CNC Router Beginner Guide: CAM Software, Toolpaths, and Your First Cut
You have a CNC router. Now what? This covers CAM software, toolpaths, bit selection, and making your first successful cut.
The CNC Workflow
- Design — Create or import your design (2D vector or 3D model)
- CAM — Generate toolpaths
- Post-process — Convert to G-code your controller understands
- Setup — Mount material, zero machine
- Run — Execute G-code
CAM Software Options
Free:
- Easel (Inventables) — Best for beginners with Shapeoko/X-Carve. Web-based, limited but approachable.
- FlatCAM — Open-source, good for PCB milling and 2D work.
- Fusion 360 (free for hobbyists) — Full parametric 3D CAD + CAM. Best free option for 3D work.
Paid:
- VCarve Desktop ($349) — Most popular for woodworking and sign-making. Excellent tutorials.
- VCarve Aspire ($1999) — Adds 3D carving. For professional sign shops.
Toolpath Types
Profile / Contour — Cuts along the outline of a shape.
- Outside profile: cuts around the outside (to cut a piece out)
- Inside profile: cuts inside a shape (to create a cavity)
- On-line: cuts exactly on the path (for engraving and marking)
Pocket — Removes all material within a closed shape. Used for inlays, recesses, and clearing large areas.
V-Carve — Uses a V-bit to carve text and designs. Standard for sign lettering.
3D Carving — Ball-nose bit following a 3D surface. Used for relief carvings and sculptural work. Very slow on complex designs.
Bit Selection
- Upcut spiral — Pulls chips up. Best for through-cuts and most wood.
- Downcut spiral — Pushes chips down. Better top surface, good for laminates.
- Compression spiral — Upcut bottom, downcut top. Best for sheet goods.
- V-bits (60° or 90°) — V-carving text and decorative engraving.
- Ball nose — 3D carving and curved surface work.
Feeds and Speeds for Wood
| Material | Bit | Speed (RPM) | Feed (mm/min) | DOC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood 18mm | 6mm 2-flute upcut | 18,000 | 2000 | 6mm |
| MDF | 6mm 2-flute | 16,000 | 1800 | 8mm |
| Hardwood | 6mm 2-flute | 18,000 | 1500 | 3mm |
| Acrylic | 6mm 1-flute | 18,000 | 1200 | 2mm |
Use the Feeds & Speeds calculator in 1c3d Maker Tools for your specific bit.
Workholding
Your material must be held rigidly. Movement = ruined work and danger.
- Clamps — Simplest. Clamp on edges around the toolpath area.
- Tape and CA glue — Double-sided tape or CA glue + activator. Excellent for thin sheet goods.
- Screws into spoilboard — Preplan screw locations around toolpaths.
Zeroing Your Machine
X/Y zero: Bottom-left corner of material, or center — match what you set in CAM.
Z zero: Surface of material. Use paper test: lower bit until it just grips paper, zero Z at that position. Or use a Z probe.
First Cut Checklist
- Material securely clamped
- Correct bit installed and tightened (collet hand-tight + quarter turn with wrench)
- Z zero set on material surface
- X/Y zero matches your CAM origin
- Dust collection on
- Eye protection on
- Know where emergency stop is
First job tip: Air-cut first (spindle off, lift Z 10mm) to verify the toolpath makes sense before cutting real material.