Carbide 3D is known for not cutting corners when building woodcutting machines. They make their own electronics, design their own hardware, write their own software, and machine their own parts. The Shapeoko 4 (which recently replaced the Shapeoko 3) is one stellar result of all this in-house work.

The Shapeoko 4, like the 3, is available in three different sizes to fit in any workshop, including the huge XXL model that quadruples the cutting space of the original! The 4 is much more than an upgrade to the 3, however. It’s a cut above other options, with increased strength and stability. Carbide 3D has also introduced a hybrid table design that makes holding down cutting material a breeze.

Shapeokos come with everything you need to start cutting wood, plastic, and even aluminum. Assembly requires an hour or two and the detailed set-up guide outlines the remaining steps to turn a file into a finished part. If you get stuck, Carbide 3D is renowned for its outstanding customer support and the Shapeoko also has a huge community ready to wrestle through issues with you.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Shapeoko Pro is also an extremely capable option, with increased performance that matches its price.

• Price: $1,525 (4), $1,775 (XL), $1,970 (XXL) (base prices)
• Cutting area: 17.5 x 17.5 x 4 in (4), 17.5 x 33 x 4 in (XL), 32 x 33 x 4 in (XXL)
• Materials: Plastic, woods, and soft metals (aluminum, brass, etc.)
• Quality: 0.05-mm dimensional accuracy

Carbide 3D Shapeoko 4 Learn more

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The Inventables X-Carve has made its mark (or should we say cut!) on the world of CNC wood carving. It’s huge, affordable, and delivers outstanding results.

Inventables makes a bold claim: The X-Carve can be used with zero CNC knowledge or experience. The entire workflow from CAD to cutting is straightforward and easy to master, but if you do need some extra assistance, Inventables provides customers with a whole host of articles explaining every aspect of their machines and software, and you can contact the company directly for support. The popularity of the X-Carve has led to the creation of a huge community of users, ready to help with any issues you may run into.

Inventables continues to impress with its earlier release of the X-Carve Pro, the larger, faster, and stronger (albeit more expensive) version of the X-Carve. Either of these machines would be a valuable asset to your woodworking shop.

• Price: ~$2,300, ~$10,000 (Pro)
• Cutting area: 29.5 x 29.5 x 2.5 in, 48 x 24 (or 48) x 4 in (Pro)
• Materials: Plastic, woods, and soft metals (aluminum, brass, etc.)
• Quality: 0.05-mm dimensional accuracy

Inventables X-Carve

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Next Wave Automation makes a wide variety of CNC machines that are quite popular among woodworkers. Next Wave claims that its machines, which are made in the US, are the world’s best, set apart for their reliability, accuracy, and durability.

The HD520 comes with a color touchscreen teach pendant, Vectric software, and an all-around workflow that’s a breeze to use. With the help of the many instructional videos, documents, and forum posts, plus personal customer support, you’re in good hands.

Next Wave’s CNCs have been used by companies like Tesla, Boeing, and GE. The three machines in the HD series are all ideal for wood carving, but the HD520 is the biggest, strongest, and fastest, which is why it’s made our list.

• Price: ~$5,000
• Cutting area: 25 x 50 x 7 in
• Materials: Plastic, woods, composites, and soft metals (aluminum, brass, etc.)
• Quality: 0.05-mm dimensional accuracy

Next Wave Shark HD520

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The Axiom Precision Iconic series of CNC routers is indeed iconic. On their release, Axiom claimed that these machines would be “the new king of the entry-level CNC market,” and the user reviews actually seem to live up to the hype!

The company offers a CNC training program, which sets it apart from others on this list. Another perk is the USB port for file transfer, which eliminates the need for a tethered PC. A teach pendant controller also makes the CNC workflow even easier.

• Price: ~$5,000 (24 in), ~$6,000 (48 in)
• Cutting area: 24 x 24 x 4 in, 24 x 48 x 4 in
• Materials: Plastic, woods, and soft metals (aluminum, brass, etc.)
• Quality: 0.15-mm resolution

Axiom Precision Iconic CNC Router

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This next router stands out from the rest of the machines on this list. Instead of exhibiting an aluminum frame, the KL744 sports a frame composed entirely of 12-mm 9-ply Baltic birch plywood.

Despite its unusual appearance, the KL744 produces incredible wood carvings that rival traditional, higher-end CNC mills. While it may not be the best machine for milling precise parts, especially with hard materials, it’s perfect for making wooden engravings and carvings.

BobsCNC is renowned for helpful customer service and an enthusiastic user community. The simplicity of this machine’s design contributes to its being a wonderful beginner machine. However, do expect a tedious, involved assembly.

• Price: From ~$2,800
• Cutting area: 48 x 48 x 5 in
• Materials: Plastics and woods
• Quality: 0.05-mm repeatability

The OpenBuilds Lead 1010 enables makers to customize and improve an already impressively capable CNC mill. The Lead 1010 is constructed completely of regular V-slot extrusions and mounting components. You can even buy each component of this machine individually, including the motors, control system, and accessories.

Basically, this machine is built to be hacked and to fit in nearly every budget, so it’s an extremely versatile option. If you don’t want to buy a dust collection system or motors from the store, for example, you can build or source your own. OpenBuilds also offers a variety of upgrades such as a high-Z mod, a table, and an enclosure.

Your experience with this machine is what you make of it and which upgrades you buy. With all the bells and whistles, such as the dust shoe, leveling block, control system, and software package, this machine will help you create some impressive projects with ease.

Being open-source, the OpenBuilds community is enormous and always ready to help. All the part files and software are available for free, and customer support is also available via phone or email.

• Price: From ~$1,400
• Cutting area: 29 x 32 x 4 in
• Materials: Plastic, woods, and soft metals (aluminum, brass, etc.)
• Quality: 0.05-mm dimensional accuracy