A router and a mill can differ in work area, spindle, structure, workholding, tooling, and installation. Compare the machine's full specifications and sample workflow with the parts you plan to make.
Compare the machine against the size and shape of the parts, the material, and the available shop utilities. Work area, axis travel, spindle, workholding, and tooling are listed differently by each manufacturer.
Machine comparison chart
| Specification | CNC router | CNC mill |
|---|---|---|
| Work envelope | Table size, usable area, and Z clearance | Axis travel, table size, and spindle-to-table clearance |
| Spindle | Router or spindle type, speed range, power, and tool interface | Spindle power, speed range, taper, and supported holders |
| Workholding | Table surface, vacuum options, clamps, and fixture layout | T-slots, vise or fixture size, and tool access |
| Machine layout | Gantry, table, enclosure, and floor-space requirements | Column, table, enclosure, chip handling, and floor-space requirements |
| Controls | Controller, CAM workflow, and supported file formats | Controller, CAM workflow, and supported file formats |
| Installation | Electrical, dust collection, compressed air, and service access | Electrical, coolant or chip handling, compressed air, and service access |
ShopBot’s PRS5 Alpha page lists configurable gantry-table options. Tormach’s 770MX specification page lists axis travel, spindle speed, and spindle taper for that mill. Use the current specifications for the exact machine and configuration.
Before comparing quotes
- Measure the largest workpiece and the fixture that will hold it.
- Compare the usable work area with the manufacturer’s separate travel figures.
- Check spindle power, speed range, tool interface, and available tooling.
- List the material, cutting operations, and workholding used in the planned workflow.
- Confirm electrical, air, dust, coolant, chip-removal, and floor-space requirements.
- Compare the controller, CAM software, training, service, and installation scope.
For a pallet handling layout, use the palletizing robot cell checklist. For polymer part production, compare FDM and SLA 3D printing. Browse CNC fabrication.
Verify the installed configuration
Published travel and work-area figures may refer to a standard machine or a particular option package. Confirm the quotation, machine serial or configuration, and installation requirements before planning a cell.
Sources
- PRS5 Alpha specifications, ShopBot Tools
- 770MX machine specifications, Tormach
- Desktop Mill specifications, Haas Automation
New guides in this topic
Common questions
Is machine travel the same as usable work area?
No. Compare the maker's work area or table size with axis travel and the space taken by tooling and fixturing.
Can one CNC machine use every tool holder?
No. Check the spindle, collet or taper, tool interface, and supported tooling for the exact machine.
Should I compare machines by spindle speed alone?
No. Also check spindle power, tooling, feed limits, workholding, and the intended material and operation.