Woodsmith CNC Kit

The complete component kit for the Shop-Made CNC Router 2.0 from Woodsmith Magazine. All the specialized mechanical and electronic parts you need to build a 24" x unlimited-X-axis CNC router in your own shop — without spending weeks sourcing parts from a dozen different suppliers.

This is the same kit Woodsmith Magazine references in their build plans (Plan #SN14324). Every component is selected to match the original design specifications.

⚠️ Important compatibility info — read before buying

• This kit ships with a Mach3 USB controller and requires a Mach3 software license (sold separately) to operate.
  
  
• Want to run Mach4? The standard kit is configured for Mach3 and is not compatible with Mach4 as-is. We can upgrade the kit with a compatible controller such as the Ethernet SmoothStepper or PoKeys57CNC, and we can also quote a Mach4 license if needed. Contact us before ordering for a Mach4 upgrade quote.

What's included in this kit

Electronics (3-axis Heavy Gantry):

• (1) Mach3 USB Controller
• (2) NEMA 24 stepper motors — 425 oz-in
• (2) Stepper drivers — 3.0A, 24–40V, 1/64 microstepping
• (1) NEMA 34 stepper motor — 651 oz-in
• (1) Stepper driver — 6.0A, 24–70V, 1/2–1/256 microstepping
• (1) 36V 8.8A power supply (for motors/drivers)
• (1) 24V 1A power supply (for controller)
• (1) 30 ft, 18/4 shielded cable
• (1) 110V cooling fan

Mechanical components:

• (2) Shaft couplings — 1/4" x 1/2"
• (1) Shaft coupling — 14mm x 1/2" (14mm fits standard NEMA 34 motors)
• (3) Anti-backlash nuts — 1/2", 5-start high lead (2 turns per inch)
• (16) V-groove bearings — 3/8" I.D.
• (32) Shim washers — 3/8"
• (4) Aluminum angle — 1" x 1" x 63", 1/8" thick
• (2) Aluminum angle — 1" x 1" x 35", 1/8" thick
• (2) Aluminum angle — 1" x 1" x 16", 1/8" thick
• (1) Lead screw — 1/2"–10 TPI x 59-1/4"
• (1) Lead screw — 1/2"–10 TPI x 37-3/4"
• (1) Lead screw — 1/2"–10 TPI x 17"
• (2) Bearings — 1/2" I.D. x 1-1/8" O.D.
• (1) T-track — 48"

Hardware:

• Complete fastener pack including lag screws, hex bolts, machine screws, lock nuts, washers, T-nuts, and woodscrews — all sized to the Woodsmith plans
• Full quantities for a clean assembly with no last-minute hardware store runs
• (See full hardware list below)

What you'll need to supply separately

• Plywood, MDO, or other workshop materials for the structural frame
• Rare earth magnets, acrylic pieces, and Z-axis dust shoe brush material
• Woodsmith CNC Router 2.0 plans (Plan #SN14324) — sold separately by Woodsmith
• Mach3 software license ($175) — required to run the machine
• Trim router or spindle for cutting (any standard handheld router will work)

Final build specs

• Routing area: 24" Y-axis, unlimited X-axis (depending on your build length)
• Vertical and horizontal workpiece mounting capabilities
• Detachable electronics enclosure for clean operation
• Integrated dust collection system
• Compatible with Mach3 software

Who this kit is for

• Woodworkers ready to add CNC capabilities to their shop
• DIY builders who want a proven design rather than designing from scratch
• Shop owners looking for a cost-effective alternative to commercial CNC machines at $3,000+
• Builders comfortable working with both imperial and metric measurements and able to maintain ±1/64" tolerances during assembly

This is an intermediate-skill build. If you're brand-new to CNC and looking for an out-of-the-box experience, our turnkey CNC machines may be a better fit.

Plans correction (errata)

The Woodsmith plans call out 1" x 1" aluminum angles in some sections, but the correct dimension for proper assembly is 3/4" x 3/4". This kit ships with the correct 3/4" x 3/4" angles. No action needed on your part — just ignore the 1" x 1" reference in the plans where it conflicts.

Free customer support included

Every Woodsmith Kit purchase includes free build support directly from our shop in Texas. Wiring questions, motor tuning, Mach3 setup, compatibility checks — reply to your order email and a real person will help you get it dialed in.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I run this with Mach4?
No. The included Mach3 USB controller is built specifically for Mach3. Mach4 requires a different controller. Contact us before ordering if you want a Mach4-compatible setup.

Q: Is the Mach3 software license included?
No. The kit includes the Mach3 USB hardware controller, but the Mach3 software license is sold separately for $175. Both are required to run the machine. Add the Mach3 license here.

Q: Do I need to buy the Woodsmith plans separately?
Yes. The build plans are published by Woodsmith Magazine and are sold by them directly at WoodsmithPlans.com (Plan #SN14324). This kit covers only the components.

Q: Will this work on Windows 10 or Windows 11?
Mach3 with the included USB controller is fully tested on Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit). Windows 11 compatibility is functional but Mach3 is no longer actively updated, so we recommend a dedicated Windows 10 PC for the most stable setup.

Q: What router or spindle do I need?
The Woodsmith design accommodates most standard trim routers (Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, etc.). For heavier work, a water-cooled spindle is a strong upgrade — we sell several compatible options.

Q: How long does it take to build?
Most builders complete the assembly in 20–40 hours over several weekends, depending on shop experience and tool availability.

Complete hardware list