a backing that is easy to peel
  • Optimal thickness enables it to be applied and peeled off easily from the wood
  • Strength rating of 28lbs per square inch, a real professional industrial grade double sided woodworking tape
  • 2.5-inch width and 36 yards length make it the perfect size for all your woodworking needs

5. Cnc Wood Engraving Kit: Titoe 3020plus

The Titoe CNC Machine is an industrial grade carving machine that has been upgraded with a powerful 500W spindle and a durable metal worktable. With a large engraving area of 300 x 200 x 72mm (11.8 x 7.9 x 2.8inch), it is perfect for drilling, engraving and cutting on various materials such as metal, stainless steel, wood, and acrylic. Please note that additional tungsten milling cutters need to be purchased when carving metal.

This CNC machine has been built with an all-metal body structure and has no plastic parts, ensuring its strength and stability. Furthermore, it has upgraded the X-axis guideway to a bilinear guideway structure, which reduces friction and makes working faster and more stable. With an integrated control board, it comes equipped with an integrated driver chip, a fixed heat sink, an adjustable power supply, and a sturdy casing, all of which contribute to extending the life of the control board. The self-contained short circuit protection also ensures that it is not easy to damage.

The Titoe CNC machine is compatible with Windows XP/7/8/10, Linux, and Mac OS (UGS). Most of the parts are pre-assembled, and it takes about 15-30 minutes to fully assemble. Moreover, assembly and use videos are provided on Youtube. The package includes a Working Table, 10pcs End Mill Bits, an Offline Controller, an Emergency Stop Switch, Limit Switches, a Z Probe, and a Z-axis handwheel. If there are any problems, you can email the manufacturer, and they will reply within 24 hours.

Pros

  • Powerful 500W spindle and a durable metal worktable
  • Large engraving area of 300 x 200 x 72mm (11.8 x 7.9 x 2.8inch)
  • All-metal body structure with no plastic parts, ensuring strength and stability
  • Bilinear guideway structure reduces friction and makes working faster and more stable
  • Integrated control board with an integrated driver chip, a fixed heat sink, an adjustable power supply, and a sturdy casing
  • Self-contained short circuit protection ensures that it is not easy to damage
  • Compatible with Windows XP/7/8/10, Linux, and Mac OS (UGS)
  • Most of the parts are pre-assembled, and assembly and use videos are provided on Youtube
  • Comes with a Working Table, 10pcs End Mill Bits, an Offline Controller, an Emergency Stop Switch, Limit Switches, a Z Probe, and a Z-axis handwheel

6. Woodworker's Double Sided Tape Set – 180ft Total

Looking for a reliable double sided tape for your woodworking projects? Look no further than Hippie Crafter's Removable Double Sided Tape! This tape offers superior adhesion, thanks to its silicone-based adhesive that securely holds pieces and templates in place with double stick while still allowing for easy removal without breakage. It is compatible with all wood types and can be used for hand woodworking, CNC machining, mounting, and routing.

This industrial-grade tape is perfect for both professional woodworkers and home woodcrafters. Its two-sided tackiness and thickness make it easy to apply and remove without chipping the wood's surface. Each pack includes three rolls of 1 inch wide x 60 ft long tape for a total of 180 ft.

One of the best features of this double sided tape is its easy tear, removal, and residue-free formula. You can apply and peel off each side easily without leaving any sticky residue behind. This tape is tailored to the needs of woodworkers and can be used for making furniture, boxes, shelves, crafts, and other works of art.

When you choose Hippie Crafter, you're choosing a family-owned American small business that is committed to producing professional-grade art supplies made to strict, trade-secret standards. They pride themselves on exceptional customer service and are always available to offer support.

Pros

  • Superior adhesion for secure placement of pieces and templates without breakage
  • Works with all wood types and can be used for hand woodworking, CNC machining, mounting, and routing
  • Industrial-grade tape perfect for professional woodworkers and home woodcrafters
  • Easy to apply and remove without chipping the wood's surface
  • Residue-free formula for no mess removal
  • Comes in a pack of three rolls for a total of 180 ft

7. Double Sided Woodworker Tape For Precision Crafting.

The Double Sided Woodworking Tape is a specially calibrated tape designed by woodworkers for woodworking activities such as splicing, machine cutting, template, CNC woodworking, routing, and anchoring. It is a versatile tape that can also be used for home or office use for signs, name plates, photo albums, crafting, carpets, and rugs. The tape has a stable yet removable adhesion that is residue-free and does not damage the surface while removing after woodturner or CNC job is done.

The tape is easy to use with a backing film that is easy to peel off. It strongly adheres well to wooden parts and its cloth backing allows the tape to resist curling, making it easy to manage, adhere and remove, shortening the preparation time and effort needed on each template. The tape is suitable to be used on various materials such as wood, aluminum, steel, Peek, PMMA/plastic (not fiberboard), concrete, tile, marble, and so on. Its thin but strong adhesive makes it perfect for fastening templates/jig to wood, plastic, aluminum, and steel for marking and cutting. The tape needs to hold the template firmly but still allows its release due to its removable performance.

