10 Best Cheap CNC Machines Reviews

It is challenging to make the same pattern twice manually with the same precision and accuracy. This is where CNC machines become handy.

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines have a computerized control on machining tools like Drill, Lathe, Mills.

A CNC machine is like a 3D, 4D, 5D, printer for metals, plastics, wood, ceramics, etc.

CNC Machines are a great help when it comes to mass production.

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Mostics 2 in 1 CNC 3018 Pro Machine with 5.5W-450nm Power...

Top 10 Cheap CNC Machines Reviews

Either you are a hobbyist or a professional, then you know a CNC machine is not that cheap but worthy equipment in any shop. I have compiled a list of the best but cheaper CNC machines available.

Here is a list of 10 Best Cheap CNC Machines that we have picked as per our editors;

1. Pro CNC Upgraded Version 3018 Router Kit | Editors’ Choice

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Overview

This CNC router is great for beginners and can provide all the qualities you would expect from a desktop edition. It sits perfectly in small places, and its dimensions are also compact, making it easier to place and operate on any standard table.

You can download all the files, store them in the USB flash drive, and then connect it to the CNC machine to use the router offline. This upgraded version has increased the storage capacity from 128MB to 1GB of space, which would be sufficient for saving many project files.

The control software is GRBL 1.1f and has been designed to work on Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10. If you’re planning to operate it on a Mac, you would have to contact customer support to access control.

You would have to use the USB cable for transferring files between the computer and the offline manual control. But remember not to use both the offline control and software control simultaneously.

This machine is made for DIY projects and other small-scale work, so you shouldn’t expect industrial-grade power and finishing from it.

You can easily engrave and cut through wood, acrylic, plastic, MDF, PCB, and bamboo. Even soft aluminum can be engraved with it.

The overall body is made from Aluminum, and the effective engraving area is 11.8″x7.1″x1.8″, which is suitable for making some small carvings and designs. A 775 spindle is used in this router which can spin at 10,000 rpm max. Overall, the unit requires a 5 amp draw to get it started.

You might find the instructions unclear on how to operate it, but you can easily watch any YouTube video to find that out. A 12-month warranty period is also there, in case there are any faults with the product.

Read More: 10 Best CNC Router for Small Shop

2. VEVOR CNC 3018-PRO 3 Axis CNC Router Kit

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Overview

For getting a more premium feel with a modern design, you should buy this CNC router.

The entire body is made from aluminum and a nice blue oxide shade that makes it look beautiful. It does come under the cheaper category, but it can be a bit more expensive among others in this list.

It is super easy to use, and compared to its earlier models; the 3018-PROVer is quick to assemble. Most of the parts come pre-assembled, while the rest take very little time to connect. It would be up and running in less than half an hour which is an added benefit for beginners.

It has the same open-source software GRBL v1.1 to operate the router but is backed by Toshiba’s TB6S109 drivers, which help deliver a powerful performance with low noise levels.

You can operate the software on all Windows Platforms, from XP to Windows 10 and Linux and macOS. This compatibility gives it access to a range of users across different platforms.

The offline controller has been redesigned, and now there’s a 1.8″ TFT LCD screen that shows the controls clearly. This means you can use the router without having to connect it to a computer.

Using it on hard metals won’t work as the engraver is not industrial-grade. But you can easily use it to engrave and cut wood, plastics, and even soft aluminum. You can work within an effective area of 10.2″x6.1″x1.4″, which is good enough for small DIY projects.

The machine is equipped with a 775 motor which can spin at a maximum of 10,000 rpm. To operate it, you would need 5 amp of power, which can be supplied through the FCC, CE, and PSE certified power supply.

To ensure safety during the process, the manufacturer has added 5mm acrylic baffles that prevent the wood pieces from flying everywhere. This makes it easier to monitor the work without any hazards.

You may also like: 10 Best Cheap CNC Machines.

3. Desktop CNC Router Machine with Transparent Enclosure

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Overview

The FoxAlien FAC30 is an entry-level CNC router that can engrave and cut a range of different materials. You can use it on acrylics, aluminum, wood, MDF, PCB, carbon fiber, other plastics, nylon, and even copper, brass, and silver.

You get an area of 11″x6.18″x1.77″ to work on, which has a 775 spindle that can operate at 10000 rpm. Like many desktop versions, this one also works on 3 axes, but the FAC30 comes with an improved Z-axis Spindle Clamp.

This will remove the need to change the clamp if you upgrade to a 300W spindle from a standard 775 one.

Assembling the unit is also super easy. After placing the base and gantry and connecting them, you can move ahead to install the control board.

