CNC Router vs CNC Mill: What’s the Big Difference?

Hi! Today at Istar Machining, we want to talk about CNC routers and CNC mills. These are two big machines that cut things. But they are not the same! Let’s learn how they are different.

What Are CNC Routers and CNC Mills?

CNC Router

• A CNC router cuts soft stuff like wood and plastic
• It uses router bits that spin very fast
• It is good for making signs and cabinets

CNC Mill

• A CNC mill cuts hard stuff like metal and steel
• It uses end mills for deep cuts in metal
• It is used for car parts and plane parts

At Istar Machining, we offer expert CNC milling services for all your metal parts needs.

What They Can Cut

Let’s see what each machine can cut:

If you need steel parts for your project, our steel CNC machining services can help you get exactly what you need.

How Exact They Cut

Some jobs need cuts that are very, very exact. Here’s how they compare:

• CNC Router: Can cut with ±0.005″ (about as thick as a piece of paper)
• CNC Mill: Can cut with ±0.001″ (five times more exact!)

This is why at Istar Machining, we use CNC mills for jobs that need to be very exact.

Big Differences in the Machines

The Cutting Tools

• Router bits are short and made for fast cutting
• End mills are longer and made to stay cool when cutting metal

How Fast They Spin

• Routers: 15,000-24,000 spins per minute (very fast!)
• Mills: 6,000-15,000 spins per minute (not as fast, but more strong)

How Big They Are

• Routers: Can be very big, up to 4×8 feet (like a big table)
• Mills: Usually smaller, made for cutting small, exact parts

How Much They Cost

• Routers: $10,000-$50,000 (still a lot of money!)
• Mills: $50,000-$250,000+ (very, very costly)

Real Stories of Using These Machines

Story 1: Making Furniture

A company called Coastal Woodworks used a CNC router to make cabinets:

• They made cabinets 60% faster
• They wasted 22% less wood

Story 2: Making Airplane Parts

A company called AeroTech Machining used a CNC mill to make jet engine parts:

• They cut metal parts with super exact cuts
• The parts were the same 98% of the time

At Istar Machining, we specialize in aerospace CNC machining for high-precision components.

When to Use a CNC Router

Use a CNC router when:

• You work with wood or plastic
• You need to cut big sheets
• You want to make signs or furniture
• You need to save money

When to Use a CNC Mill

Use a CNC mill when:

• You work with metal
• You need very exact cuts
• You make car parts or plane parts
• You need to cut hard materials

For precise metal work, our precision CNC machining services deliver outstanding results.

How Fast They Cut Material

Different machines can cut different amounts of material in one minute:

At Istar Machining, we pick the right machine for each job to make sure we work fast and do good work.

What Do People in Different Jobs Use?

• 78% of people who make wood things use CNC routers
• 92% of airplane part makers use CNC mills
• 41% of medium shops now have both kinds of machines

Can You Use a Router Like a Mill?

You might wonder if you can use a CNC router to cut metal. The answer is:

• You can cut thin aluminum with a router, but it’s not the best
• The router bit might bend and break
• The cut might not be very clean

Can You Use a Mill Like a Router?

Can you use a CNC mill to cut wood? The answer is:

• Yes, but it’s like using a race car to go to the store
• It costs too much to use a mill for wood
• The mill is made for harder stuff

What Parts Cost on Each Machine

As you can see, routers are cheaper for aluminum, but they cannot cut steel at all.

What’s Good and Bad About Each

CNC Router Good Points:

• Costs less to buy
• Cuts wood very well
• Can cut big sheets
• Uses less power

CNC Router Bad Points:

• Cannot cut hard metals
• Not as exact as a mill
• Makes a lot of dust

CNC Mill Good Points:

• Cuts any metal
• Very, very exact cuts
• Strong and tough
• Lasts a long time

CNC Mill Bad Points:

• Very costly to buy
• Takes up less space
• Uses more power
• Needs liquid to stay cool

How We Use Both at Istar Machining

At Istar Machining, we have both CNC routers and CNC mills because we work with all kinds of materials. This helps us:

• Make wood parts fast and at low cost
• Make metal parts that are very exact
• Save money for our customers
• Do any job that comes our way

If you’re looking for versatile CNC machining services, we can handle everything from prototypes to production runs.

Questions People Ask

What to Think About When Picking

When you pick between a CNC router and a CNC mill, ask:

1. What material will I cut most?
2. How exact do my cuts need to be?
3. How big are the things I want to make?
4. What is my budget?

In the End: Pick the Right Tool

The main things to remember:

• CNC routers = Good for wood, plastic, thin aluminum
• CNC mills = Good for all metals and exact cuts
• If you work with both kinds of materials, you might need both machines

At Istar Machining, we use the right machine for each job. This makes sure your parts are made the best way possible.

How We Help at Istar Machining

We at Istar Machining know all about CNC routers and CNC mills. We can:

• Help you pick the right process
• Make your parts with the best machine
• Keep costs low
• Make sure parts are exact

If you need parts made, whether from wood, plastic, or metal, call us! We have the tools and know-how to do the job right.

For custom projects requiring both types of machining, our CNC prototype machining services offer the perfect solution.

Final Thoughts

CNC routers and CNC mills are both great machines, but they do different jobs. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right one.

At Istar Machining, we use both kinds of machines to make the best parts for our customers. This is why we can make anything you need, from wood signs to metal car parts.

Call us today to learn how we can help with your next project!

[^1]: Data from Machinery Today, 2024 [^2]: WoodPro Industry Survey, 2023 [^3]: FabTech Industry Report, 2023