4×8 CNC Routers in 2023

CNC router is a machine where you feed a system with certain instructions and the CNC Router operates like a pre-programmed computer. In simpler terms, the CNC Router converts a design given in terms of number and coordinates and executes the instructions. The design is usually made using CAD. Since these CNC routers don’t come cheap, many users buy a small version, usually a 4×8 CNC router to fit their needs.

When making this investment, you can get confused by the amount of options available in the market.


Refer to the guide below to Help you in choosing the 4×8 CNC router

Capacity

A lot depends on the size of the project you are undertaking. If you are going to be working on a big project then you will need a big size CNC router. In this article we are focussing on CNC router of table size 4×8 which are suitable for beginners, college going students and for small purposes. 

Duty Cycle

If you have plans to use the machine for small purposes like to pursue a hobby or for more commercial purposes as that will define which CNC cycle to go for based on your usage. 

Power

Depending on the kind of projects you will be working on, horsepower of the router will play an important role. What kind of motor or spindle does the machine have? Power ensures the correct amount of cutting speed and quality of the cuts on your material. Depending on the purpose, CNC routers are designed to work with motor of certain size and power. For regular usage, buyers may go for water cooled spindle which may make some noise while a serious user can buy a liquid cooled spindle. 

Durability

Not all the CNC routers are going to perform accurately for longer durations. CNC Machines tend to wear down as they have lots of parts working with friction. You can choose your CNC. depending on the durability and your usage.

Value

With any investment, it’s important to know if you are getting the correct value for money or not. Price plays an important role here, as a more serious buyer will ensure he gets all extra parts and accessories at the right price. It depends a lot on the purpose of your purchase. There are some CNC machines which come with design software while some require you to purchase everything separately. 

Here is a List of 4×8 CNC Routers

1. Shopbot PRSalpha: 4×8 CNC Router Overall

Shopbot PRSalpha

When it comes to a CNC router, you will always prefer a machine that is sturdy yet very functional. Shopbot PRSalpha tools are durable and use high level advanced technology for functions like cutting, carving, drilling, engraving, sign making and machining. You can use PRSalpha 4×8 CNC router for multiple purposes. The PRSalpha is a special series tools which goes upto speeds of 1800 inches per minute and cutting speed of upto 600 inches per minute. 

Talking about the features of this machine, you can easily configure this CNC machine for affordable finished products, digital fabrication of metals and wood. 

Features:

  • Transit speed of 1800 inches per minute
  • Cutting Speeds of up to 600 inches per minute
  • Gantry based CNC router that comes in several sizes
  • Comes with great customer service

2. BobsCNC E4 CNC Router: Selling Product

BobCNC E4

BobsCNC CNC E4 (Evolution 4) router has the capacity to everything that any other 3 axis CNC router in the market is capable of. But, with this one, you get almost twice the cutting area of the usual routers available at this price point.The cutting area of the previous version of BobsCNC E3 was good enough, but the brand made it better with E4. Although you may notice that it produces square shaped results but you can easily produce results as a 4 x 8 inch CNC router. For 4×8:For BobCNC E4, cut the first 24″, then move the workpiece and cut the next 24″ so this way you can get the result of 4′ x 8′ and the machine can easily produce results similar to any 4×8 router at half the price.

The machine is super-easy to assemble, thanks to the detailed assembly manual, which is a huge plus for any woodworker. To top it off, the brand offers really prompt customer service. So, even if you face any problem, the friendly professionals of BobsCNC will get right to helping you solve it.

Features:

  • A sturdy laser cut frame for precision and longevity
  • The SG20U based railing system
  • Premium quality GT2 belt on Y and X axis
  • Comes with Arduino based microprocessor and DW660 router

3. Shopbot PRSstandard : for Commercial Use

ShopBot  PRSstandard

Shopbot’s PRSstandard series routers are among the highest performing CNC machines. These CNC router use high end advanced technology involved in intense functions like carving, cutting, machining, engraving, sign making and drilling. This is an ideal machine for anyone who has commercial intent. The Shopbot PRSstandard has everything one expects from a high end CNC machine. 

You get super hard open-loop stepper motors with a low backlash gear heads along with RBK series stepper motor drivers which not only deliver better power but maintain smooth cutting at high speeds and step resolution. 

An important part of the machine is the CNC control system software which has new open standard for CNC code and OpenSBP that is an older format of CNC G-code. You can download it for free. You can use it for functional purpose that has output in various sizes including 4×8 table length.