Then, follow the instructions on how to join the wires from the user manual. If you have any difficulties following the instructions from the manual, you can also contact customer support or refer to any video regarding the assembly.

Open-source GRBL software is the basis of the control board, which can be operated from the computer. It is compatible with Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, Linux, and macOS.

An aesthetic enclosure is equipped with transparent acrylic sheets outside the router to make it easier to view the engraving from any side. The handle from the previous version is now replaced with a more modern one. Also, all the sides fit perfectly with one another and leave no gaps between them.

This enclosure makes engraving safe as it protects chips and dust from scattering everywhere. It also prevents any work-related injuries and hazards from both the rotating spindle and any pieces flying off.

There’s a red emergency stop button along with limit switches for better safety control.

You may also like: Best DIY CNC Routers.

4. VEVOR CNC 3018 CNC Router Kit 3 Axis CNC Router Machine

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Overview

The VEVOR CNC 3018 is an excellent engraving tool for DIY projects that you can use on a wide range of materials. It can engrave wood, PCB, acrylics, aluminum (soft), and all types of plastics.

Using the router, you would get premium quality as the frame is made of 2020 aluminum profiles. The other parts are made from a black injection molding material, which gives it a classy and modern look.

The machine works on 3 refined axes, which can operate on an area of size 11.8″x7.1″x1.8″. The driving units featured in this machine include double copper nuts and T8 stainless steel screw rods.

As per some customers, the anti-backlash springs included in the router are somewhat weak. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase some of the cheaper parts from the market as a replacement.

There is a high-quality 42 stepper motor on each axis that enables smooth movement throughout the engraving process. The 775 spindles are located on the Z-axis, which can make 10,000 rotations per minute, similar to others we’ve mentioned earlier.

Although the company claims that the installation and assembly are easy, the instructions in the manual are a bit too difficult to understand.

For some, it took nearly 2 hours to assemble it and then a further 1-2 hours on trying to make it work. Following a tutorial on YouTube regarding this is probably better than referring to the user manual.

Through a USB interface, you can easily connect the control board to your computer. This machine also features GRBL software which runs on Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, and Linux OS. The overall control is also pretty convenient with the dual Y-axis and 4-axis drive.

The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and good 24/7 customer service, which proves to be helpful in case you encounter any issues with the software or the product itself.

5. CNC 3018 Pro Engraver Machine with Offline Controller

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Overview

The Titoe 3018 Pro is a 3-axis DIY router that comes with a 7W module. It features an integrated driver chip, a fan, and a fixed heat sink for better performance. The casing is also pretty sturdy, which increases the life of the CNC control board.

It is marketed as a 2-in-1 design that essentially replaces the spindle with a powerhead. This allows it to be used as both an engraver and or a router. As per the company, it takes just 20-60 minutes to assemble all the parts in the package. They even have an instructional video on YouTube to guide you through this.

The software used in the CNC machine is GRBL which can be operated on any version of Windows from XP to 10 (both 32- and 64-bit versions).

You can also use the offline controller to operate the machine without connecting it to your PC. Just be sure not to use both the controller and PC simultaneously to avoid any system errors.

Similar to others, this machine can be used to carve wood, acrylics, soft aluminum, copper, PCB, and other plastics. You would have an 11.8″x7.08″x1.77″ area to work on, which is designed to cater to almost all small-scale projects. For this, the Z-axis features a 775-spindle motor that can rotate at speeds of up to 10000 rpm.

Further discussing the 2-axis 7W laser module that we’ve mentioned earlier, the engraving power on this is incredible, and it is designed to last for a long time.

There are safety goggles included in the package that would protect you while engraving with a laser. You can also adjust the focal length to a minimum by twisting the head of the module.

One issue faced by some customers was the poor design of the clamps to hold down the material you’re working on. The bolts should have had a flat T-track screw instead of round heads. People did find it frustrating to adjust it, especially when carving out wood.

6. CNC 3018 Pro Wood Router GRBL Control Engraving Machine

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Overview

This newer 3018 Pro version by Yofuly now features a better control board which is both more powerful in terms of performance and durability.

It has replaced the plastic interface with a metal shielded interface. It even has an outer casing that protects the board from any harm. You can also adjust the speed of the external fan to force heat dissipation, and if there’s any short circuit event, the power cuts off, which avoids any damage.

The offline controller featured in this CNC router can support both a microSD card and a TF card. Previously, only 128MB of items could be stored inside, which has now increased to 1GB. There’s a protective shell around the controller circuit that prevents it from getting easily damaged.

The software is the same as others (GRBL) and can run on Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10. The G-code also runs perfectly on Windows Vista and can also be used on Linux.

