Simply Technologies assembles, supports, and ships small-format CNC routers from our London, Ontario facility. The machines are manufactured by our partners in Taiwan. We focus on machines built for reliable, long-term use: machines that run on standard single-phase power, fit real shop spaces, and earn their place across daily production, classroom programs, or weekend home-shop work. We’ve been at it since 2007 and ship across Canada and the US.  

CNC Routers We Build

Our router lineup covers four product families across desktop, mid-format, and larger-format small-shop production. Every machine ships with the spindle, controller, and matched accessories. Software can be added to the order. Optional install and training packages are available when your team wants help getting up to speed.

DISCOVERY Series — Entry Through Large-Format Small Shop

Five models from 12″ x 12″ desktop (DISCOVERY 1, from $3,999) up to 48″ x 48″ with automatic tool changer (DISCOVERY 16ATC, from $12,999). The eCNC controller with 7″ touchscreen sits across the series. The smallest models run a 1HP air-cooled spindle for desktop and classroom use. The larger 24″ x 48″ and 48″ x 48″ models step up to a 3HP spindle for production work. Right pick when you want the eCNC simplicity and a clear upgrade path through one product family.

PERFORMANCE Series — Daily-Production Small Shop

Six models from 24″ x 36″ (PERFORMANCE 6, from $8,999) up to 48″ x 48″ with ATC (PERFORMANCE 16ATC, from $17,999). All on the iCNC 15.6″ touchscreen with wireless file transfer and remote operation. 3HP water-cooled spindle on every model, welded steel frame on the larger units, optional rotary kit for 3D work. Right pick for daily small-shop production where you want the touchscreen interface, water cooling, and frame rigidity.

SIMPLY Series — Compact Production Entry

Two models, SIMPLY 4 (24″ x 24″, from $4,499) and SIMPLY 8 (24″ x 48″, from $5,799). Compact, lower entry point into 24″-class production. Right pick when budget is the constraint or shop space is tight but you still need a real production bed.

ACADEMY Series — Enclosed for Classrooms

Two enclosed models: ACADEMY 1 (12″ x 12″ desktop, from $6,999) and ACADEMY 2 (12″ x 24″ floor model, from $9,499). Safety enclosure, eCNC controller, optimized for student operators. Pairs naturally with EMPOWER[ED] ACADEMY, our CAD and CNC certification program. EMPOWER[ED] ACADEMY includes structured curriculum mapped to industry-standard CAD and CNC workflows, teacher onboarding so instructors aren’t left to figure it out alone, student certification at the end of the program, and the kind of long-term classroom continuity that means the program is still running well after the first cohort graduates.  

Right-Sizing Your CNC: How to Avoid Over-Spec’ing

A common buying instinct in the CNC market is to reach for the biggest bed and most power available, on the theory that you’ll grow into it. In the small-format world, this usually backfires. You end up with a machine that won’t run on the shop’s existing single-phase power, takes up more floor than the actual work needs, and sits more than it runs. If you’re cutting smaller signs, prototypes, or detail work, a DISCOVERY 1 or 2 fits cleanly on a workbench and runs from a standard outlet. If you’re handling 24″ x 48″ sign panels or smaller cabinet components daily, a SIMPLY 8 or PERFORMANCE 8 is the natural sweet spot. If you’re regularly working with full 48″ x 48″ panels, that’s where the DISCOVERY 16 or PERFORMANCE 16 series earns its keep. Match the bed to the actual work with one tier of headroom and you’ll buy once.  

CNC Router Applications

Most Canadian buyers use their small-format CNC for one or more of the following applications. Each has slightly different requirements that drive machine choice.

Sign Making

Sign shops are a major segment in our customer base. PERFORMANCE 8 or DISCOVERY 8 (24″ x 48″) handles most sign work cleanly: dimensional letters, profile cuts, HDU work, layered panel signs. Pairs naturally with a CO2 laser for acrylic letter cuts and fine detail.

Custom Cabinetry and Millwork (Small Scale)

Small custom shops use our 48″ x 48″ machines (PERFORMANCE 16, DISCOVERY 16) for cabinet components, decorative panels, and millwork. The bed fits most cabinet panels without breaking them down. The 3HP water-cooled spindle handles plywood, MDF, melamine, and hardwood cleanly.

Prototyping and Custom Fabrication

Product designers, prototyping shops, and small manufacturers use our CNCs to turn CAD files into physical parts fast. Material range is broad: wood, plywood, plastics, composites, aluminum, foam, acrylic. Software ecosystem matters more here. Most prototyping buyers run VCarve Pro or Aspire.