Features:

  • Gantry based CNC router
  • Better control system software
  • Reads the new CNC code and OpenSBP(Old format)
  • in class technology for drilling, engraving, machining and carving

4. Axiom precision 4×8 AR8pro+ : Comes with Integrated Cooling System

Axiom precision 4x8 AR8pro+

The USP of Axiom Precision 4×8 AR8pro+ has the 4th axis capability. You get a high power spindle and rotary machining capability for industrial purposes. The pro+ series has an impressive 6” Z travel capacity. The part is the spindle which is 3HP, powerful yet very quiet and comes with integrated liquid cooling system. Every Pro+ CNC machine comes pre wired so that you can easily add the rotary kit. 

As an addition, you can choose from precision ball screws, prismatic guides and a robust steel frame. You can also choose from 3 different footprint options.

Even if you aren’t a tech guy there is no need to attach a computer to operate this machine. Just transfer your file using a USB device. The handheld device is powerful, lightweight and very easy to operate.

Features:

  • Powerful yet quiet 3HP spindle
  • Comes pre-wired for addition of accessories
  • 6” Z travel capacity
  • Powerful and lightweight

5. SNB-C2 PRO Kraft Series: 3-Axis 4×8 CNC Router

SNB-C2 PRO Kraft Series

The SNB-C2 Pro is a machine by sketchnbuild that is part of the kraft series 2 axis CNC routers. It comes with a 4’x8’ working area vacuum table and a 10 horse power vacuum pump.

You can use SNB-C2 Pro CNC router for routing artwork or cutting of kitchen cabinets. 

This CNC router is very efficient and takes less man hours to get things done compared to a normal machine. Whether your work happens more on the hardwood or it happens over aluminium. This is one of the 4×8 CNC routers to have.

Features:

  • 10 Horse power vacuum pump
  • Better suited for hardwood, plastics and aluminium
  • 3 axis CNC router with 4’x8’ working area
  • Durable and efficient

6. Camaster Cobra Elite 408 : The Most Durable product

Camaster Cobra Elite 408

When you want something which is a mix of everything from precision to unbeatable performance at a fair price, you should get the Cobra Elite CNC router.

The cobra series comes with all the basic and advanced features which are usually found in expensive industrial tools. in class and a powerful 12HP spindle is a USP of this machine. 

The build quality of any CNC machine is very important and when it comes to the Cobra Elite 408, the whole structure is made from steel frame that ensures rigidity and stability alongside gantry support.

Among other features, you get a brushless digital AC servo drive system, 25 MM precision rails and bearings, 10:1 precision planetary gearboxes and 1500 IPM cute speed while 2500 IPM rapid traverse speed. 

What’s even better is that the whole CNC router comes with 2 years warranty and lifetime technical support. 

Features:

  • 12 Horse Power spindle
  • All steel frame
  • 1500 IPM cut speed
  • 2 years warranty

7. Cammaster 4×8 Cobra X3

Cammaster 4x8 Cobra X3

Cammaster CR-408 X3 is a CNC router that has a cutting size of 61”x97” and has a splendid traverse speed of 2500 RPM and cutting speeds of 1500 RPM.

When the spindle is operating at full throttle, you can get around 18,000- 24000 RPM. The router gets 3HP spindle and comes equipped with PC based controller, 2 additional light duty machines which are mounted on head. 

Features:

  • Impressive traverse speed of 2500 IPM
  • Y drive of rack and pinion, X & Z of Precision Ball screw
  • 3 HP porter cable for spindle

8. Axiom AR8 Elite

Axiom AR8 Elite:

For a CNC machine like Axiom AR8 elite, it’s a massive achievement where it has a cutting speed of 320 RPM with a repeatability of .05mm, something which is otherwise only found in servo-driven routers.

The AR8 has great speed, torque and precision and comes with an advanced technology for better and efficient functions like drilling, sign making and carving.  

AR8 has a 8” Z travel capacity and a 3HP electro-spindle that also comes with a liquid cooling system. All the CNC routers which comes in the elite series come with a 20mm precision ball screws, massive prismatic guides, a robust steel frame and an interlocking.

The part is that AR8 has a HUST DSP controller which is powerful, easy to use and 4th axis ready. The machine comes with ER20 and has a tool touch-off device. 

Features:

  • Gantry based CNC router
  • Cutting speed of 320 IPM
  • AR8 has better speed, torque and precision
  • Comes with 8” Z travel capacity

9. Freedom Machine Tool Patriot CNC Router : Comes with Lifetime Free Technical Support

Freedom Machine Tool Patriot Router

Patriot router is a full fledged 4×8 CNC router that comes with an all steel frame, precision motion components and lifetime technical support. They do all the manufacturing and assembly at their HQ in Colorado springs. 

