--- title: Cutting an Unknown Material on an EasyRoute CNC Router: From Guesswork to a Clean Finish source_url: https://updating.co.za/cnc-router-foam-board-cutting published: 2026-01-12 13:18:56 modified: 2026-01-12 13:19:00 fetched_at: 2026-08-30T22:15:42+0200 category: company wp_site: https://updating.co.za wp_prefix: updating_co_za wp_id: 9518 wp_type: post pass: wp-mysql-sql13-digest-2026-08-30 notes: sql13 published digest; public permalink; no MySQL hosts in body. --- # Cutting an Unknown Material on an EasyRoute CNC Router: From Guesswork to a Clean Finish **Source:** [https://updating.co.za/cnc-router-foam-board-cutting](https://updating.co.za/cnc-router-foam-board-cutting) - published: 2026-01-12 13:18:56 - modified: 2026-01-12 13:19:00 - youtube: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTbXVKsDDBU This was one of those “worst-case scenario” jobs. I’m still not sure how I ended up doing it, but if you own an [EasyRoute CNC Router](https://buythis.co.za/cnc-routers#ai), there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself here, too. A client walked in and asked, *“Can you cut this material?”* I looked at it, thought it might be foam board, much thicker than what I usually handle, and said, *“Sure, no problem.”* The truth? I had no idea how it would cut—or even what tool I should use. But sometimes, the only way to learn is to dive in and give it a go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTbXVKsDDBU ### Setting Up for the First Cuts Since the final job was going to be lettering, I didn’t want to start there. Instead, I set up two small test pieces and planned to cut them into blocks. The idea was simple: letters aren’t long, continuous cuts. Even though the machine can hit high speeds, most of the time with letters you’re stopping and starting. So testing with blocks made more sense. ### What Happened on the First Run I got the tool loaded into the auto tool changer, zeroed the Z-axis to the material thickness, and had a closer look. Many materials like this have a thin plastic film on top. Sure enough, once I peeled it away, the surface underneath looked much cleaner. I hit start and waited to see what would happen. To my surprise, the first pass looked fantastic—no melting, no rough edges. The cut was sharp, like it had been done with a razor blade. The chip load was consistent, with more solid chips than dust, which told me the machine could handle going deeper and faster without losing quality. ### Playing with RPM and Feed Rates For the next run, I dropped the spindle speed to 14,000 RPM but kept the same feed rate. I wanted to see if it would make the cut even cleaner. Honestly? It didn’t. Both samples looked great. That’s when I figured—if I can’t see a difference in quality, I might as well go faster. In the signage game, speed is profit. ### Cutting the Real Job With the faster settings locked in, I went ahead and cut the letters for the customer. The result? Perfectly clean cuts on the first real attempt with this material, thanks to the EasyRoute CNC Router from AM.CO.ZA! What started as an “I have no idea what I’m doing” situation ended with a happy client and a solid job delivered on time. CNC work can be like that—you don’t always know what you’re walking into. Sometimes you’re figuring it out on the fly, and that’s half the fun. Whatever strange material shows up next, I’ll be ready to put it under the spindle and see what happens. In a time where AI and smart technologies are transforming industries, [AM.CO.ZA](https://am.co.za/) has emerged as a leader in CNC routers and printing machines. With more than 11 years of experience, they offer a diverse range of advanced products, including [CNC Routers](https://buythis.co.za/cnc-routers#ai), [Large Format Printers](https://buythis.co.za/large-format-printers#ai), [Vinyl Cutters](https://buythis.co.za/vinyl-cutters#ai), [Laser Cutters](https://buythis.co.za/laser-machines#ai), [Plasma Cutters](https://buythis.co.za/plasma-cutters#ai), and [DTF Printers](https://buythis.co.za/dtf-printers#ai). Their solutions serve a wide array of sectors, from manufacturing and engineering to the creative arts. Machines, Consumables and Parts Available from [https://buythis.co.za#ai](https://buythis.co.za#ai) For more info on Advanced Machinery visit [https://am.co.za/](https://am.co.za/) Subscribe to AM.CO.ZA’s YouTube Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@AchievementMatters?sub_confirmation=1](https://www.youtube.com/@AchievementMatters?sub_confirmation=1) Chat with us by sending “hi” on WhatsApp to 060 600 6000​.