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A CNC router is not a toy, and it’s certainly not a tool for woodworking beginners. If you’re serious about investing in a high-quality router, read on: This article will show you the best CNC routers on the market to help you narrow down your choices.
- Best Starter Kit: Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO
- Best for Hobbyists: MYSWEET 3018 Pro
- Best for Sign Making: SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 CNC Router Machine
- Best for Professionals: BobsCNC E3
- Best for Desktop: MCWdoit Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro
- Best Portability: Yofuly CNC 3018 Pro
- Best Multifunctionality: CNC Piranha XL
- Highest Efficiency: VEVOR CNC Router 3020T
- Thick Aluminum Plate: Taishi 6040 CNC Router
- Most Accurate: CNC Piranha FX Router
🔎 CNC Router Buyer’s Guide
Computer Numerical Control (CNC), is a method of automated 3D cutting and milling.
CNC routers allow precise work, high productivity rates, and exact reproduction of the routed pieces. This means you can make professional-looking parts right in your own garage.
Recently, manufacturers have been able to produce decent CNC routers for affordable prices. But these are still high-tech products, so you need to carefully evaluate your options before you decide which one to buy.
Below are some of the features and specifications you should consider before purchasing a new CNC router.
➡️ Software Compatibility
Software compatibility is a key factor in purchasing a CNC router machine. It is essential you buy a CNC router with software that is compatible with your computer. These routers are designed for use with Mac, Windows, and Linux OS. If your computer is running on Mac, you should find a router compatible with Mac OS. With the software system, users can use their routers to create the desired shapes on their workpieces.
➡️ Machine Capabilities
What will you use the machine for, and what results do you intend to get from it? Once you have determined the answers to these questions, you will be able to select and buy the CNC router that best suits your needs and preferences. Sometimes users blame the machine when the problem lies in a mismatch of the machine’s capabilities and the project requirements, not the product itself.
➡️ Size of the Machine
Another feature you need to look into when purchasing a CNC router is the size. You should base this decision on both the desired functions of the machine and the size of your workspace. Industrial-sized routers are often very large and take up a lot of space, whereas smaller benchtop CNC machines can be positioned comfortably on top of a worktable.
However, it is also essential to note that even the best small CNC router cannot be compared with industrial-sized ones when it comes to power and versatility.
➡️ Availability of Spare Parts
Buying the best CNC router means buying one for which spare parts can be found easily. This is very important, because, at some point, one of your parts is probably going to stop functioning and need to be replaced. The router parts that require the most frequent replacement due to their sensitivity are the drill bits, router bits, and profile cutters.
➡️ Drive System
There are only three drive systems found in a CNC router: lead screw, ball screw pinion, and rack. Ball screws are said to be the costliest because of their accuracy and ability to handle many materials.
➡️ Table Size
This is important for both the CNC machine and other bench tools you plan on buying, such as drills, press tables, and cabinet table saws. The router table size should be big enough to contain all the materials you’re going to be working on.
➡️ Motor System
The motor system determines the cutting speed and the torque of the CNC router. Routers with more powerful motors can perform faster and work on thicker parts than routers with weaker ones. This is a critical factor in your decision.
➡️ Spindle
The part of the motor that cuts with the support of a cutter is called the spindle. The primary features you should evaluate for a spindle are rotations per minute, input power, and torque.
➡️ Spindle vs Router
A spindle CNC mechanism is more suitable for industrial applications and heavy-duty jobs. 3-phase lines power them through an inverter. Due to this, they produce more power for cutting than a router, even at lower speeds.
In addition, spindles possess precision bearings which make their cut accurate, beautiful, and smooth. The components are made of strong and durable materials. However, spindles are very costly.
On the other hand, CNC routers are more affordable, and most of them are designed to accept spindle kits, so you can easily upgrade them anytime. That said, it still depends on your main aim in buying one, since the routers can handle small jobs while spindles can handle more heavy-duty projects.
➡️ Automatic Tool Changing System (ATC)
This factor is critical if your work requires you to combine more than one device. Every CNC router on this list is equipped with an ATC feature. With this function, you can change tools effectively and easily. This also decreases the time wasted on delays and errors.