If you are going to work with wood, plastics, foam or aluminium, you can rely on freedom machine patriot CNC router. This CNC router is very easy to configure. The whole system has been engineered by Diversified machine systems. 

Features:

  • Made on Rigid steel frame
  • 7 Inch Z axis
  • 220 volt 3-phase power
  • Lifetime technical support

10. Camaster Stinger I : for Small Scale Purpose

Camaster Stinger I

The stringer by camaster is a CNC router made for users who want to try on something at a small scale. These routers are better suited for 2’x3’ and 4’x8’ dimensions. It is both size friendly and not too expensive. 

The whole body has been constructed on a welded steel frame and have a heavy duty precision rails and bearings. You can easily control this machine from Windows 10 as it ships with Vectric’s Vcarve Pro design software i.e. compatible with Windows OS. 

The whole structure weighs around 800lbs and has X & Y axis drive as rack and pinion while a ball screw Z axis drive. You also get free tech support for life.

Features:

  • Welded Steel frame
  • 3.5 HP spindle
  • E chain on all axis
  • Heavy duty precision rails and bearings

11. STYLECNC STM1325 4’x8′ : In-Class Customer Service

StyleCNC

STYLECNC is a renowned name in the woodworking Industry, and it’s because of the quality of their products and great customer service.

Their 4’x8’ CNC router StyleCNC STM1325 is useful for making many industrial level projects and also for your own hobby projects. It comes with professional software for programming the machine. 

There is also a software available for programming the tool path. You can also use other software, such as Vcarve Pro, if the need arises. The part is that, with STM1325 you can work as effortlessly over hardwood as you can over aluminum.

It is one of the most popular CNC routers available for all kinds of woodworking operations. It can adapt as easily to a vacuum table as it does to the nested kitchen cabinets.

Features:

  • An effective work area of 1300 * 2500 * 200 mm
  • Water cooling spindle of 3 KW
  • A lightweight but powerful machine
  • 300 mm diameter with 4th rotary axis for added convenience

12. Maslow CNC Router Kit: Product on Budget

Maslow CNC

Maslow has delivered the CNC kit that every DIY enthusiast needs to own. It comes with an USB flash drive and ten sample projects. So, you can get to work right away. The thing about this one is that you get a ton of features for a fraction of a price. 

And, if you are just starting out with woodworking stuff, then it is the machine that you need. If you can simply cut and screw wood together, you can build anything with this machine.

The instructions given for updating software and drivers are so easy that even setting up a printer would be harder than this. What’s interesting is that it’s a vertical CNC kit which means there are quite a few interesting projects you can put this router kit to use.

Features:

  • Open source software that works on all OS
  • Z-axis functions to eliminate the need for manual adjustment of depth
  • Easy to scale up and down because of the chain driven system
  • Works on plywood, hardwood, hard plastic, and MDF

Conclusion

When choosing the 4×8 CNC router, we mentioned some important things to keep in mind in the beginning of the article. A lot depends on your requirements. Some may be beginners while some may be professionals. Based on my experience, I will recommended CNC routers as per 

  • Rated 4×8 CNC Router: Shopbot PRSalpha
  • Selling Product :BobsCNC E4 CNC Router
  • Budgeted option: Maslow CNC Router Kit

Be careful when choosing a CNC router as these machines are not cheap and if you buy a good cnc router then it can open new avenues for you and your business. 

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8 thoughts on “4×8 CNC Routers in 2023”

  1. Hey, Bill,

    Just wanted to point out that the information regarding the Axiom machines is inaccurate. The Pro+ model has been discontinued…the 2020 model is the Pro V5 and it has upgrades compared to the Pro+ model. The Axiom Elite no longer uses a HUST controller. The controller is now from RichAuto. Axiom does not offer a 4×8 CNC machine, the largest machine they sell is a 4×4, Axiom AR16 Elite.

    I would also like to point out that all Axiom machines have prismatic linear guides and rolled ball screws, which offer the highest level of accuracy and repeatability. In addition, the gantry is directly attached to the integrated extruded aluminium tabletop, which guarantees that the distance between the cutting plane and table never changes.

    Reply
    • Thanks Chad

      I will make sure to update information and also ask some of my woodworking friends for their opinion on the new Pro v5.

      Appreciate you stopping by.

      Reply
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