Benefits of using a CNC wood router to build cabinetry

By scribe

In addition to automation and precision, CNC routers are well known for their versatility and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and wood.

The wood capability is especially prevalent, as countless hobbyists and professionals alike use CNC routers to produce custom, high-quality cabinetry for both customers and themselves. Whether you’re a professional CNC technician or an at-home DIYer, a CNC wood router can help streamline your next project from start to finish.

Here are the main advantages of using a CNC wood router to help lead the cabinetmaking process, along with some tips to further optimize your production.

CNC routers automate the cabinetmaking process

Cabinetmaking – and all woodworking for that matter – used to rely heavily on manual processes to complete projects. Those days are long gone, as CNC machines allow operators to automate the cutting process with the help of state-of-the-art equipment and software.

Rather than cutting each piece by hand, a CNC wood router can relay inputs from the computer to execute precise cuts in a fraction of the time.

CNC routers deliver consistent quality

The old, manual processes of woodworking also lent themselves to frequent human error – which in turn would lead to material waste and lost revenue. CNC work allows operators to achieve the exact right cut every time – and to then repeat that cut as many times as the project requires.

A CNC wood router is one of the best ways to achieve maximum precision while eliminating errors and wasted material from your process.

CNC routers provide maximum productivity

The productivity benefits of CNC machines are among the main reasons they can provide outstanding value for your small or midsize business.

With the help of CNC, you can produce more parts with fewer people in less time. This drastically reduces operating costs while increasing both the quality and quantity of your work.

It’s commonly asked how long it takes to complete a cabinet job on a CNC router. In the sample video below, 11 sheets of wood were used to cut cabinetry pieces for an entire kitchen in less than one hour. The productivity boost provided by CNC technology is unmatched.

Nesting

Cabinetmaking projects often involve several sheets of wood and a wide variety of part sizes and shapes. This can slow down the process – unless you use nesting to take productivity to the next level.

Nesting optimizes the layout pattern of cuts to maximize the amount of material used, also reducing cutting time and material waste in the process. It’s an effective way to keep more money in your pocket and to even further boost the efficiency of your project.

Here nesting is used to maximize space in cutting 16 pieces from a single workpiece.

Know your wood

An important decision in cabinetmaking is to determine which type of wood to work with. This will impact the appearance, durability, and overall limitations of the scope of the project. This is because certain types of hardwoods and softwoods are better-suited for some projects more than others.

Hardwoods like oak or mahogany are typically darker in color and are more durable, while softwoods like cedar or pine tend to be lighter and a bit easier to cut (but beware of splintering the wood in the process). If you’re uncertain as to which wood will work best for you, consult a professional for expert guidance.

Create one-of-a-kind cabinetry with ShopSabre CNC

ShopSabre produces the highest-quality CNC routers in the industry that have helped produce thousands of unique, high-end cabinets. And it all starts with the quality of our machinery – specifically our PRO Series and IS Series routers.

The secret to achieving precise edge finishes and accuracy in cabinetmaking starts with the bases of ours routers themselves. The base of both the PRO Series and IS Series is made from a one-piece all-welded steel frame to go along with contour guide rails and precision ball screws on all three axes.

Each of our routers has accessories available that can take your cabinetmaking capabilities to the next level, including:

• The Apex EZ Sander – A safe, efficient, and versatile finishing option for all types of wood.
• A CNC touch probe – Can help you easily duplicate parts and reverse engineer products to replicate complex 2D shapes or 3D geometry that are common in cabinetmaking, such as but not limited to:
  • Range hoods
  • Wainscoting
  • Custom moldings
  • Posts and railing sections
  • And more
• The Dust Dock – Helps quickly and effectively remove sawdust and other debris that can become overwhelming during cabinet production. There is simply no cleaner way to build cabinets than with a ShopSabre router equipped with a Dust Dock.

Adding a ShopSabre CNC router to your shop gives you the ability to bring more projects in house, such as:

• MDF raised panel doors
• Shaker doors
• Dovetail drawers
• Custom range hoods
• Wainscoting panels
• Custom closets
• Custom moldings
• Posts and pillars
• Live edge production

ShopSabre technology helps you make more money and satisfy your customers while doing work you already do backed by equipment already in your shop. Shop our unmatched collection of CNC routers and CNC plasmas and get a quote today to take your quality and productivity to the next level.