Quick answer: Choose the table size first: 24 x 24, 24 x 36 and 24 x 48 are bench and small-shop sizes. 48 x 48 and 60 x 60 handle larger panels.
For signs, crafts and learning, a 1 HP machine on 115V is plenty. For hardwood, cabinet parts and production, step up to a 3 HP spindle on 220V. Servo drives are worth it if the machine will run all day.
A CNC router cuts, carves and engraves wood, plastics, foam and soft metals from a design file. Once you have used one, it becomes the machine that pays for itself fastest in a woodshop or sign shop. Here is how to choose one.
1. Table size: the biggest decision
| Cutting area | Good for |
|---|---|
| 24 x 24 in. | Signs, plaques, small parts, learning |
| 24 x 36 in. | Larger signs, furniture parts |
| 24 x 48 in. | Half sheets, cabinet doors, long signs |
| 48 x 48 in. | Large panels, production runs of parts |
| 60 x 60 in. | Full-size panels and the biggest projects |
Think about the largest piece you want to cut in one setup, not just your first project. Then check the machine's footprint, which is always bigger than its cutting area.
2. Spindle power
- 1 HP spindle: fine for softwoods, plastics, signs and light hardwood work, taken at gentler depths. Axiom's Iconic machines and the 2X2 use a 1 HP spindle on 115V.
- 3 HP spindle: cuts hardwood and sheet goods faster and deeper, and holds up to long run times. Axiom's AR PRO and AR Elite machines use 3 HP spindles on 220V.
The AR PRO V6 machines use a liquid-cooled spindle. It runs quieter and cooler than an air-cooled spindle during long jobs.
3. Servo vs stepper drives
The motors that move the gantry come in two types:
- Stepper motors move in fixed steps. They are simple and affordable. If a cut overloads them, they can lose position without knowing it.
- Servo motors use feedback to check where they are and correct themselves. That gives faster moves, smoother cuts and no lost position, which matters on long production jobs.
Axiom's AR Elite machines are servo-driven. If your router will run every day for paying work, servo drives are the upgrade to make.
4. Power and space
The 1 HP Axiom machines plug into a standard 115V outlet. The 3 HP machines need 220V; the Elite models are single phase. Plan for a dust collector too, because CNC routers make a lot of fine chips. See our dust collection sizing guide.
5. The Axiom lineup at a glance
| Line | Sizes | Spindle | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2X2 and Iconic | 24 x 24 to 24 x 48 | 1 HP | 115V |
| AR PRO V6 | 24 x 24 to 24 x 48 | 3 HP, liquid-cooled | 220V |
| AR Elite (servo) | 24 x 48 to 60 x 60 | 3 HP | 220V single phase |
Cutting metal instead?
For cutting steel plate, a CNC router is the wrong tool. Look at our Baileigh CNC plasma tables and water jets instead.
Quick picks
Tell us what you want to make and how much space you have, and we will help you pick the right size. Chat with us on the site or call (888) 990-8016.