Best CNC Routers for Stone in 2026: Buyer's Guide
CNC routers for stone handle edge profiling, sink cutouts, engraving, surface texturing, and detailed shaping that bridge saws and waterjets cannot do efficiently. While a bridge saw makes the primary cuts and a waterjet handles curves, a CNC router does the finish work -- the edge profiles, lettering, drain grooves, and decorative details that turn cut stone into a finished countertop.
TL;DR: Best CNC Routers for Stone
- Park Industries Voyager XP -- best all-around CNC router for US countertop shops ($120K-$250K)
- Intermac Master Edge -- strong edge profiling and sink cutout combination ($100K-$200K)
- Breton Genya -- premium high-speed production router ($150K-$300K)
- Northwood Machine NMG Router -- US-built, excellent service network ($110K-$220K)
- Donatoni Jet 625 -- versatile Italian router for mid-size shops ($90K-$180K)
- Denver Quota Stone -- compact option for smaller fabrication shops ($70K-$140K)
- CNC routers complement bridge saws -- most shops need both
How We Evaluated CNC Stone Routers
| Criteria | Weight | What We Assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Edge profiling quality | 25% | Finish quality on bullnose, ogee, mitered edges |
| Speed and throughput | 20% | Processing time for typical countertop jobs |
| Tool magazine capacity | 15% | Number of tools for auto-changing during operation |
| Software integration | 15% | DXF import, CAM programming, ease of setup |
| Reliability and service | 15% | Uptime, parts availability, service response |
| Value for the money | 10% | Capability relative to purchase price |
1. Park Industries Voyager XP -- Best All-Around Stone CNC Router
The Voyager XP from Park Industries is the most popular CNC router in US countertop fabrication. It handles edge profiling, sink cutouts, surface polishing, and engraving with proven reliability and strong domestic support.
Key specifications:
- 3, 4, or 5-axis configurations available
- Tool magazine: up to 18 positions
- Spindle speed: up to 9,000 RPM
- Working area: up to 140" x 80"
- Automatic tool changing
Why shops choose it:
- Park Industries' US service network provides same-day or next-day response in most regions
- Large installed base means experienced operators are available to hire
- Intuitive control software reduces training time
- Handles everything from basic eased edges to complex ogee and mitered profiles
- Integrates well with Park's bridge saw lineup for a single-vendor shop
Considerations:
- Premium pricing compared to imported equivalents
- Larger footprint than some compact alternatives
- 5-axis configuration adds significant cost
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $120,000-$250,000 |
| Axes | 3, 4, or 5 |
| Tool Positions | Up to 18 |
| Best For | US shops wanting domestic support and proven reliability |
| Made In | USA (St. Cloud, MN) |
2. Intermac Master Edge -- Best for Edge Profiling
Intermac's Master Edge series is specifically designed for edge profiling and finishing operations on stone countertops. Its spindle configuration and tool path optimization produce smooth, polished edges with minimal manual touchup.
Key specifications:
- 4 or 5-axis CNC
- High-speed spindle optimized for profiling
- Tool magazine: up to 16 positions
- Integrated Sophia IoT platform for remote monitoring
- Intermac CAM software with edge profile library
Why shops choose it:
- Edge profile library includes dozens of pre-programmed profiles (bullnose, ogee, dupont, bevel, etc.)
- Tool path optimization produces cleaner edges with less polishing time
- IoT connectivity allows remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance
- Biesse Group's global infrastructure for parts and service
Considerations:
- US service presence is growing but not as mature as Park Industries
- Software interface takes longer to learn than some competitors
- Mid-range build quality -- not as heavy-duty as Breton for constant multi-shift use
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $100,000-$200,000 |
| Axes | 4 or 5 |
| Tool Positions | Up to 16 |
| Best For | Shops doing high volumes of edge profiling work |
| Made In | Italy |
3. Breton Genya -- Best for High-Speed Production
Breton's Genya is a high-speed CNC work center designed for fabrication shops running at full capacity. It combines rapid positioning, high-power spindles, and heavy-duty construction for shops where router uptime directly impacts daily throughput.
