Thermwood Model 43
Key Specifications
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
axes
table type
How much does the Thermwood Model 43 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a cnc router in this class — not a quote from Thermwood. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Thermwood Model 43 is a 3-axis CNC router with a fixed steel high flow table and a moving gantry, built in four table sizes: 4'x8', 5'x10', 5'x12' and 5'x20'. It carries a 12 HP spindle running 3,000-24,000 RPM and rapids at 2,800 IPM.
A high flow table with Universal Vacuum in 1 or 2 zone(s) is a setup for holding full sheets flat without dedicated fixtures, which points this machine at panel processing. The control is Thermwood SuperControl with Smart Router Technology. Among the Thermwood routers compared here it is the only one with a 4'x8' size; the Model 53 starts at 5'x10'.
Tool changing depends on size. Thermwood lists an 11 Position Bar Style Automatic Tool Changer on the 4'x8' and 5'x10' sizes, with a 21 Position Bar Style Automatic Tool Changer as an option. What the 5'x12' and 5'x20' machines carry as standard is not stated, so confirm it in the quotation. One spindle rating is listed, 12 HP, with no larger option; the Model 53 offers 18 HP as an option on a solid aluminum table.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Axes | 3-Axis |
| Table Size | 4'x8', 5'x10', 5'x12', 5'x20' |
| Table Type | Fixed Steel High Flow Table with Moving Gantry |
| Spindle Motor Power | 12 HP |
| Spindle Speed Range | 3,000-24,000 RPM |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 2,800 IPM |
| Tool Capacity | 11 Position Bar Style Automatic Tool Changer (on 4'x8' and 5'x10' sizes); 21 Position Bar Style Automatic Tool Changer opt. |
| Vacuum | Universal Vacuum 1 or 2 Zone(s) |
| CNC Control | Thermwood SuperControl with Smart Router Technology |
Specifications sourced from thermwood.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Four table sizes from 4'x8' to 5'x20' on a fixed table with moving gantry
- Rapid traverse of 2,800 IPM on a moving-gantry frame
- 12 HP spindle with a 3,000-24,000 RPM range
- 11 Position Bar Style Automatic Tool Changer on the 4'x8' and 5'x10' sizes, 21 Position optional
- Universal Vacuum in 1 or 2 zone(s) on a steel high flow table
Limitations
- Spindle power is 12 HP only; the Model 53 lists an 18 HP option
- 3-axis only; five-axis work belongs to the Model 67, Model 77 and Model 90
- The 21 Position tool changer is an option, and the standard changer on the 5'x12' and 5'x20' sizes is not stated
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Four: 4'x8', 5'x10', 5'x12' and 5'x20'. All use a fixed steel high flow table with a moving gantry, so the sheet stays still and floor space is set by the table itself, not by table travel.
02
Thermwood lists an 11 Position Bar Style Automatic Tool Changer on the 4'x8' and 5'x10' sizes and a 21 Position Bar Style Automatic Tool Changer as an option. The page does not say what is standard on the 5'x12' and 5'x20' sizes, so ask when specifying one of those.
03
The Model 43 has a steel high flow table, a 12 HP spindle, sizes from 4'x8' and a listed rapid traverse of 2,800 IPM. The Model 53 has a fixed solid aluminum table, starts at 5'x10', adds a 5'x16' size and offers 18 HP as a spindle option. Both are 3-axis moving-gantry machines.