The 775-spindle motor has been installed on the Z-axis for better performance and higher speed, which requires a 1.5 amp to kickstart. The speed is 10000 rpm which is the same as every other CNC we’ve discussed here.

Since it’s the desktop version, it cannot work on hard metals like the bigger machines. This CNC router has the power to engrave plastics, acrylics, wood, PCB, PVC, and other soft materials.

For a hobbyist, this product would turn out to be perfect. Nothing is fragile, and the accuracy is also pretty fine. In case some parts end up being broken, you can always find them from any parts store.

7. Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY CNC Machine

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Overview

This CNC machine comes with a quick assembly, and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to bring all the parts together. The features in this machine are almost identical to the ones we’ve mentioned above.

It does take a while to get a hold of the software that prepares the file. So that you know setting up the machine is the easy part. What would take most of the time and skill in preparing the NC files and vector images?

The upgraded control board used in this machine features the GRBL intelligent software version, which allows you to operate the 3-axis more precisely and quickly. It is fully compatible with Windows XP, 7, 8, and Linux OS. There’s a small CD included in the box that contains the software.

It features a 775 spindle that requires 24V to operate and can spin at speeds of up to 10000 rpm. You can manually adjust the XYZ axis to position the starting point and use the offline controller instead of connecting to the computer.

The controller accepts both microSD and TF cards with a storage capacity of up to 1GB. Just remember to disconnect the controller from the mainboard if you want to operate the router from your PC.

With the Cenoz 3018 Pro, you can easily engrave plastics, soft aluminum, acrylics, PCB, and PVC. The deal only includes engraving bits, so you might have to purchase them separately for use on wood and other surfaces.

Overall, the CNC machine comes in great condition with ultra-sharp aluminum shavings that are all well organized in the package. The axis screws are a bit loose, but they can easily be tightened up if you have a wrench at home.

8. Mostics CNC 3018 Pro Machine for Carving Arts & Crafts

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Overview

This upgraded CNC machine features two engraving modes that deliver exceptional performance with flexibility. It has a 5.5W blue laser module and a high-quality rotary cutter.

You can place various materials on its wide aluminum base, and it would have no problem carving your chosen design. It can cut plastics, wood, acrylics, PCBs, PVC, and epoxy tooling boards.

If you look at the machine, it’s a pretty intelligent and safe design. The machine is protected by an acrylic transparent cover that is both shock- and dust-resistant. It has a new handle design with rubber feet at the bottom of the machine. This gives it a better grip and makes it shock-proof as well.

We have better handwheels, a fixed heat sink, an integrated driver chip, and a powerful external fan with this newer version. The housing around the control panel is sturdy, which acts as a protective cover for it. It also has protection against any short-circuit event.

When using laser engraving, it is advisable to wear safety glasses first to avoid eye discomfort. The accuracy of the engraving is commendable, and the finishing is also pretty great for DIY projects.

It comes with an offline controller that you can use to operate the axes without using a computer or downloading files. You can manually open and close the spindle and the closing fan.

The Mostics 3018 Pro features two software to operate from; it has the Candle 1.17 and the LaserGRBL V3.0.10, both open-source control software.

To learn to operate them, you can view some introductory tutorials online or refer to the user-friendly guide included in the box.

Overall, it’s an affordable CNC machine that is easy to assemble and offers laser and rotary engraving/cutting. However, there is a lack of limit switches that could have been added to make it more useful.

Also, MacOS users can’t use this due to compatibility issues. Nevertheless, it’s a great product for DIY engravers and carvers alike.

9. Cheap CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY Mini CNC Machine

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Overview

The MYSWEETY CNC 3018 Pro has a nice aluminum frame that integrates well with the phenolic resin uprights. The black and aluminum combination makes it look premium and modern.

Assembling this machine is not too difficult if you follow the manual’s instructions and refer to videos on YouTube. It would take you nearly 1-2 hours to assemble it properly. In case you have any queries, you can also contact customer support.

It features a CAMTOOL CNC V3.3 GRBL control board with markings on where every wire has to be plugged into. It comes with the DRV8825 driver that allows you to adjust limits and also has overheat protection.

The latest version of GRBL has been installed, which is compatible with Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10.

You can engrave wood, plastics, acrylics, PCB, and PVC with this CNC machine. You would be able to accommodate nearly all small DIY projects as the effective engraving area measures 11.8″x7.08″x1.8″.

This machine has an offline controller with an included SD card that enables you to write directly to the root directory of the G code. This, in turn, will allow you to easily use the CNC machine without having to connect it to the computer.

