| The CNC router table is a very important part of the | | | | However, additional plumbing along with a filter and |
| router machine since it holds the unfinished object | | | | relief valve will be required. Another top is the T-Slot |
| firmly in place until the process is completed. An ideal | | | | tabletop that can be made of steel or aluminum as per |
| CNC router table should be sufficiently rigid and should | | | | the user's requirements. The steel tops are quite |
| have a clamping or vacuum system that is effective | | | | heavy as compared to the extruded aluminum ones. |
| and offers flexibility in operation. There are various | | | | Another variation is the perforated tabletop, which is |
| types of router tables that are used as per the | | | | priced even lower than the T-Slot table. However, |
| requirements of the user. | | | | users can also go in for a simple tabletop made of |
| Materials that can be processed by CNC routing | | | | MDF wood, especially in situations where the chances |
| machines | | | | of damaging the table are more. |
| CNC routing machines can be used to provide finishing | | | | Pros and cons of a CNC router table |
| and can also shape various materials such as...o | | | | Pros - Be it a hobbyist working in the garage or a |
| Plywood, MDF, Solid Hardwoodo Acrylic, Plastic, | | | | professional production house, a CNC router table is an |
| Melamine, Compositeso Aluminum, certain varieties of | | | | absolute necessity since it can hold the job-work |
| Stone, etc. | | | | precisely as various machines work over it. This results |
| Wood, plastic and aluminum are some of the preferred | | | | in perfectly finished products, which translate into |
| items that are processed by these machines. | | | | fewer rejections and the process uses less time as |
| However, the required material has to be placed on a | | | | compared to a manual machine. The risk factor is also |
| table or bed before the router starts the process, | | | | lessened considerably especially when routing |
| which is initiated by the operator through the attached | | | | machines with multiple axes work over the material. |
| computer. This is where a CNC router table comes | | | | Cons - The basic problem is that these tables occupy |
| into the picture. The table will hold the piece in place | | | | a lot of space, especially when the job/work involves |
| while the router that is assisted by various motors and | | | | large sheets of plastic, metal or wood that need to be |
| tools, converts the computer design into a 2D or 3D | | | | routed. Users do get tempted to sometimes go in for |
| physical shape. | | | | a bigger table after anticipating their future needs. On |
| Different types of CNC router tables | | | | the other hand, the right sized table is absolutely |
| One of the costlier tables that do not require any | | | | necessary for completing the required process quickly |
| clamping is the vacuum tabletop. It can be used to hold | | | | and efficiently. |
| most materials in position in a contact-less manner. | | | | |