Key specifications:
- 5-axis interpolating CNC
- Spindle power: up to 18 kW
- Rapid positioning: 40 m/min
- Tool magazine: up to 24 positions
- Heavy-duty gantry construction for vibration elimination
Why shops choose it:
- Fastest processing times on this list
- 24-tool magazine handles complex jobs without stopping for manual tool changes
- Heavy construction eliminates vibration that degrades edge finish quality
- Built for multi-shift, continuous operation
Considerations:
- Highest price point on this list
- Italian sourcing means longer lead times for parts in the US
- Overkill for shops processing fewer than 20 kitchens per week
- Requires significant floor space
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $150,000-$300,000 |
| Axes | 5 |
| Tool Positions | Up to 24 |
| Best For | High-volume production shops running 40+ kitchens/week |
| Made In | Italy |
4. Northwood Machine NMG Router -- Best US-Built Alternative
Northwood Machine builds CNC routers specifically for the North American stone market. Their machines are designed with practical shop floor feedback from US fabricators, and their West Coast manufacturing base provides strong service coverage.
Key specifications:
- 3 or 5-axis configurations
- Tool magazine: up to 12 positions
- Heavy-gauge steel frame construction
- Integrates with major DXF sources and CAM software
- US-sourced components for easy parts replacement
Why shops choose it:
- US manufacturing means faster delivery and parts sourcing
- Designed with input from actual countertop fabrication shops
- Competitive pricing for domestic equipment
- Strong regional service in the western US
Considerations:
- Smaller installed base and brand recognition than Park Industries
- Tool magazine capacity is lower than some competitors
- Service coverage is strongest west of the Mississippi
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $110,000-$220,000 |
| Axes | 3 or 5 |
| Tool Positions | Up to 12 |
| Best For | West Coast shops wanting US-built equipment |
| Made In | USA |
5. Donatoni Jet 625 -- Best Mid-Range Italian Router
The Donatoni Jet 625 offers solid Italian engineering at a moderate price point. It handles edge profiling, sink cutouts, and surface work with the precision expected from Italian stone machinery, at a lower investment than Breton.
Key specifications:
- 5-axis CNC
- Spindle speed: up to 8,000 RPM
- Tool magazine: up to 12 positions
- Compact footprint relative to capability
- DXF and G-code compatible
Why shops choose it:
- Good balance of Italian precision and moderate pricing
- Compact footprint fits in smaller shop layouts
- 5-axis capability at a mid-range price
- Strong reputation in the European market, growing in the US
Considerations:
- US service network is limited compared to Park or BACA
- Spare parts may take longer to source domestically
- Smaller tool magazine than premium machines
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $90,000-$180,000 |
| Axes | 5 |
| Tool Positions | Up to 12 |
| Best For | Mid-size shops wanting Italian quality at a moderate price |
| Made In | Italy |
6. Denver Quota Stone -- Best Compact CNC Router
The Denver Quota Stone is designed for smaller fabrication shops that need CNC routing capability without dedicating an entire bay of floor space to the machine. It handles edge profiling and basic sink cutouts in a compact footprint.
Key specifications:
- 3 or 4-axis CNC
- Compact footprint (under 100 sq ft floor space)
- Tool magazine: up to 8 positions
- Designed for standard countertop edge and surface work
- Budget-friendly entry point into CNC routing
Why shops choose it:
- Fits in shop spaces where larger machines won't
- Lower price of entry into CNC routing
- Handles the most common fabrication tasks (edges and sink cutouts)
- Simpler operation with a shorter learning curve
Considerations:
- Limited to simpler operations -- not for complex architectural work
- Smaller working area limits maximum piece size
- 3-4 axis only -- no full 5-axis capability
- Lower throughput than larger machines
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $70,000-$140,000 |
| Axes | 3 or 4 |
| Tool Positions | Up to 8 |
| Best For | Small shops adding CNC capability for the first time |
| Made In | Italy |
CNC Stone Router Comparison Table
| Machine | Price | Axes | Tools | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Voyager XP | $120K-$250K | 3/4/5 | 18 | Moderate | US all-around |
| Intermac Master Edge | $100K-$200K | 4/5 | 16 | Moderate | Edge profiling |
| Breton Genya | $150K-$300K | 5 | 24 | Fast | High volume |
| Northwood NMG | $110K-$220K | 3/5 | 12 | Moderate | West Coast US |
| Donatoni Jet 625 | $90K-$180K | 5 | 12 | Moderate | Mid-range |
| Denver Quota | $70K-$140K | 3/4 | 8 | Moderate | Small shops |
CNC Router vs. Bridge Saw: Understanding the Roles
These are complementary machines, not competitors:
| Task | Bridge Saw | CNC Router |
|---|---|---|
| Straight slab cuts | Primary tool | Not used |
| Miter cuts | 5-axis saw handles these | Can do miters, but slower |
| Edge profiling | Basic profiles only | Full range of profiles |
| Sink cutouts | Basic with waterjet option | Detailed shaping and profiling |
| Surface polishing | Not applicable | Yes, with polishing pads |
| Engraving/lettering | Not applicable | Yes |
| Drain grooves | Not applicable | Yes |
Most shops need a bridge saw AND a CNC router. The bridge saw cuts slabs into pieces; the router finishes those pieces with edges, cutouts, and details.