Safety glasses are included in the box and are highly recommended to be worn during work to protect your eyes.

Pieces often fly everywhere, and there’s a lot of sawdust created while engraving.

Some customers did highlight that the greasing on the horizontal bars dried up, or it wasn’t lubricated well enough. So, be sure to check this before using it.

10. Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control

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Overview

This is a CNC router kit by Genmitsu that works on the XYZ plane with 3-axis control, similar to the rest. It is equipped with a 1.8″ thick engraving base, which can cut different types of plastics, wood, acrylics, PCBs, and PVCs.

It comes with an upgraded power adapter that features protection against fluctuations in voltage, current, temperature, and any possible short-circuit.

To prevent overheating, it has a smart integrated circuit design that is built into the system. This also makes it possible for it to charge with stability.

The mainboard has been redesigned compared to the previous version. This one has improved performance and stability due to its better wiring. It is equipped with an ABS case and an external fan at the back as well.

It has a 775 spindle that takes 24V to operate and can spin at 10000 rpm. You won’t be able to use the rotary cutter to cut hard metals, but carving and engraving pieces of wood won’t be an issue.

The build quality of this CNC machine is very sturdy. Some customers were surprised as initially; it looked as if the frame would be flimsy. It would be better if the company started including some extra T-nuts and bolts as they often end up being damaged or missing.

Watching a tutorial would be better if you’re starting to assemble this machine as many customers complained that the instructions mentioned in the manual were not very clear.

If you don’t want to connect the machine to the computer, you can use the offline controller. This would make it easier for you to place it anywhere in your home or garage and then use it.

Buying Guide for CNC Machines

In this buying guide, we will mention some points you have to consider before making your final choice. This would include the parts that make up the CNC machine and other factors that would be relevant to your buying decision.

Even if you purchase the products that we’ve listed above in this article, knowing these factors would further help you understand the CNC machine/router features.

When we talk about CNC machines, the first thing that comes to mind is those big milling machines that use rotary cutters to slice off big chunks of metal to create automotive parts. Those things are way expensive and are designed to be used in industries.

It doesn’t mean that these small desktop CNC routers are cheap as a unit. The price for these products is low as they do not come assembled in one piece; rather, you would have to spend some time trying to put it together.

Know the popular brands

The market is full of competing products, and there are tons of different brands to choose from. You should try to learn about the availability of those brands and know what features they consist of.

If you’re planning to go for an imported machine, be sure to check whether that company offers support services or not. Taking into account the repairs and maintenance that the CNC machine demands could also help you in this.

Learn the programming of your CNC machine

The programming and operation of every machine are different from the other. If you’re purchasing a completely new model, be sure to know whether you understand the controls and the built software.

You should also know that there are multiple versions of the software used to control the machine. It would be great if you’ve already used a CNC machine in the past, as you would be able to figure out the coding requirements in a better way. But you can always refer to the user manual or watch a video online regarding this.

Price

Compare the prices of at least 2 to 3 CNC machines with similar features to what you’re looking for. Pay close attention to the performance that it’s capable of delivering, along with the quality of parts from which it is built. Watching a video relating to a demonstration of the assembly and setup could help a lot.

Spare Parts

Check whether the cost of replacing the parts is high or not. Sometimes, finding the right part becomes difficult, especially if the CNC machine you’re using was imported. Some of the packages come with few spare parts, but mostly you have to purchase them separately.

The parts used in these desktop versions of CNC routers are pretty inexpensive, regardless of brand. You might be able to find them in your local hardware store or look on Amazon for them. Contacting the support team could also help you in identifying the best place to purchase them.

Manuals and instructions

Getting the user manual of the CNC machine along with all the available literature relating to the technical specifications would help a lot. Some manufacturers offer user-friendly manuals, but it would still take you more than an hour to get a hold of them. Follow the instructions as stated in the manuals, but you can always refer to a guide online.

Spindle

All the desktop CNC routers we’ve mentioned in the article are equipped with a rotary cutting tool. This tool is powered by a spindle which is essentially a powerful motor that can spin faster.

Get yourself familiar with the load rating, the RPM, amperage draw, size, and type of spindle motor that the CNC machine has. All the products above have a powerful spindle that can operate a maximum of 10,000 RPM.

Weight and Dimensions

Have a look at how much the machine weighs and the dimensions. This would be essential if you’re looking to place it on your working table. In general, the construction of a CNC machine is considered better if it’s heavy. This would, however, disrupt frequent transportation if that’s a thing you’re planning to do.

Enclosure

Some brands feature an enclosure around the machine in the shape of a box. This enclosure is made from transparent acrylics and is fixed to the frame on all sides.

