In terms of difficulty, a complete CNC router kit is at the easy end of the spectrum, with CNC routers built from scratch at the difficult end. Choose wisely to avoid disappointment. Even once all is finished, additional work may be required to set up dust extraction and an enclosure.

Consider machine specifications: Pay attention to important specifications such as cutting area (the maximum size of the material the router can handle), spindle power (the motor that rotates the cutting tool), spindle speed (rotations per minute), accuracy, and repeatability.

To operate a CNC router, both CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software packages are required. The CAD software is used to make a 3D model of the desired part. The CAM software converts the CAD model into a set of machine-readable instructions called G-code.