➡️ Vacuum
This is part of the CNC, which holds the workpiece. Only a strong vacuum can handle heavy materials. The ability of a vacuum to hold the material in place can be calculated by its pressure.
➡️ Software
CNC routers can be thoroughly integrated with computer systems. The software of both your computer and the CNC router should be free of bugs. It should also receive updates directly from the manufacturer. Complex applications require advanced software to be used on the router.
➡️ Dust Collection System
This factor is important because it helps keep your environment clean and free of the debris created by your device. You should consider purchasing a CNC router machine that has a dust collection port. Be sure to check the capacity and functionality of the dust collection system.
➡️ Value for Money
Price is one of the main factors that should be considered when purchasing any product, regardless of what it is. You should always aim for products that provide the most functionality while at the same time staying within your budget. If your purpose in getting a CNC router is to handle small and simple jobs, you can then opt for a cheaper router.
➡️ Ease of Service
It is essential to evaluate the type of maintenance the product needs and the ease with which it can be maintained. Some machines are designed to be set up and maintained by their users; others are not. However, most products do come with a warranty, so always confirm the device’s warranty period from the manufacturer or seller before purchasing.
🏅 Best CNC Routers in 2024
Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO
Best router for beginners to learn CNC cutting
- 300 x 180 x 45 mm Engraving Area
- PF+ Aluminium Frame
- 10000 RPM
- Multi-Supported OS
The Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit Wood Carving, Milling, and Engraving Machine is a nicely designed machine that acts as the perfect router kit for a newbie. The 3018-PRO CNC Router Kit is packed with many outstanding features, making it an ideal choice for many woodworkers. These features make the device very easy to operate, and its plug-and-play design makes it ready to use out of the box. Not only is this machine safe to use, but it’s durable too.
The 3018-PRO might not look very solid. In fact, the product you receive is likely to come dirty. But when you use it, you’ll discover that it lasts longer than most CNC routers out there in the market.
One you should be aware of is that some buyers received incomplete kits. So make sure to check everything is included with yours when you receive it. If anything is missing the retailer should be able to help you. The manual is also difficult to read, so we advise that you instead practice and learn from online websites. There is also a design flaw here: the lack of a limit switch, which may cause the user to make errors.
Where to buy
MYSWEET 3018 Pro
- 300x180x45 mm Engraving Area
- Aluminum Profile
- Available Modules for Upgrading
- Offline Controller
The MYSWEET DIY CNC Router comes as a complete kit that includes all parts and is mostly made out of aluminum with very few plastic components. Running on 110 or 240 volts, this 3-axis CNC machine provides its users with a very large workspace. The cutting plate is made out of aluminum, and 3 two-phase 1.3-amp stepper motors regulate the spindle, which rotates up to 7000 RPM. Setting up this device is very easy, and there is a lot of support available online. GRBL controller software is included, and the MYSWEET DIY CNC Router also gives its users the choice of running a variety of programs for footpath creation.
Features
- It has a very large working area.
- It has a high motor spindle that rotates from about 7,000 RPM to 9,000 RPM depending on your choice.
- It can work on various platforms. It can work on Linus, Windows (XP, 7, 8, 10), and Mac.
- It can carve on different materials such as soft metal, PCB, wood, plastic, PVC, and acrylic.
Where to buy
SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 CNC Router Machine
- 300x180x45 mm Engraving Area
- Safety Baffles
- Fast Assembly
- All-Aluminum Frame
The SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-PROVer with GRBL Offline Control, Limit Switches & Emergency-Stop is the successor to the 3018-PRO. The new model includes new safety features, excellent design, and a new innovative mainboard. This CNC router is a good, high-quality product that is a great option for both new and experienced woodworkers. Whether you’re experienced or not, everyone needs a smooth-running machine to assist them in their woodworking projects.
This product is easy to assemble and versatile, allowing for enhanced operation. We noticed that the software for the product is straightforward to use, but users have complained about having difficulty downloading it.
