Tools for choosing a machine

Each tool works from the same record: the makers' published figures, read 1 November 2026. None of them ranks machines.

• Finder

  Six questions about budget, work size, space and what you want in the box. Lists the machines that meet every answer, plus near misses.

• On your bench

  Draw your bench and lay up to three machines on it at true scale, footprint and work area.

• Cost to start cutting

  Listed price plus a sourced router or spindle where one isn't included, plus your own extras.

• Compare

  Up to four machines side by side, with differences highlighted.

• Head-to-heads

  46 two-machine pages, paired by size and price.