15 accessories reviewed
Essential upgrades, tools, and accessories for your CNC router.
3M SecureFit 400 Safety Glasses (Anti-Fog)
The 3M SecureFit 400 series are comfortable, anti-fog safety glasses that are essential for CNC router operation. Flying chips and debris are a constant hazard, and these glasses provide ANSI Z87.1+ impact protection while staying comfortable during long sessions. The pressure-diffusion temple technology adjusts to different head sizes without pressure points.
Blue Painters Tape + CA Glue Workholding Kit
The blue tape and CA (super glue) method is the most popular workholding technique in the CNC community. Apply blue painters tape to both the wasteboard and the bottom of your stock, then bond them with CA glue. This creates a strong hold that can be easily separated after cutting. This kit includes a roll of 2-inch ScotchBlue tape and a bottle of medium-viscosity CA glue with accelerator.
Premium MDF Wasteboard Sheet (3/4 inch, 24x24 inches)
A flat, precision-ground 3/4-inch MDF sheet sized for CNC router wasteboards. MDF is the standard wasteboard material because it is flat, consistent, and easy to surface with a fly cutter. This sheet can be drilled for T-track inserts, threaded inserts, or used with the blue tape and CA glue method. Replace when the surface becomes too scarred from through-cuts.
CNC Touch Probe for Auto Tool Length Setting
A contact-style touch probe (also called a tool setter or Z-probe) that automates tool length measurement on CNC routers running GRBL, Mach3, or LinuxCNC. Instead of manually jogging the bit to the surface and eyeballing Z-zero, the probe provides repeatable, precise tool length offsets. Essential for multi-tool jobs where you need to change bits mid-job and maintain consistent Z height.
Dustopper Cyclone Dust Separator
The Dustopper is a cyclone dust separator that sits between your CNC dust boot and shop vac. It captures 99% of dust and chips in a standard 5-gallon bucket before they reach your vacuum filter, dramatically extending filter life and maintaining suction power. An essential add-on that pays for itself quickly in saved vacuum filters.
3M 6300 Half Facepiece with P100 Filters
A professional half-facepiece respirator with P100 particulate filters, essential for CNC router operators cutting MDF, exotic woods, or any material that produces fine dust. MDF dust contains formaldehyde and is a known carcinogen. This reusable respirator is far more effective and comfortable than disposable N95 masks for extended shop use. P100 filters capture 99.97% of airborne particles.
POWERTEC T-Track Hold Down Clamp Set (36-Piece)
A comprehensive 36-piece T-track hold down clamp set that includes various clamp sizes, bolts, and knobs for securing workpieces on CNC routers with T-slot wasteboards. Compatible with standard 3/4-inch T-track. Provides strong, repeatable clamping without obstructing the cutting path when positioned correctly.
LightBurn Software
LightBurn is the leading laser engraving and cutting software that also supports CNC routers with laser modules. It provides an intuitive design interface with powerful features like image tracing, variable power engraving, and camera alignment. Essential for anyone adding a laser module to their CNC router. One-time license key with one year of free updates.
500W Air-Cooled ER11 Spindle Motor
A budget-friendly 500W air-cooled spindle motor with ER11 collet, ideal for upgrading small CNC routers like the 3018 and 3040 series. Runs quieter than a Dremel-style motor and offers better runout. Pairs with a cheap PWM speed controller or Mach3-compatible driver.
MGN12H Linear Rail Conversion Kit (3-Axis Set)
A 3-axis set of MGN12H linear rails with carriages, commonly used to upgrade CNC routers from V-wheels or round supported rails to true linear rail motion. Includes pre-cut rails for popular machine sizes (specify your machine when ordering) and all mounting hardware. Linear rails dramatically improve rigidity, precision, and longevity compared to V-wheel systems.
NEMA23 Stepper Motor Upgrade Kit (3-Axis, 3Nm)
A 3-axis NEMA23 stepper motor upgrade kit with 3Nm (425 oz-in) holding torque motors, ideal for upgrading from the weaker NEMA17 motors found on many budget CNC routers. Higher torque means faster feed rates, less stalling, and the ability to take deeper cuts. Compatible with most GRBL and Mach3 controller boards that support NEMA23.
Suckit Dust Boot Pro V3
The Suckit Dust Boot is the most popular aftermarket dust boot for CNC routers. Its universal design fits most 65mm and 80mm spindle/router mounts and features adjustable bristles that maintain suction even on uneven surfaces. Compatible with standard 2.5-inch shop vac hoses. Dramatically reduces airborne dust and chip cleanup time.
800W Water-Cooled ER11 Spindle + VFD Kit
A popular mid-range 800W water-cooled spindle kit that includes a VFD (variable frequency drive), water pump, collets, and mounting bracket. The water cooling keeps the spindle cool during extended cuts, making it ideal for 3040, 6040, and similar mid-size CNC routers. Significantly quieter than air-cooled alternatives.
2.2kW Water-Cooled ER20 Spindle + HuanYang VFD Kit
The go-to serious spindle upgrade for machines like the PrintNC, WorkBee, and other larger CNC routers. This 2.2kW water-cooled spindle with ER20 collet and HuanYang VFD is the most popular choice on CNC forums for cutting aluminum reliably. The ER20 collet accepts up to 13mm shanks, and 2.2kW provides real cutting power. Widely available on AliExpress with frequent sales.
VCarve Desktop
VCarve Desktop is the most popular CAM software for hobby CNC routers. It combines 2D design tools with powerful toolpath generation including V-carving, pocketing, profiling, and 3D roughing. The intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners while offering enough depth for intermediate users. Limited to 24x24 inch design area (VCarve Pro removes this limit).
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