On the front, there’s normally a handle from where you can place the material inside. This acts as a protective covering against dust and chips flying all over the place. Also, keeping it inside this cover would protect both kids and adults from any hazards. You can buy one separately online if you want this extra safety.

Vacuum

For cutting and engraving slightly harder materials, check that the hold-down strength that the CNC machine can generate is high. Have a look at how the table manages to hold down the material and vacuum pressure the CNC machine has.

Dust Collection

A lot of sawdust can be created when using CNC routers. You can use a vacuum cleaner to cover the area where you’re working along with the atmosphere. Check the amount of dust that would be created and the waste that would have to be taken out. Then, position the vacuum system accordingly to make it work effectively.

Materials to Cut

See what type of materials can be cut and engraved with the CNC router. Many of those in the market that come under the cheap tag are not compatible with hard metals.

Depending on the brand, these smaller CNC machines are capable of cutting & engraving plywood, acrylics, PCB, PVC, carbon fiber, and even soft aluminum, copper, and silver. These materials are great for making their arts & crafts project or making 3D letters and signs.

Supported OS

Look whether the software built into the CNC machine would be compatible with your PC. Almost all software versions run on Windows 32- and 64-bit versions easily, while some also work on Linux and macOS. MacOS customers have often purchased CNC routers only to find that it doesn’t run on them.

Offline Controller

Many CNC routers have now advanced to an upgraded control board with offline control support. This allows a user to operate the machine without staying connected to the PC.

All you have to do is load the vector images in the SD card or TF card (if it supports it), and you’ll be good to go. These cards can vary from a storage capacity of 128MB to 1GB, depending on the brand.

So, it would be ideal for checking whether the CNC machine has offline controller support or not. Some also come with a TFT LCD screen for a more user-friendly experience.

Final Verdict

These are cheap CNC machines, so don’t look for an industrial-grade finish or performance when using them. Despite this, you can achieve a lot from these small versions if you have the right vector image, correct placement, and the right material to engrave.

Many users have created complex designs from these nifty machines, and one of them was also able to sell that project online. Using these machines is a great way to start and experience what goes into CNC milling.

We did try to cover the points that might be relevant when you’re making that critical buying decision. Please leave a comment below and let us know if you have any queries or feedback regarding the products or the buying guide.

The CNC machines we discussed here are desktop versions that are perfect for hobbyists & beginners. They are also powerful enough to cut and engrave various materials like wood, plastics, epoxy resin boards, PVC, acrylics, and aluminum.

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You may also love to read these my reviews and the buying guides…

People Also Asked about CNC Machines

Here are a few questions that many people on different platforms ask;

What is the cheap CNC Machine in 2021?

Here is a list of cheap CNC machines as per our editors;

1. Pro CNC Upgraded Version 3018 Router Kit | Editors’ Choice
2. VEVOR CNC 3018-PRO 3 Axis CNC Router Kit
3. Desktop CNC Router Machine with Transparent Enclosure
4. VEVOR CNC 3018 CNC Router Kit 3 Axis CNC Router Machine
5. CNC 3018 Pro Engraver Machine with Offline Controller
6. CNC 3018 Pro Wood Router GRBL Control Engraving Machine
7. Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY CNC Machine
8. Mostics CNC 3018 Pro Machine for Carving Arts & Crafts
9. Cheap CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY Mini CNC Machine
10. Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control

What is CNC?

CNC stands for computer numerical control and if refers to the automation of tools that are controlled by executing control commands via computers.

What are the types of CNC machines?

CNC machines have five different types; milling, router, lathe, laser cutting, and plasma cutting. The machines we’ve discussed here are generally CNC routers, while some have a 2-in-1 function, featuring laser engraving as well.

What language does a CNC machine use?

As per the industry standard, the G-code is being used universally for CNC machine coding. It is by far the most popular programming language employed for operating CNC machinery.

What is the lifespan of a CNC router?

It depends entirely on the brand and the construction grade of the router.

Industrial-grade routers would last for decades if used properly and with proper servicing. Mid-grade CNC routers can also stretch their lifespan to 15 years with the right use of materials and proper maintenance. The hobby grade routers have an average lifespan of 8-10 years.

Like I’ve said earlier, the lifespan would depend on how well you use the machine as well as the frequency of use and the brand of the CNC router itself.

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David Houghton

Construction Manager at Schlumberger

I am a content strategist and editor here at tools10.com. I have been working in Oil as well in the Construction Industry for years. The major projects I was involved in are Offshore Drilling and residential buildings. I have great hands-on experience in Tools & Machinery. Read More About Me

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