What should you be looking for when purchasing a CNC machine?

Besides the value behind the company - service, local sourcing and manufacturing, open source - which we'll let you decide how important they are, here's a technical guide to comparing CNC machines.

This article is structured into 4 parts 

1. Before buying - which questions you should ask yourself
2. Evo vs Competitors - entry level desktop CNC comparison
3. Pro vs Competitors - professional desktop CNC comparison
4. Fab vs Competitors -  standalone CNC comparison (upcoming)

1. Questions you should ask yourself before buying a CNC milling machine 

What materials do you want to mill?

Although versatile, each CNC machine is designed with strengths and weaknesses, with a specific set of tasks in mind. It's important to choose a machine that is well-suited to your needs and projects.

Start by thinking of the type and size of materials you’d like to mill, which will impact specifications such as the size of the working area or the strength of the machine structure. 

The cadence of production you’re looking for will also be highly influenced by the feed rate possibilities of your machine.

What level of precision and accuracy do you need for the projects you have in mind?

CNC machines are capable of producing parts with incredible precision, but the quality of the finished product depends on the quality of the machine itself. 

If you’re looking for extra-precision or complex assemblies, look for a CNC machine with high-precision components, such as ball screws and prismatic rails, and make sure it has been calibrated by the manufacturer or that there's a procedure to help you calibrate it. 

If you’re however looking for carving or wood projects that don’t need extra precision (we’re talking in tenth of millimeters here), this will be a less impactful criterion.

What type of CAD/CAM software can you use with the machine? 

Consider the compatibility of the machine with any existing equipment or software you may be using. Many CNC machines are compatible with a wide range of software and equipment, but it's always a good idea to double-check before making a purchase.

What is included with the machine? 

Depending on the vendor, there may be some additional costs compared to the price you originally see on the product page: 

• Do you just get the mechanics or is everything included?
• Is there a CNC control software included in the price? 
• Do you need to select the spindle separately? 
• What add-ons will you need (spoilerboard, touch probe, etc.) ?
• Do you need an external computer to use the machine? 

One machine may look cheaper than another before taking into account the necessary add-ons. 

Are you ready to assemble it yourself?

Buying a kit might save you some money, as it will be much easier to ship - due to the weight of a CNC machine, shipping costs and import fees are a key factor in the final pricing.

However, this will cost you time. Take it into account in the timeline of your project.

Will you have access to training and tutorials?

If you're purchasing a first-time CNC, make sure you've understood the workflow you'll have to use, and that you have enough resources from the manufacturer or the software provider to learn to use the machine. 

How good is the customer service of your manufacturer?

CNC machines are complex machines with many moving parts, and it's important to have access to replacement parts and support in case something goes wrong, no matter your level of experience. 

Look for a manufacturer that has a good reputation for customer service (in its Google reviews, for example), and will be able to communicate with you in a language you understand. 

2. Evo vs Competitors - entry level desktop CNC comparison

Every digital milling machine is based on a mechanics - electronics - software combination that results in its performance, accuracy and durability. You can read more on our design choices here, but the purpose of this section is to compare our Evo machines to other you may find on the market.

3. Pro vs Competitors - professional desktop CNC comparison

Every digital milling machine is based on a mechanics - electronics - software combination that results in its performance, accuracy and durability. You can read more on our design choices here, but the purpose of this section is to compare our Pro machines to other you may find on the market.