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Matthias Wandel’s “carving machine” is the Pantorouter, a template-guided woodworking router for cutting joinery shapes in wood. It is not a computer-controlled CNC machine: a physical template guides the router through a pantograph that reproduces the traced shape at half size. [Woodgears: The Pantorouter]
What is Matthias Wandel’s Pantorouter?
Wandel describes the Pantorouter as a “big pantograph mechanism with a router.” He invented and published the original design in 2010, built a Pantorouter XL for plunge routers in 2014, and revised the original design in 2018. The machine is intended for woodworking joints and other shapes—not decorative carving in the usual freehand or CNC sense. [Woodgears: The Pantorouter]
The distinction matters: the Pantorouter follows a physical template, so the template and machine setup determine the cut. It does not need a computer to interpret a design or control the router.
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- Broad Software Compatibility: This CNC wood router machine is compatible with all software that supports GRBL f1.1 firmware. The 2.4-inch touchscreen offline controller allows operation without a computer, so you can engrave anytime, anywhere
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How does the Pantorouter work?
The work template mounts above the router. A ball-bearing follower tracks the template, while the pantograph transfers that movement to the router at a fixed 2:1 reduction. In practical terms, a shape traced at the template is cut at half its size by the router bit. Wandel describes this as a fixed ratio on this design. [Woodgears: The Pantorouter]
For internal cuts such as mortises, the rear portion of the described machine moves on linear glides, and a side lever moves the plunge sled. Depth stops control plunge depth and travel. Wandel’s build uses modified drawer slides for the glides and springs, string, and cams to counterbalance the router. These construction details describe his machine; they should not be assumed to apply identically to every Pantorouter version.
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- High-Precision Engraving: The CNC router machine features an aluminum alloy body and a 1.57 in (4 cm) heavy-duty base for stability and reduced vibration. The 60W spindle and 32-bit control board deliver ≤0.07 mm repeat positioning accuracy
- Large Work Area & Expandability: Enjoy an 11.81 x 7.08 x 1.57 (300 x 180 x 40 mm) work area, expandable up to 15.75 in (400 mm) on the Y-axis.
- Wide Software Compatibility: This CNC wood router is compatible with all software that supports GRBL f1.1 firmware. Includes Candle software for easy setup. It works with Mac/Windows/Linux systems and supports CNC (Candle) and Easel
- Easy Assembly & Operation: Quick setup with detailed instructions. This CNC router machine is built with a rotary knob, providing precise spindle control for effortless engraving.
- Secure & Durable Build: Equipped with a stepper motor, this CNC wood router ensures smooth and quiet operation (≤75 dB). The spindle features a current detection protection, reducing faults and extending lifespan up to 5000 hours of reliable use
What joints can it cut?
Wandel designed the original machine to cut tenons and shows mortise-and-tenon joints and dovetail examples. The commercial PantoRouter vendor lists a broader set of applications for its machine; Woodworking Network’s 2019 coverage also describes capabilities of the Hybrid PantoRouter. These claims refer to particular designs and versions, not necessarily every setup. [Woodgears: The Pantorouter] [PantoRouter commercial site] [Woodworking Network, January 24, 2019]
- Mortise-and-tenon joints: the original machine’s stated design purpose includes cutting tenons, and Wandel’s examples include mortise-and-tenon work.
- Box joints and dovetails: the commercial vendor lists these, including sliding dovetails. Woodworking Network describes indexing workpieces for longer box-joint and dovetail cuts on the Hybrid model.
- Angled joints: the vendor lists angled and compound-angle joints for its commercial machine.
Original Pantorouter dimensions and cutting capacity
Woodgears’ specifications describe the original machine. Its maximum cut width varies with router size, and cutting depth depends on the router. Do not apply these figures to the XL or commercial machine without checking that version’s specifications. [Woodgears: Pantorouter specifications]
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| Specification | Original Pantorouter |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 50 cm high × 46 cm wide × 66 cm deep |
| Table | 34 × 46 cm |
| Approximate weight | 18 kg (40 lb) with router |
| Maximum cut height | 8 cm |
| Maximum cut width | 21 cm with a large router; 25 cm with a palm router |
| Cut depth | Limited by the router |
For comparison, Woodworking Network gave a 4-inch-high by 8-inch-long practical workpiece limit for the Hybrid PantoRouter in its 2019 article. That is a version-specific description, not a replacement for Woodgears’ original-machine specifications. [Woodworking Network, January 24, 2019]
Router compatibility: check before choosing a plan
The original Pantorouter plans are intended for routers with cylindrical bodies up to 89 mm, including palm routers. The specifications distinguish an 89 mm large-router option from a 71 mm smaller option, with the Bosch Colt / GKF 600 given as an example. Wandel’s FAQ says a fixed-base router with a 3.5-inch body will fit the original, but the suitability of router power depends on the cuts being made. He recommends variable speed and slow start. Measure the router body and confirm the exact machine version before buying or building around a particular router. [Woodgears: Pantorouter plans] [Woodgears: Pantorouter specifications] [Woodgears: Contact / FAQ]
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Wandel directs users who want a plunge router to the Pantorouter XL plans rather than the original plans. That makes router-base style as important as body diameter when selecting a design. [Woodgears: Pantorouter plans]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Build from plans or buy a machine?
Wandel sells plans for the original Pantorouter and links to a prebuilt all-metal version; the commercial PantoRouter site presents a machine along with templates, router bits, guide bearings, and accessories. The right comparison is between the exact versions available to you, not a generic DIY-versus-commercial price claim. Current stock, price, shipping geography, and purchase terms can change, so check the relevant seller directly. [Woodgears: Pantorouter plans] [PantoRouter commercial site]
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- Adjustable Angle Base: Tiltable design with minus thirty to forty five degrees range enables precise bevel cuts and edge profiling for diverse woodworking projects
- Aluminum Alloy Construction: Lightweight yet durable aluminum alloy base resists deformation during extended use ensuring consistent performance and reduced fatigue
- Ergonomic Handling: One handed use capability through thoughtful design promotes efficiency and reduces strain during prolonged workshop sessions
- Versatile Application: Suitable Wood processing, cabinet manufacturing, handicraft production, plastic sheeting, wood veneer and other similar materials' chamfering, slotting, fine processing, curve cutting and DIY for various router models
- Complete Package: Includes one trimming machine base with eighty eight by eighty eight millimeter square footprint ready for immediate setup and use
- Choose plans if: you have the woodworking tools and skills to build the machine and are comfortable following detailed drawings and instructions.
- Consider a prebuilt machine if: you prefer not to make the frame and mechanism yourself, but verify its router compatibility, work envelope, included templates, and accessories.
- Before committing: compare total cost and availability in your country, the machine version’s capacity, whether your router fits, and whether any templates or bits you need are included and compatible.
The plans page describes a package with 23 drawings and illustrations, full-scale printable templates, assembled-machine drawings, instructions with more than 200 photos, and a SketchUp model. It says the plans are metric except for drill and shaft sizes, and notes that a French version of the 2010 plans is available. The page states a price of $20 USD; because listed prices can change, check the current page before purchasing. [Woodgears: Pantorouter plans]
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