Introduction
CNC routers are often associated with furniture and large woodworking projects. But their precision and repeatability also make them ideal for small, detailed projects like jewelry. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a small business owner, CNC jewelry making lets you create custom, high-value pieces with intricate designs that would be difficult to achieve by hand.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make jewelry from wood, acrylic, and brass, the tools and bits you’ll need, design-to-finish workflows, and project ideas to inspire your next creation.
Materials for CNC Jewelry Projects
Choosing the right material is the first step. Each offers a unique aesthetic and carving challenge.
Wood Jewelry
Wood is lightweight, warm, and naturally beautiful. It’s perfect for earrings, pendants, and bangles. Basswood plywood is particularly popular because it’s easy to machine and available in multiple colors.
👉 Try TwoTrees 3mm Basswood Plywood — available in a variety of finishes for different jewelry styles.
Acrylic Jewelry
Acrylic brings bold colors, transparency, and a modern aesthetic. It’s great for geometric earrings, layered pendants, and glowing accessories. With flame polishing, acrylic edges can look like glass.
Brass Jewelry
Brass adds elegance and durability. It’s suitable for engraved bracelets, rings, or pendants. Brass requires a rigid CNC router, sharp bits, and proper feeds/speeds, but the results are premium and professional.
Best CNC Router Bits for Jewelry Making
Jewelry projects require fine detail, so bit selection is crucial. Here’s what works best for wood, acrylic, and brass:
- Small End Mills (1–3 mm): For detailed cuts in wood and acrylic.
- Ball Nose Bits: For smooth curves and 3D contours.
- V-Bits: For engraving patterns, text, or decorative lines.
- O-Flute Bits: Designed for plastics like acrylic, giving polished edges.
👉 Shop TwoTrees router bits:
- TwoTrees End Mill Collection — a versatile set for multiple materials.
- 3.175 mm Carbide End Mill Set (3pcs) — ideal for fine jewelry cuts.
- 3-Flute Carbide End Mill Set (5pcs) — durable, sharp bits perfect for brass and acrylic.
Best CNC Routers for Jewelry Projects
Jewelry projects don’t require large machines, but they do demand precision and rigidity. Here are the best TwoTrees options:
- TTC-450 Pro — Compact, affordable, and perfect for wood and acrylic jewelry.
- TTC-6050 — Larger workspace, suitable for batching jewelry and small-scale production.
- TTC-H40 / TTC-H80 — Rigid, prosumer-grade routers capable of handling brass and precision engraving.
CNC Jewelry Project Ideas
Here are some ideas to inspire your next project:
Wood Jewelry
- Engraved pendants with patterns or initials.
- Layered geometric earrings from different colored basswood sheets.
- Bangles carved from hardwood or laminated plywood.
Acrylic Jewelry
- Transparent earrings with engraved patterns.
- LED-lit acrylic pendants that glow from edge lighting.
- Bold, colorful statement necklaces using layered acrylic.
Brass Jewelry
- Engraved cuff bracelets with patterns or names.
- Signet-style rings with monograms.
- Pendants with etched artwork or logos.
Workflow: Design → Carve → Finish
1. Design
Use CAD software like Fusion 360, Carveco, or VCarve to create 2D vectors or 3D models. For engraving, simple vector art works well. For brass, make sure your designs are scaled for small tools.
2. Carve
Use shallow passes, fine stepovers, and sharp bits. For brass, reduce depth per pass and use coolant or air assist to avoid tool wear. For acrylic, air assist prevents melting. Wood requires dust collection for cleaner cuts.
3. Finish
- Wood: Sand, then seal with natural oils or clear coat.
- Acrylic: Flame polish or buff for glossy, glass-like edges.
- Brass: Polish with compounds or a tumbler, then seal with lacquer to prevent tarnish.
Finally, add findings (earring hooks, necklace chains, bracelet clasps) to turn carvings into wearable pieces.
Conclusion
CNC routers make it possible to craft custom, small-scale jewelry in wood, acrylic, and brass. By choosing the right materials, bits, and machine settings, you can produce pieces that rival professional designs. Start small with basswood earrings, experiment with bold acrylic pendants, and work up to elegant brass bracelets.
👉 Ready to get started? Pick up TwoTrees Basswood Sheets, a set of precision end mills, and choose the right CNC router — from the TTC-450 Pro for wood and acrylic to the H80 for brass and advanced designs.
Quick FAQ
Can CNC routers cut metal for jewelry?
Yes, but only softer metals like brass or aluminum. You’ll need a rigid machine, sharp carbide bits, and shallow passes. Hard metals like steel require specialized CNC mills.
What’s the best starter material for CNC jewelry?
Wood is the easiest to begin with — basswood plywood is affordable, easy to carve, and lightweight for wearable pieces.
How do I polish CNC acrylic jewelry?
Sand with wet/dry paper (400 → 1200 grit), then flame polish or buff for a clear, glossy finish.
What bit size should I use for jewelry projects?
Small bits (1–3 mm) are best for delicate cuts and engraving. Use V-bits for detail and ball nose bits for smooth contours.
