The Ultimate CNC Router Review Buyers Guide, Best CNC Routers

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Published 2022-06-25
This CNC router review video tutorial for beginners and newbies teaches you how to select the best CNC router, the best CNC design software for CNC router projects, and the best controller software for you as a beginner researching CNC routers.

Whether you want to enhance your woodworking, start a CNC hobby, or start a CNC business to make money with your CNC projects, this video will help you find the exact CNC router for you and to avoid possible purchase mistakes. We will also cover the best starter CNC router bits, and the essential CNC router bits needed to start creating CNC projects.

Using the Longmill MK2 CNC router as a baseline, we compare everything about CNC routers for your home wood shop.

You will learn the difference between desktop CNC routers, benchtop CNC routers, and industrial CNC routers. And you will understand what makes for a good CNC router. This video is also a review of the Longmill MK2 CNC router.

Your list of all supplies needed. Download the PDF here → idcwoodcraft.com/download/6458/

LINKS
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CNC Insiders: Discounts, freebies & special deals → idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-lp2-free...
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* CNC Routers * (Longmill special links)
- Longmill MK2 30x30 → bit.ly/3JQx3BB
- Longmill MK2 30x48 → bit.ly/3JQx3BB
- Longmill MK1 48" Extension kit → bit.ly/3wGxBG5
- gSender control software FREE download → bit.ly/3y6rnwg
- Corner touch probe (XYZ probe)→ bit.ly/36tsMFq
- Auto-zero touch probe → bit.ly/36tsMFq
- Longmill limit switches (MK2) → bit.ly/3yjqaVL
- Longmill spoilboard file → etsy.me/3oxX79l
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* CNC Router Bits & Sets *
- Complete 13-piece beginners starter set [premium grade] → bit.ly/3ty7gpw
- Essential 6-piece beginners starter set [premium grade] → bit.ly/3HRoQg6
- IDC Woodcraft CNC router bit store → idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-router-b...
- Surfacing bit → bit.ly/3Oyqw0k
- 1/4" down-cutting endmill → bit.ly/3yfBqT7
- 1/8" down-cut endmill → bit.ly/3HSoF4j
- 1/16" down-cut endmill → bit.ly/3yjoiwd
- 90° v bit → bit.ly/3xTzFJZ
- 60° v bit → bit.ly/39NFf8R
- 30° engraving v bit → bit.ly/3xWzxt6
- 1/4" ball nose endmill → bit.ly/3zZ26c9
- 1/8" ball nose endmill → bit.ly/3QM6Zv7
- 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor collet → bit.ly/3tWo3Vt
- Glass engraving drag bit → bit.ly/3tRy98s
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* Design Software *
NOTE: With these, you can carve 3D models but cannot design them
- Vectric Vcarve Pro → bit.ly/3d4WrEU
- Carveco Maker → bit.ly/3QPPMRg

NOTE: To create 3D models, get the following instead of the above
- Vectric Aspire (for 3D work) → shrsl.com/37pw9
- Carveco Maker Plus → bit.ly/3A3VUPX
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* Control Software *
- Gsender control software → bit.ly/3y6rnwg
- Lightburn (for laser add-on) → bit.ly/3ykLwSX
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* Dust Collection *
- Dust shields for Longmill → bit.ly/3xWlTGj
- Dust shoe (order yours with your Longmill → bit.ly/3u0gSf6
- Flexible 20' vacuum tube from Amazon → amzn.to/39UcJSW
- Recommended shop vac → amzn.to/3u40H0d
- Hurricane adaptor separator for shop vac → amzn.to/3bwfz0Z
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Laser add-on for your CNC router → bit.ly/3A0b2y1
You will need to add Lightburn software to use the laser → bit.ly/3ykLwSX
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OTHER ‘MUST HAVES’ FOR CNC ROUTERS
→ Calipers: link.idcwoodcraft.com/avchps
→ Hearing protection (plugs don't work): amzn.to/2Hs1RgW
___________________________
Starbond CA Glue Products
GET 10% OFF when you use this discount code: IDCWOODCRAFT
Starbond link: bit.ly/3g81RRU
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Join CNC ENTREPRENEURS Facebook group → www.facebook.com/groups/cncentrepreneurs
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CNC FREE STUFF AND MORE
CNC Insiders sign up (free files and more): idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-lp2-free...
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* Channel Playlists *
CNC FOR BEGINNERS: bit.ly/3rg4WTl
CNC ENTREPRENEURS: bit.ly/3mxz6Ok
VECTRIC VCARVE & ASPIRE TUTORIALS FOR BEGINNERS: bit.ly/3pdmFsi
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CNC FOR BEGINNERS PODCAST: anchor.fm/cnc-for-beginners
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Garrett Fromme
Facebook: fb.me/IDCWoodcraft
Website: www.idcwoodcraft.com
Email: [email protected]

