Separate heads
Some wood routers have multiple separate heads that can come down simultaneously or not. This design is generally not as easy as a toolchanger with ISO-30 or HSK-63, though it is easier to maintain. Some routers have multiple heads that can run complete separate programs on separate table all while being controlled by the same interface.Dust collection
The wood router typically has 6"-10" air ducts to suck up the wood chips/dust created. They can be piped to a stand-alone or full shop dust collection system.Some wood routers are specialized for cabinetry and have many drills that can be programmed to come down separately or together. The drills are generally spaced 32 mm apart on centres - a spacing system called 32 mm System. This is for the proper spacing of shelving for cabinets. Drilling can be vertical or horizontal (in the Y or X axis from either side/end of the workpiece) which allows a panel to be drilled on all four edges as well as the top surface. Many of these machines with large drilling arrays are derived from CNC point-to-point borers.
Securing the workpiece
Suction systems
The wood router typically holds wood with suction through the table or pods that raise the work above the table. This type of hold-down is used for components which require edge profiling (or undercutting), are manufactured from solid wood or where greater flexibility in production is required. This type of bed requires less extraction with greater absolute vacuum.A second type hold down requires a "spoil board" or "cull sheets" to the work. This allows vacuum suction through the low density table and allows the placement of parts anywhere on the table. These types of tables are typically used for nest-based manufacture (NBM) where multiple components are routed from a single sheet. This type of manufacturing precludes edge drilling or undercut edge work on components. However most industrial sized machines similar to the S series CNC by Vortech Routers or C.R. Onsrud Panel Pro allows the use of spoil boards or a pod system that elevates the work piece to accommodate edge work.
Vacuum pumps are required with both types of tables where volume and "strength" are determined based on the types of materials being cut