Where to buy
BobsCNC Evolution 3 CNC Router Engraver Kit
- 300x180x45 mm Engraving Area
- Aluminum Profile
- Available Modules for Upgrading
- Offline Controller
The BobsCNC E3 CNC Router looks more like a homemade kit, which is great for newbies and enthusiasts alike. The main material used in the production of this unit is wood. It has a large cutting area, and each unit comes with a DEWALT 660 router. The gantry and cutting head run on an SG20U support system. The control of the router is carried out by an Arduino-based microprocessor running GRBL motion-control software. The BobsCNC E3 CNC Router must be connected to a computer to run the CNC machine in Windows, Linux, or Mac.
The solid wood body has its benefits, but it also has its negatives; it is impossible to flex from the bed to the gantry, and users end up constantly checking and tightening the components. On the other hand, wood is an eco-friendly material, and the router is easy to work with, especially if you plan on making a lot of modifications.
Features
- Rigid laser cut frame
- Runs on SG20U support rail system
- GT2 belt drive both on the X and Y-axis
- 5/16-18 nut on the Z-axis
Where to buy
MCWdoit Upgraded Version CNC 3018 Pro
- 300x180x45 mm Engraving Area
- Aluminum Profile
- Available Modules for Upgrading
- Offline Controller
The MCWdoit Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY Mini CNC Machine, Wood Router Engraver with Offline Controller is a high-quality CNC router that many customers cannot pass up. It’s an upgraded version of the MCWdoit CNC 3018. This model comes with amazingly useful features, including a fixed heat sink, an integrated driver chip, a fan, and a huge upgrade to the motherboard. The router also features a very spacious surface on which users can create their projects.
The MCWdoit Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY Mini CNC Machine offers many spare parts. However, note that the manufacturers advise that this product should be used only by professionals, and also that this machine wasn’t built to handle industrial-level projects. The MCWdoit Upgrade Version CNC 3018 is a versatile tool and is suitable for soft metals, plastics, acrylic, and PVC.
Where to buy
Yofuly CNC 3018 Pro
- 300x180x45 mm Engraving Area
- Aluminum Profile
- Available Modules for Upgrading
- Offline Controller
The Yofuly Upgraded CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control Engraving Machine with Offline Controller is the upgraded version of the Yofuly CNC 3018 with a new control board and an integrated driver chip. It is very easy to install, and both the manual and the software can be found easily online. The machine comes in a box and is semi-assembled, meaning that users typically only have to spend about 20 minutes setting up their device.
There is an offline controller integrated into the system as well. This means that users can use the Yofuly Upgraded CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control Engraving Machine without any computer. This CNC router can also be used on a variety of materials, including some metals such as aluminum and copper and other surfaces such as plastic, wood, PCB CCL, and acrylic. The Yofuly Upgraded CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control Engraving Machine is suitable for professionals or people who already have knowledge of CNC routers.
Where to buy
CNC Piranha XL
The CNC Piranha XL Router offers an ample work surface and many distinctive features that make it one of the best CNC routers for professional needs on the market. It comes with a touchscreen controller along with auto-sensing and auto-edge capabilities. It also comes with VCarve Desktop V9.0, the Virtual Zero workpiece mapping software, and the Vector 3D software packages.
The CNC Piranha XL Router can run anything the router can cut, but it works best with wood, soft metals, plastic, and acrylic.
Features
- Auto Edge and Rotational Sensing Technology with Virtual Zero exclusive software.
- It features a touchscreen color graphic pendant-controlled software package.
- It is made in the USA.
- Only supports Windows
Where to buy
VEVOR CNC Router 3020T
This is a multifunctional machine that is best used for art, research, industrial purposes, and teaching. Its compact design lands it among the top 10 best CNC routers available.
The spindle can run between 300 RPM and 8,000 RPM, making this device a must-have for engraving on various materials to get a beautiful finish. Weighing just under 44 pounds, this machine comes with a 3D feature that lets its users create, PCB, artwork, crafts, aircraft models, RC model parts, etc…
Features
- Features a large workspace in which you don’t have to worry about the size of the project.
- The VEVOR CNC Router 3020T has a very powerful motor that can produce spindle spins of up to 8,000RPM.
- Can be used to engrave and carve on various materials such as stone, metal, wood, etc.
