Fabrication of a Programmable CNC Router Prototype for Woodworking Artisans in Ondo State

Woodworking is a vital craft industry in Ondo State, South West Nigeria, where thousands of artisans produce furniture and decorative wood products using predominantly manual tools. This project presents the fabrication of a low-cost computer numerical control router prototype aimed at improving precision, speed, and design complexity for small-scale woodworking enterprises. The router employs three stepper motors driven by DRV8825 motor driver modules, controlled by a GRBL firmware-loaded Arduino Uno microcontroller receiving G-code instructions via a PC interface. The mechanical framework uses aluminium extrusion rails and lead screws to achieve linear motion across X, Y, and Z axes within a working envelope of 300 by 300 by 50 millimetres. Spindle operation uses a 500-watt DC router motor with variable speed control. The system was calibrated and tested by machining a series of geometric patterns and decorative motifs into medium-density fibreboard and softwood samples. Dimensional accuracy of machined features was measured using digital callipers, yielding a mean error of 0.4 millimetres, acceptable for furniture-grade applications. A user training guide was developed and tested with six artisans in Akure, who demonstrated successful machine operation after four hours of instruction. Material and fabrication costs totalled approximately 220,000 Naira. The study presents a replicable design pathway for upgrading artisan woodworking in Nigerian states with active furniture industries. Keywords: CNC router, woodworking automation, stepper motor, GRBL, Ondo State