Hardwood
Oak, Maple, Walnut, Cherry and other hardwoods.
Solutions / Woodworking
CNC Woodworking Tools & Parts
CNC Woodworking Made Easier
The right CNC router bits, spindles, collets and workholding solutions for cutting, carving and engraving wood.
Step 1
Choose Your Wood
Bit geometry follows the material. Start with what you are cutting.
Softwood
Pine, Cedar, Fir and other softwoods.
Plywood
Birch plywood, MDF-core plywood and other sheet materials.
MDF
Ideal for signs, prototypes, furniture parts and CNC projects.
Step 2
Shop Woodworking CNC Tools
Organised by the job you need to do, not by SKU.
CNC Router Bits
For cutting, carving, engraving and finishing wood.
Shop Router BitsCNC Spindles
Choose the right spindle power for your machine and material.
Shop SpindlesCollets & Tooling
Improve tool holding and reduce runout.
Shop ColletsWorkholding
Keep your workpiece secure during cutting.
Shop WorkholdingDust Collection
Keep your workspace cleaner and improve visibility.
Shop ExtractionCNC Accessories
Clamps, measuring tools, cables and maintenance accessories.
Shop AccessoriesBit Guide
Which CNC Bit Do You Need?
Match the task to the cutter. This is the single biggest factor in surface finish.
| Task | Recommended Bit |
|---|---|
| Cutting plywood | Compression Bit |
| Cutting hardwood | Upcut / Compression |
| V-groove signs | V-Bit |
| 3D carving | Ball Nose |
| Surface flattening | Spoilboard Bit |
| Fine engraving | Engraving Bit |
| Pocketing | Upcut End Mill |
| Clean top surface | Downcut Bit |
Step 3
Recommended CNC Setup for Woodworking
Two setups that cover most woodworking work on a desktop CNC.
Projects
What Can You Make With a CNC?
Wooden Signs
V-carved and profile-cut signage for indoors and out.
Wall Art
Layered and relief-carved decorative panels.
Furniture Parts
Joinery, panels and shaped components.
Cabinet Components
Doors, drawers and repeatable production parts.
Engraved Boxes
Inlays, lids and personalised gift boxes.
3D Carvings
Sculptural pieces machined from solid stock.
Learn
Woodworking Guides
Practical guides on bits, feeds and finishes. New articles are added to the Learn hub.
- How to Choose CNC Router Bits for Wood
- Best CNC Bits for Hardwood
- Upcut vs Downcut vs Compression Bits
- How to CNC Carve Plywood
- How to CNC Cut MDF
- How to Prevent Burning When CNC Cutting Wood
- How to Get a Better Surface Finish
FAQ
Woodworking CNC Questions
What CNC bit is best for hardwood?
For most hardwoods a 2-flute upcut end mill removes chips efficiently, while a compression bit gives clean top and bottom edges on veneered or two-sided material. Use downcut geometry when the top face must stay splinter-free.
What spindle power do I need for woodworking?
A 300–500W spindle handles light cutting and engraving. For production cutting, deep pockets and larger bits, move up to 800W–1.5KW. More power lets you keep the feed rate and chip load in range instead of slowing down and burning the wood.
Should I use an upcut or downcut bit?
Upcut bits pull chips upward and clear the cut quickly, but they can tear the top face. Downcut bits push down for a clean top surface but clear chips poorly. Compression bits combine both and are the usual choice for plywood and laminated panels.
What CNC router bit is best for plywood?
A compression bit is the standard answer because plywood has veneer on both faces. If you only have one, an upcut bit works with a shallow finishing pass to clean the top edge.
How can I reduce burning when cutting wood?
Burning is heat, and heat comes from rubbing instead of cutting. Increase feed rate, reduce spindle RPM, take a lighter radial depth of cut, and replace dull tooling. Good chip evacuation also carries heat away from the cut.
Next
Ready to Cut Wood?
Browse the exact categories below, or jump to another material.