Thermwood Model 45
Image: thermwood.com, Thermwood
Key Specifications
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Spindle Power
axes
table type
spindle speed range
How much does the Thermwood Model 45 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Thermwood Model 45 that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
The Thermwood Model 45 is the heavy-duty moving-gantry router in Thermwood's 3-axis range, with a fixed steel high flow table in five sizes from 5'x5' to 7'x12' (2.1m x 3.6m). The standard spindle is 12 HP (9 kW) at 3,000-24,000 RPM. Thermwood aims it at composites, tooling boards, plastics and aluminum as well as nested cabinet panels.
Where the Model 43 is sold mainly on nested-based cabinet work, the 45 is the one to configure. Single or dual spindles, three tool changer arrangements, a drill bank, aggregate tooling, a multi-function table for pods and an extended Z clearance and stroke are all on its list. Two shops can own a Model 45 and have quite different machines, so the specification sheet matters more than the model number.
Tool changing starts with a 4 position bar style automatic tool changer at the rear of the table. A 7 position bar and a 5 position at-the-head changer are options. The at-the-head type keeps the tools travelling with the spindle, which shortens changes on a long table, and it is the only kind that works with the 2nd head spindle. That second head brings its own servo-controlled Z axis and a 24 in (600 mm) space bar.
Footprint is modest for the table area. Thermwood gives 81 in (2.0 m) of height, and a 7'x12' machine is 115 in (3.0 m) wide and 187 in (4.7 m) long. Hold-down is through the high flow table with a 15 HP (11 kW) vacuum pump, listed as an option, drawing through a sacrificial board.
For heavier cuts there is an 18 HP (13 kW) spindle. It runs 3,000 to 20,000 programmable RPM, so the larger motor gives up some top speed, and it takes HSK F63 toolholders.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Axes | 3-Axis |
| Table Type | Fixed steel high flow table with moving gantry |
| Table Size | 5'x5', 5'x10' (1.5m x 3.0m), 5'x12' (1.5m x 3.6m), 6'x12' (1.8m x 3.6m), 7'x12' (2.1m x 3.6m) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 12 HP (9 kW) |
| Spindle Speed Range | 3,000-24,000 RPM |
| Optional Spindle | 18 HP (13 kW), 3,000 to 20,000 programmable RPM, HSK F63 toolholders |
| Tool Capacity | 4 position bar style automatic tool changer (7 position bar style and 5 position at-the-head opt.) |
| Second Spindle | 2nd head spindle with second servo-controlled Z axis and 24 in (600 mm) space bar (opt.) |
| Vacuum Pump | 15 HP (11 kW) universal vacuum pump (opt.) |
| Rotary Axis | Accepts stock from 8 in (200 mm) diameter up to 56 in (1.4 m) in length (opt.) |
| Drill Bank | 9 position drill bank, spindles on 32 mm centers (opt.) |
| Machine Dimensions | Height 81 in (2.0 m), width 91 in (2.3 m), length 108 in (2.7 m) with 5'x5' table; width 115 in (3.0 m), length 187 in (4.7 m) with 7'x12' table (approximate) |
| Drives | Siemens intelligent servo drives throughout |
| CNC Control | Thermwood SuperControl |
Specifications sourced from thermwood.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Five table sizes, including 6'x12' (1.8m x 3.6m) and 7'x12' (2.1m x 3.6m) for wide plastic and composite sheet
- Configurable with single or dual spindles and an optional rotary axis
- Three tool changer choices: 4 position bar style standard, 7 position bar style or 5 position at-the-head as options
- Optional 18 HP (13 kW) spindle with HSK F63 toolholders for heavier cutting
- Multi-function table option makes the machine pod system capable
Limitations
- Standard tool changer holds 4 positions, which is few for nested cabinet work
- The 18 HP (13 kW) spindle is limited to 20,000 RPM against 24,000 RPM for the standard unit
- Bar style tool changer cannot be used with the 2nd head spindle
- Vacuum pump, automatic lubrication and automatic tool length sensor are listed as options
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Thermwood describes it as a heavy-duty three axis machine for composites, tooling boards, plastics, aluminum, cabinets, wood and nested base panels. The brochure adds solid surface processing and non-ferrous metals. It is the general-purpose moving-gantry model, where the Model 43 is presented mainly for nested-based cabinet production.
02
Five: 5'x5', 5'x10' (1.5m x 3.0m), 5'x12' (1.5m x 3.6m), 6'x12' (1.8m x 3.6m) and 7'x12' (2.1m x 3.6m). All use the fixed steel high flow table with a moving gantry. A multi-function table that accepts pods is an option.
03
A 4 position bar style automatic tool changer is standard. Options are a 7 position bar style changer and a 5 position at-the-head tool changer, whose holders sit in an arc around the front of the spindle. With the 2nd head spindle fitted the bar style changer cannot be used, and the at-the-head type is available for both heads.
04
Approximate overall dimensions from Thermwood: height 81 in (2.0 m) on every size. With the 5'x5' table it is 91 in (2.3 m) wide and 108 in (2.7 m) long. With the 7'x12' table it is 115 in (3.0 m) wide and 187 in (4.7 m) long.
05
As an option. The rotary axis mounts on top of the machine table and accepts stock from 8 in (200 mm) diameter up to 56 in (1.4 m) in length. Thermwood says the unit is designed primarily for reproducing furniture components.
