For small businesses across the UK, CNC routers can revolutionise the production process. These computer-controlled cutting machines can precisely cut and shape materials such as wood, plastic, and metal.
We love working with small businesses and are passionate about doing anything we can to help them flourish and grow. That’s why we’ve put together this handy list of some of the top CNC routers for small businesses and examined what makes them so useful.
What Are the Must-Have Features of CNC Routers for Small Businesses?
Versatile
One of the key advantages of CNC routers is their versatility. These machines can execute a wide range of cutting operations, from simple straight cuts to complex 3D contours, with ease and precision. This versatility makes them perfect for woodworking, signage, prototyping, and more.
Accurate
Unlike traditional manual methods, CNC routers also offer you unparalleled accuracy and repeatability, making them an indispensable tool for businesses seeking to enhance and standardise their production capabilities.
Efficient
Computer-controlled routers can also reduce your production times. They achieve this by reducing the number of manufacturing errors thanks to their ultra-reliable accuracy and consistency.
The Top CNC Routers for Small Businesses
1. SainSmart’s Genmitsu 3020 Pro Max
Kicking off our list of the best CNC routers for small businesses is an offering from one of our most well-known brands. The 3020 Pro Max is perfect for hobbyists and artisans alike. With a robust construction and powerful spindle, it can handle metal, wood, foam, and plastics.
The machine’s design also incorporates side panels to mitigate the mess of chips produced during operations, ensuring a tidier workspace without enclosing the cutting area. With a solid aluminium workplace enhanced with diverse clamping points, you can ensure stability and precision in every cut.
Image Source: SainSmart
It’s also scalable, with ports for laser and air-assist add-ons alongside separate kits to double its work area. Compatibility with popular control software through GRBL firmware streamlines your process even further, too.
With a price tag of just under £440 ($549) plus tax, it’s a great, affordable option for small businesses.
2. Ooznest Workbee
If you’re after strength, reliability, and stability, then you can’t do much better than the Ooznest Workbee when looking for the top CNC router for your small business. Manufactured with professionals in mind, it offers solid, consistent performance across a multitude of materials – but its real strength lies in woodworking.
What also sets the Workbee apart is its customisable nature. It’s available in a few different sizes and allows users to tailor the machine to their specific needs. Whether you’re crafting compact creations or more extensive projects, you can adapt this router to you.
Image Source: Ooznest
Capable of precision cutting up to a depth of 25mm, you can realise intricate designs and fine detail work. It’s worth bearing in mind that, as with many CNC routers, this item arrives as a kit, so home assembly is necessary.
Designed and made in Britain, the higher-spec nature of the Workbee is reflected in the price, and it will set you back anywhere between £1,335 and £1,595 (including VAT), depending on which size you go for.
3. SainSmart’s Genmitsu 3018 PROver
Another gem from SainSmart, this desktop CNC router strikes a balance between cost efficiency and functionality. Designed with beginners and hobbyists in mind, it supports engraving and milling for a variety of materials. This makes it a great option specifically for DIY and prototyping projects.
Its compact and lightweight design ensures that it fits comfortably on a desktop, offering convenience without sacrificing your precious workspace. Like the Workbee, this machine is sold as a kit, so you will need to put it together yourself.
However, at £280 ($349) plus tax, getting your hands on one is a great accessible way to get into CNC routing.
Image Source: SainSmart
4. Snapmaker Artisan
Rounding off our list of the best CNC routers for small businesses is the Snapmaker Artisan. With easy-to-swap tool heads, you can facilitate a seamless transition between powerful laser engraving, dual extrusion 3D printing, and precision CNC cutting with a 200w spindle. This modularity opens up a world of possibilities, allowing for varied applications from one machine.
It’s powerful and precise, too, but without suffering from overengineering. The Artisan boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of switching between functions. Users can shift from printing to cutting to engraving without facing the daunting setup process associated with such diverse operations.
As a high-end, comprehensive solution, the Artisan is the most expensive CNC router on our list, coming in at £2,080 ($2599) plus tax. However, we think its versatile three-in-one combination of 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC milling means that it’s a worthwhile investment.
Image Source: 3DJake UK
Looking for Fume and Dust Extraction for Your Small Business?
CNC routing, while integral for small businesses, can create risks when not paired with the right extraction system. Wood dusts and cutting fumes can cause significant health problems when allowed to linger.
At VODEX, we have a wealth of experience providing fume and dust extraction systems to small businesses of varying types. From artisans to woodworkers and from restoration experts to beauty salons, we’re proud to work with small businesses and support them as they continue to thrive.
A number of our extraction systems are perfect for use with a CNC router. The VX1 and VX2 provide excellent, all-round dust collection capabilities with one and two arm-mounted nozzles, respectively.
Another strong contender is the VXPRO500, which is suitable for a wide range of uses, including laser marking or cutting, light dust and fume extraction, as well as CNC routing. It’s compact, highly mobile, and incorporates a high-capacity bag dust filter.
If you want to find out more about any of our solutions, then why not visit our shop? Or, for more information, get in touch with our team today.