The Double Sided Woodworking Tape comes in a size of 25mm Width, 82 Feet Length. Its optimal thickness enables the tape to be applied and peeled off easily from the wood without lifting or chipping off the wood’s surface, making it a perfect companion for woodworkers.

Pros

  • Removable and residue-free adhesion
  • Suitable to be used on various materials
  • Easy to use with a backing film that is easy to peel off
  • Strongly adheres well to wooden parts
  • Thin but strong adhesive makes it perfect for fastening templates/jig to wood, plastic, aluminum, and steel
  • Optimal thickness enables the tape to be applied and peeled off easily from the wood without lifting or chipping off the wood’s surface
  • Versatile tape that can be used for home or office use for signs, name plates, photo albums, crafting, carpets, and rugs

8. Craftready Birch Plywood Sheets For Diy Creations

The Consmos plywood panels are a high-quality product made using the latest wood production methods. They are extremely strong and durable as they are composed of five layers of birch planks that are bonded with waterproof glue. The multi-ply composition ensures excellent strength and durability. The birch board is flat and smooth without warping, and the edges hardly need to be sanded as they are neat and smooth without jagged edges.

This plywood is made from 100% full birch wood and is environmentally friendly, responsible for the environment, and customers. The core is fully dried, fully connected, and molded three times. The three times sanding ensures clear layers, environmental protection, and health. The birch core veneer and birch veneer are imported from Baltic. The Consmos plywood has been certified by FSC, CARB P2, EPA, CE, and EUTR, making it a reliable and safe choice for all kinds of projects.

This versatile plywood is perfect for arts and crafts, school projects, DIY projects, drawing, painting, wood engraving, wood burning, laser projects, and cabinet making. The thick plywood layers make it easy to cut through saws and laser cutters, making it the ideal plywood for any production woodwork.

Consmos specialist plywood is very suitable for home carpenters and woodwork artisans to make wooden crafts, such as Easter and Christmas ornaments, holiday decorations, wedding decorations, wood home decor, outdoor welcome signs, name puzzles, and small jewelry boxes, among others. The layers of the B/BB grade Baltic birch sheets of thick plywood are designed to smoothly glide through laser cutters and scroll saws, making it the ideal thin wood sheets for efficient woodcutting.

If you have any questions or suggestions, such as size or thickness requirements, please contact the manufacturer. They will reply as soon as possible and meet your requirements.

Pros

  • Made using the latest methods in wood production, ensuring strength and durability
  • Composed of five layers of birch planks and waterproof glue
  • Full birch plywood that is environmentally friendly and certified by FSC, CARB P2, EPA, CE, and EUTR
  • Suitable for a variety of projects, including arts and crafts, school projects, DIY projects, and cabinet making
  • Ideal for laser cutting and scroll saws

9. Fegyuj High Hardness Router Templates – Rounded Corners

The Woodpecker Router Jig is a premium tool made of ABS+CNC high hardness processing glue that guarantees sturdiness and durability. It is wear-resistant and has an optimal balance of performance and price. This router jig comes with 8 different-sized radii including R5, R10, R15, R20, R25, R30, R35, and R40, which makes it suitable for measuring and making various sizes of roundness radians.

This professional router template is versatile and applicable to various boards. It is perfect for cutting perfect outside radiuses such as photo frame edges, table and chair edges or corners, trimming of corners or wood panels, and more. The Woodpecker Router Jig is easy to use and eliminates the need for messy taping or clamping. It makes your work simple, fast, and efficient.

The Woodpecker Router Jig also features a safety design that protects your hands from injuries caused by the Trim Router Bits. The fillet quick fixture cuts the outer fillet as you want, and the ergonomic three-hole fixed design makes it easier to stabilize the fixture.

Pros

  • Made of ABS+CNC high hardness processing glue for durability and wear-resistance
  • Comes with 8 different-sized radii for versatility
  • Applicable to various boards and perfect for cutting perfect outside radiuses
  • Easy to use and eliminates the need for messy taping or clamping
  • Features a safety design that protects your hands from injuries caused by the Trim Router Bits

10. Woodworker's Ultimate Double-Sided Tape

The XFasten Woodworker’s Double-Sided Woodworking Tape is a reliable and versatile tool that meets all the requirements for edge routing, banding, splicing, anchoring, and pattern cutting. It features an optimal thickness that enables easy peeling without tearing or damaging the wood fibers, even on high-speed CNC machine routing. Each roll is 36 yards long, providing ample tape for your woodworking projects.

Crafted with professional woodworkers in mind, the XFasten Woodworker’s Double-Sided Woodworking Tape has a good grip but not too much. It stays stable and firm while routing but comes off easily without ripping or chipping the fibers of wood, plywood, veneer, wood laminates, and MDF surface-finish. This double-sided tape is residue-free and surface-safe, keeping your work area clean and free from damage.

