CNC stands for computer numerical control. CNC is the automated control of machining tools (such as routers, mills and other tools) by means of a computer. Software tools facilitate the Design (CAD) and Manufacture (CAM) of many things.
Using CAD/CAM allows for a higher level of precision in machining and absolute repeatability across multiple jobs. At Xerocraft, we have the tools, software, and experience to help you learn all about it!
The CNC Router Department at Xerocraft is a wood‑focused operational area. As of 14 March 2026, we have 3 CNC machines in service in sizes of 1 sq ft to 16 sq ft of cutting surface. Vectric’s VCarve Pro is installed on PCs associated with each CNC. Xerocraft has a Makerspace license for VCarve Pro, making it the most commonly used CAD/CAM software in the department.
We use an OpenBuilds controller on all three CNCs, and our primary machine control software is OpenBuilds Control. Users proficient in, and with access to, another CAD/CAM program may use that software to develop their projects. The only requirement is that their CAD/CAM program must produce GRBL code compatible with the OpenBuilds controller.
The CNC Router Department hosts a Ready 2 Rout (R2R) machine. R2R is a computer-controlled router table designed specifically to cut box and dovetail joints.
CNC Router Department Certification is required to use the CNC routers. No other pre‑certifications are required. R2R Certification is required to operate the R2R.
Our biggest CNC router has a huge 4'x4' bed The 4×4 CNC has a 4×4 bed and an 8" height (Z) travel. This CNC is equipped with a sacrificial wasteboard that supports directly securing your material. This unit has an automatic on/off chiller attached. It has a high speed (24,000 RPM) router head. It's ideal for large wood projects and includes dust collection to help minimize the mess.
The XHYZ 6090 is our mid‑sized CNC. As the name indicates, it has a 60 cm (~2'3") by 90 cm (~3'6") bed, but effectively a 2'×3' cutting area. The cutting height (Z) is only 3.5". It is installed with a MatchFit‑style surface board (non‑sacrificial). It has a water‑cooled spindle and a manual on/off chiller. The dust collection system is extended to this unit.
Like its larger brother, this unit uses a reliable Mach 4 software control interface and can accept G-Code from either VCarve or Fusion 360.
Our smallest CNC is a modified Next Wave SHARK SD110. The modification was replacing the factory controller (Piranha Fx) and pendant with an OpenBuilds controller and OpenBuilds Control software. This mod brought the SD110 additional control features and made it consistent with the 4×4 and 6090.
This unit has an aluminum slotted table. Usable size is 8" × 12" × 3.5". The unit has an air‑cooled trim router. It requires you to manually adjust the RPMs. We have 3D‑printed slot inserts that allow the use of the same clamps as for the 6090.
The CNC Router Department hosts the Ready 2 Rout (R2R) unit. Appropriately described as a cyborg‑router table, this is a table router with a computer‑controlled fence and rough/final depth, manual setting of stock parameters and reference‑point touch‑offs, and then manual feeding of the stock. Perfect box or dovetail joints — as long as you are precise with the parameters you input.
Note: Certification on R2R is distinct from CNC certification.
It may seem intimidating, but if you know how to design using 2D drawing tools like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator, you already know most of what it takes to design for the CAD in CAD/CAM.
At it's simplest, all you need to do is take a vector SVG file and import it into VCarve Pro for processing.
Have a bitmap file? Import it and try VCarve’s bitmap‑to‑vector conversion tool. Have an .stl file? Import it and you can be ready to start building your toolpaths (CAM). Want immediate results? Try one of Vectric’s 100+ project files available at Xerocraft.
And you don't have to buy any software. As a non-profit Makerspace, Xerocraft has a special license that allows you to install VCarve Pro on your home computer (Windows only) and do much of the work remotely.