- Durable design
Where to buy
Taishi 6040 CNC Router
The Taishi Desktop CNC Router is designed with a solid 15mm aluminum alloy plate, making it a sturdy and stable device. The spindle can run up to 24,000 RPM, so this device is a potent tool for professional engraving and designs.
The Taishi Desktop CNC Router requires a desktop system running Mach 3 software to operate the unit. The table and gantry are solidly built with smooth motor operation and extremely low noise production.
Features
- Simple installation and operation, strong and steady due to the aluminum alloy frame.
- 3D carving on native wood, softwood, PVC, plastic, acrylic, etc.
- Can be controlled only by a desktop computer and not a laptop using the Mach 3 software, which is easy and efficient.
Where to buy
CNC Piranha FX Router
- Can perform light-duty jobs
- Table dimensions: 12” x 18″, XYZ travel: 12” x 13” x 3”
- 3D carving capabilities
The CNC Piranha FX is known as the base model CNC device produced by Next Wave Automation. It is a small unit, but it has a manageable workspace that can handle light-duty jobs. This device supports the 3D Digital Duplicator touch probe, which allows users to trace and duplicate objects down to the tiniest details.
The Piranha FX Router also offers touchscreen control and all the features found in the XL model. This machine is best for simple projects.
Features
- Good balance of capabilities for the price range.
- Touch screen controller makes the operations easy and fast.
- Supports the 3D digital duplicate touch probe.
- Features specifications found in the high-end models.
Where to buy
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Weight (lbs) | Primary Material | Work area (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO | 15.3 | Multiple materials | 11.8 x 7.1 x 1.8 |
| MYSWEET 3018 Pro | 11.22 | Aluminum plate | 11.8 x 7.1 x 1.6 |
| SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 CNC | 20.8 | Aluminum | 11.8 x 7.1 x 1.8 |
| BobsCNC E3 | 25 | Multiple materials | 16 x 18 x 3.3 |
| MCWdoit CNC 3018 Pro | 15.7 | Steel | 11.8 x 7.1 x 1.8 |
| Yofuly CNC 3018 Pro | 15.09 | Aluminum | 11.8 x 7.1 x 1.8 |
| CNC Piranha XL | 75 | Aluminum | 12 x 25 x 4 |
| VEVOR CNC Router 3020T | 15.45 | Aluminum | 7.9 x 11.9 x 2.0 |
| Taishi 6040 CNC Router | 121.2 | Aluminum alloy | 15.8 x 22.9 x 3.0 |
| CNC Piranha FX Router | 58.9 | Aluminum | 12 x 13 x 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How deep can a CNC router cut?
A CNC router device can cut as deep as ¾ inches or 19 mm deep, that’s if you use a 2.2kW spindle.
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What can I do with a CNC router?
A CNC router can be used on various materials, including aluminum, plastics, steel, wood, foams, and as well as composites. It can be used to produce 3D designs like decorations, carvings, furniture, moldings, wooden frames, wooden panels, and musical instruments.
-
Can a CNC router cut steel?
CNC routers have a massive range of applications no matter the materials used during the application. Although CNC routers are mainly used for wood, they can also be used to cut metals such as aluminum and steel.
-
Can a CNC router cut Aliminum?
CNC routers can be used with different materials producing a unique finished product. A CNC router can be used to cut aluminum.
-
How to sharpen CNC router bits?
With the modern materials and geometry used to make CNC router bits, it is highly advisable to have your CNC router bits sharpened by professionals and sharpening services that possess the equipment used to sharpen them.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a vast range of quality products in the world of CNC routers, but they are very modest devices. You are spending money on a few features that will make operation more accessible and faster, but the cost is focused mainly on getting a sturdy build and solid operational characteristics that are compelled to produce accuracy and precision.
If you are a DIY enthusiast, there is a possibility that you would outgrow most of the lower-end machines, so our overall recommendation here is to learn and work with most machines as possible while saving for the best router you can get your hands on.
Brayden Silva
Hand-made furniture, remodeling projects, and consulting on all your home needs! I've been a carpenter for over 10 years and I'm still loving it. I learn a new skill every day and can talk your ear off about it! I love to make things. I've been doing it my whole life. Check out my blog for some of my latest projects!