#cnc #cncrouters #cncforbeginners #vcarvetutorials #vectric #carveco

All Comments (21)
  • @IDCWoodcraft
    I hope you enjoyed this ultimate CNC router buyers guide. If you are interested in getting the Longmill, please use this link: bit.ly/3JQx3BB
  • @JoelWestrom
    Wow, I'm brand new and was exploring CNC routers today and online and after about 2-3 hours today, I decided this was probably too many variables in systems, set-ups, software and learning curve that I just could not grasp enough to even get me in right direction. This evening, I came across this video and was like hour and 47minutes, there is no way I could possibly watch that much more on this subject. I watched every minute of it and was so impressed with the precise details and timely information you crammed into that time frame. Excellent job! I am for sure ordering the router and will go thru every effort to use your links as you deserve every bit of support and plan to get into more of your videos. Whew!! such relief now... LOL
  • Absolutely great production. You've gone to a lot of effort putting this together and to present the subject in a logical, chronologial and practical manner. Thank you for doing this - arguably the most valuable production for anyone keen on doing CNC properly.
  • Great video Garrett. Very informative. The best video I’ve seen for the brand new person interested in the world of cnc. My hat is off to you. You got me started in my journey and I love it. Btw, the bits I’ve bought from you the last few months work flawlessly. 👍👍
  • @tonylopez6922
    I seldom comment on social media, but I believe in supporting and showing appreciation when it's deserved. Great video btw. It really does show that you truly love, enjoy and care for what you do. The best thing about you as a person, a human being is how personal you run your business. Meaning what you did for John. People always say big companies will never have the personal touch and experience a small business offers its customers. But it all starts from the top. Being kind in business is seen sometimes as weak and powerless. It p****s me off that people lost respect. They forgot; Kindness is Golden. An act of kindness moves mountains. I'm just returning what you have offered to a lot of us through your stories and videos. Thank you for sharing all the hard work, skills and knowledge with us. It's very much appreciated. I have to get back to finishing watching your video now and figure out how I'm going to saddle up my cnc to ride it lol.
  • I watched a previous iteration of this video (and countless others of Garrett's videos) as I planned on buying my first CNC machine last year. I pulled the trigger in November, set the machine up and started using it in February - making some awesome projects as I learned... for myself and what has turned out to be several dozen clients so far as a side gig. I took things to the next level yesterday with running my first 3D carve. I have Garrett and this channel to thank for an amazing launch to an amazing journey - I have the MK1 Longmill, Vectric VCarve Pro... and have even bought a number of bits from IDC so far and will keep expanding my collection as the need arises, even with the extra shipping costs to 🇨🇦 - totally worth it. If you're on the fence and new to IDC Woodcraft, buckle up and watch, watch and watch. I'm what... five months into using my machine? I still love watching the machine do its thing!! Join us!!
  • I absolutely love your channel and videos. You remind me a lot of my CAD Instructor when I went to ITT for CAD Drafting. Course I was learning to design buildings, Electrical, and water supply systems (Plumbing), and so on. So your videos have opened up a whole new avenue for CAD for me. Thank You.
  • Excellent video Garrett. Very well thought out, put together, and presented - covering all aspects & more. You are talented at so many things Bro.
  • I can't thank you enough for this information!!! Very clear, concise, and addressed ALL of my questions, doubts and concerns. I'm subscribing to your channel (1st time EVER...I just DON'T do that), will be buying the Longmill 48x30 (of course I'll use your link!), and will also be buying the full stater bit set from you. You, sir, are literally a Godsend. FYI: I have recently started a prop design and making business for all occasions and holidays, which is a life-long passion and dream...and the extreme bonus is that my wife will joining me in this dream-come-true. Thanks to you (and ONLY you, after so many other videos), I feel confident and capable in moving forward into CNC work. The hesitation is gone, replaced by excitement and anticipation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 😎
  • @ejv1227
    I really appreciate you taking the risk of a long form video, as they are not popular. I have been doing a lot of research on cnc routers, and I came to some of the same conculsions that you did. But I wish I had found this video like right when you uploaded it. It would have saved me a lot of time doing research, as well I learned a lot of things I didn't know I needed to take into account. I am going to start a cnc router business, and your video gives me more confidence in starting that business. Thank you so much.
  • @roy.h.barrett
    Holy Crap! The content was clear, concise, well thought out and well... fantastic Garrett! Thanks a ton... what a lesson!!!
  • I can't imagine how long it took you to shoot and produce that video. Excellent, and thank you for that effort. It gave me a ton of info for my search. I unexpectedly had to retire after a stroke and I am back in the shop with my son, with not as much dexterity as before, so a CNC will definitely help make up for a loss of some fine motor skills. My son is a workhorse but I am not going to let him have all the fun. Thank you again. Now I have more of your videos to watch.
  • Making the longmill Mk2 purchase this evening through your affiliate link when I get home. Your video was very well done and informative. Thank you for the love and dedication to the craft. Will be following closely.
  • @patberry3388
    Love this very informative video. I am a retiree who is doing CNC engraving and cutting and I also came out of the machine shop. Garrett is outstanding in his knowledge. I am now considering another CNC router. I will be looking at the Longmill and IDC.
  • Bruh, great video. I’ve been all over YouTube for three days and this is the best all in one video. Excellent summary.
  • @josephhowell219
    Dude, Garrett, you have done SOOOOOO much for me in helping me choose, to go forward with this. The very last statement you made in this video was as if it was specific for me. Thank You.
  • @JosephBravata
    Hello, watch your video last night. Outstanding information, I'm sold! Can't wait to get started. Loved the personal stories you added.
  • @troyvonhall7418
    Amazing video! Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Longmill will definitely be my choice.
  • @andrewwood6285
    Wow! This was a great experience! Rare, very rare for a YouTube vid. You are the Salt of this earth brother!
  • BIG thanx for the detailed CNC info!! I've looked into several CNC units and I was left short-changed knowing that I wanted a more stable, more thoroughly designed CNC machine and then, I ran across your videos and over about 10 days -- when I had time -- watched about 3 or so hours of your presentations. I have a woodworking shop, where I create high end exotic hardwood creations and have wanted to look into adding CNC AND engraving to my arsenal o er the last year. I did not want any old machine -- I wanted to be able to have a machine that would that would be an ideal compliment to my business and to my creations and to be able to add such for a reasonable end cost, to which I believe I found exactly what I am looking for with the LongMill. Thanx again for the info and I will dive into your other videos as I have time for sure and I will purchase via your link. Be well.