Classrooms and Makerspaces

Schools running CAD or shop programs choose either the ACADEMY series (enclosed for student safety) or the DISCOVERY 1/2 for open-classroom use. EMPOWER[ED] ACADEMY provides the structured curriculum, teacher onboarding, and student certification so educators aren’t building the program from scratch.

Home Shops and Makers

Plenty of our customers run a DISCOVERY 1 or DISCOVERY 2 on a workbench at home for weekend projects, jewellery work, small custom orders, or learning the craft. These machines are built for reliable, long-term use, not throwaway hobbyist gear, and they hold up to years of use.  

Choosing the Right Spindle, Bed Size, and Software

Three specs drive most of the decision.

Spindle and cooling.

For desktop and classroom work, a 1HP air-cooled spindle (DISCOVERY 1/2, ACADEMY series) is correct. For production work in the SIMPLY, DISCOVERY 8/16, and PERFORMANCE series, the standard is 3HP. Air-cooled on the SIMPLY 8 and DISCOVERY 8, water-cooled on the larger PERFORMANCE models and DISCOVERY 16. Water cooling is quieter in production and extends spindle life under heavier daily use.

Bed size.

12″ x 12″ desktop for small parts and learning. 24″ x 48″ for sign and small cabinet panels. 48″ x 48″ for larger panels. Don’t reach for 48″ x 48″ if your work fits cleanly on 24″ x 48″; the smaller bed takes less floor and costs less to run.

Software.

VCarve Pro ($699) is the standard for production woodworking and signs. Aspire ($1,995) adds full 3D modelling for decorative and sculptural work. VCarve Desktop ($349) is the lower-tier option for hobby and education with a smaller job-size ceiling. Software can be added to your machine order.  

Canadian Delivery, Setup, and Training

Every CNC we ship to Canada goes freight to your shop or school. The product page price is what you pay for the machine in USD by default; the written quote adds freight and any applicable duty. Optional install and training packages are available when your team wants help getting up to speed. Standalone machine orders ship without on-site setup. Many remote support questions are resolved quickly through phone or email. CNC parts and accessories are stocked at our London, Ontario warehouse.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a small-format CNC router cost in Canada?

Our lineup runs from around $3,999 (DISCOVERY 1, desktop) through $17,999 (PERFORMANCE 16ATC, 48″ x 48″ with automatic tool changer). Most small shops doing daily production land in the $5,800 to $13,000 range depending on bed size, controller choice, and spindle. The site shows pricing in USD by default. A written quote will include freight.

What’s the best CNC router for a small Canadian shop?

For most small shops doing daily production, the PERFORMANCE 8 (24″ x 48″, from $9,499) is the natural pick. 3HP water-cooled spindle, iCNC 15.6″ touchscreen with wireless file transfer, single-phase 220V power. Handles sign work, smaller cabinet components, and prototyping comfortably. Talk to us for a recommendation based on your specific application.

Do I need three-phase power for a CNC router?

No. Every small-format CNC in our lineup runs on standard single-phase power. The DISCOVERY 1 and 2 run on 110V at 15A (with optional 220V). The larger DISCOVERY 8/16 and the entire PERFORMANCE series run on 220V single-phase at 10A. No panel upgrades, no industrial service required.

Can I see a CNC router demo before buying?

Yes. We run demos at our London, Ontario showroom and can arrange virtual demos for shops elsewhere in Canada or the US. Get in touch to schedule.

What software comes with a CNC router?

Software is sold separately and can be added to your machine order. Most shops doing daily production work add VCarve Pro ($699); shops doing 3D work often add Aspire ($1,995). VCarve Desktop ($349) is a lower-cost option for hobby and classroom use.

How long does CNC router training take?

Most operators are running basic production within two days of focused training. Mastery comes with experience over a few months. Optional training packages are available as add-ons when your team wants help getting up to speed. For schools, EMPOWER[ED] ACADEMY gives students a structured CAD and CNC certification path with teacher onboarding built in.

Can a CNC router cut metal?

Our CNCs cut aluminum sheet, non-ferrous metals, and softer materials comfortably with the right bits. For steel, brass, or thicker metals you want a CNC mill or plasma, not a router. We can advise on the right machine for metal-focused work.  

Get a Quote for a CNC Router in Canada

Tell us what you’re trying to build and we’ll put together a written quote that includes the machine, software, freight, and any optional packages you want to add. No high-pressure sales. Just honest answers from a North American CNC company based in London, Ontario.