The cloth backing allows the double face wood turners double-sided tape to resist curling and unnecessary tearing, making it easy to manage, transfer, adhere and remove, lessening the preparation time and effort needed on each template. With this tape's optimal thickness and cloth backing, you can quickly peel off strips and easily remove them later, allowing for fast turnover rates.

The XFasten Woodworker’s Double-Sided Woodworking Tape is designed for fast and convenient operation. It is perfect for dealing with multiple boards to edge band and panel patterns and templates to cut. The strong adhesion allows for a stable hold, maximizing safety, especially on fast operations wherein accidents are more common.

Pros

  • Optimal thickness enables easy peeling without tearing or damaging wood fibers
  • Residue-free and surface-safe
  • Cloth backing resists curling and unnecessary tearing
  • Fast and convenient operation
  • Professional-grade craftsmanship
  • Strong adhesion allows for a stable hold, maximizing safety

Best Wood For Cnc Routing FAQs

How can wood grain and texture affect the final outcome of a CNC routing project?

Wood grain and texture can have a significant impact on the final outcome of a CNC routing project. The texture of the wood can affect the overall appearance of the finished product, as well as how it feels to the touch. For example, a rough texture may create a more rustic, natural look, while a smooth texture can provide a more modern, polished finish.

The grain of the wood also plays a crucial role in the CNC routing process. Grain direction can affect the strength and stability of the piece, and can also impact the ease with which it can be cut and carved. Additionally, the natural patterns and variations in the grain can create unique and interesting visual effects, adding depth and complexity to the design.

To achieve the best results in a CNC routing project, it is essential to choose the right type of wood and carefully consider the grain and texture of the material. By working with the natural characteristics of the wood, it is possible to create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that truly showcase the beauty and versatility of this timeless material.

How do different types of wood affect the CNC routing process?

Different types of wood can have a significant impact on the CNC routing process. The density, hardness, and grain of the wood can affect the speed and accuracy of the routing process. Softwoods such as pine or cedar are easier to route because they are less dense and have a more consistent grain pattern. Hardwoods such as oak or cherry are more challenging to route because they are denser, harder, and have a more complex grain pattern.

The moisture content of the wood also plays a role in the CNC routing process. Moisture can cause the wood to swell, making it more challenging to route accurately. It is therefore essential to ensure that the wood is properly dried before routing.

The type of bit used in the CNC router can also affect the routing process. Different bits are designed for different types of wood, and using the wrong bit can result in poor quality cuts or even damage to the wood.

Overall, the type of wood used in the CNC routing process is an essential factor that can affect the outcome of the project. It is crucial to choose the right type of wood and the right bit for the job to ensure a successful and accurate routing process.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using hardwood vs. softwood for CNC routing?

There are several advantages and disadvantages of using hardwood and softwood for CNC routing. Hardwood is more durable and stronger than softwood, making it ideal for cutting intricate designs and shapes. It also has a smoother finish, which is perfect for furniture and decorative items. However, hardwood can be more expensive and harder to find than softwood.

Softwood, on the other hand, is more readily available and less expensive than hardwood. It is also easier to cut and work with, making it ideal for beginners. However, softwood is less durable than hardwood and can be more prone to warping and cracking over time.

In terms of sustainability, softwood is generally considered more environmentally friendly than hardwood. Softwood trees grow faster and are more abundant than hardwood trees, which take longer to mature.

In conclusion, the choice between hardwood and softwood for CNC routing ultimately depends on the specific project and its requirements. Both types of wood have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to the user to decide which one is the best fit for their needs.

What are the best types of wood for CNC routing?

When it comes to CNC routing, choosing the right type of wood is crucial for achieving a high-quality finish. Some of the best types of wood for CNC routing include maple, cherry, walnut, and birch. Maple is a popular choice because of its hardness and durability, which makes it suitable for intricate designs. Cherry, on the other hand, has a beautiful grain pattern and a natural reddish-brown color that adds character to any project. Walnut is another popular choice because of its rich, dark color and unique grain pattern. Birch, while not as popular as the other three, is still a great choice for CNC routing because of its light color and fine grain pattern. Ultimately, the best type of wood for CNC routing depends on the specific project and desired outcome. It's important to consider factors like hardness, grain pattern, and color when choosing the right type of wood for your CNC routing project.

What are the ideal moisture levels for wood used in CNC routing?

The ideal moisture levels for wood used in CNC routing depend on several factors such as the type of wood, the climate, and the desired outcome. Generally, the moisture content of the wood should be between 6% to 8% for CNC routing. This range ensures that the wood is stable and won't warp or crack during the routing process. If the wood is too dry, it can become brittle and break easily, while if it's too wet, it can cause the milling cutter to dull quickly and produce rough edges.

It's important to note that different types of wood have different ideal moisture levels. For instance, hardwoods like oak and maple require a lower moisture content than softwoods like pine and cedar. Additionally, the climate can affect the moisture content of the wood. In humid areas, the wood may absorb more moisture from the air, while in dry areas, it may lose moisture.

To ensure that the wood used in CNC routing has the ideal moisture content, it's recommended to use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content before starting the routing process. This will help achieve the desired outcome and produce a high-quality finished product.

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