Tooling and Operating Costs
CNC router operating costs are driven by tooling and spindle consumables:
| Cost Component | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|
| Diamond profiling wheels | $3,000-$10,000 |
| Polishing pads and discs | $2,000-$6,000 |
| Core drill bits | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Router bits (various profiles) | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Spindle bearings and seals | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Water and filtration | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Total annual tooling cost | $10,000-$30,000 |
Tooling costs vary by material. Quartzite and porcelain consume tools faster than granite. Tracking tool consumption per material type helps price jobs accurately -- something that fabrication management software automates.
Edge Profile Programming Tips
Getting clean edge profiles from a CNC router depends on programming:
- Match tool path speed to material hardness -- Harder stones (quartzite, porcelain) need slower feed rates to avoid chipping
- Use multiple passes -- Remove material in 2-4 passes rather than one aggressive cut for better finish
- Wet cutting always -- Dry routing damages tools and creates dangerous silica dust
- Profile-specific tooling -- Each edge profile (bullnose, ogee, bevel) needs its dedicated diamond wheel
- Calibrate regularly -- A 0.5mm spindle drift means visible edge inconsistencies across a kitchen
FAQ
Do I need a CNC router if I have a 5-axis bridge saw?
In most cases, yes. A 5-axis bridge saw can do basic edge profiles and sink cutouts, but a CNC router produces finer finishes, handles polishing, and processes edge work faster. High-volume shops need both for throughput. Low-volume shops may get by with a 5-axis saw for both cutting and basic profiling.
How much does a CNC stone router cost?
Entry-level CNC stone routers start around $70,000 for compact 3-axis machines. Mid-range 5-axis machines run $90,000-$200,000. Premium production machines cost $150,000-$300,000+.
How many kitchens per day can a CNC router process?
An experienced operator on a mid-range CNC router can edge and finish 4-8 kitchens per day for standard profiles. Complex profiles (ogee, dupont, mitered) and custom work take longer.
What maintenance does a CNC stone router need?
Daily: clean rails, check water flow, inspect tool wear. Weekly: lubricate moving parts, check spindle runout. Monthly: full calibration check. Annually: professional preventive maintenance.
Can a CNC router cut full slabs?
CNC routers can technically cut stone, but they are much slower than bridge saws for straight cuts. They are designed for finishing operations, not primary slab cutting. Use a bridge saw for cuts and a router for edges, profiles, and details.
What is the difference between 3-axis and 5-axis CNC routers?
A 3-axis router moves in X, Y, and Z directions. A 5-axis router adds two rotational axes, allowing the spindle to tilt and swivel. This enables complex profiles, undercuts, and angled work that 3-axis machines cannot do.
How long does it take to train a CNC router operator?
Basic operation (loading pre-programmed profiles, running standard jobs) takes 2-4 weeks. Advanced programming (creating custom profiles, optimizing tool paths) takes 3-6 months of experience.
What edge profiles are most requested in 2026?
Eased (simple square with a slight bevel) is the most popular, followed by half bullnose, full bullnose, and mitered waterfall edges. Ornate profiles like ogee and dupont are less common but command higher per-linear-foot pricing.
Pair Your Router with Smarter Nesting
A CNC router finishes what your bridge saw starts. SlabWise optimizes the cuts upstream -- nesting pieces on slabs for 10-15% less waste and verifying templates for errors that would waste router time and tooling. Start your 14-day free trial at slabwise.com.
Sources
- Park Industries -- Voyager XP Product Documentation
- Stone World Magazine -- 2025 CNC Equipment Buyer's Guide
- Breton S.p.A -- Genya Technical Specifications
- Natural Stone Institute -- CNC Router Best Practices
- Intermac (Biesse Group) -- Master Edge Series Documentation
- Fabricator's Business Quarterly -- Shop Equipment ROI Study, 2025