Best Desktop CNC Milling Machines:
Our Comparison

                When it comes to buying a CNC milling machine, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind, whether you're a seasoned operator or new to the field. We’ll quickly go through the different questions you should ask yourself before looking in more details at the best CNC machines available on the market further into the article. 

                7 questions to ask before buying a CNC milling machine

                • What materials do you want to mill? Although versatile, each type of 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. Think 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 linear guides, and make sure it has been calibrated and tested by the manufacturer. 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 is it using? 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 machine, or is there a CNC control software included? A spindle? A spoilerboard? A touch probe? An onboarded computer? One machine may look cheaper than another before taking into account the necessary add-ons. 

                • Do you want 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.

                • Will you have access to training and tutorials to help you learn the machine and gain new skills?

                • 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. 

                All of these factors will significantly impact the price of your machine. We will now look at 11 desktop CNC milling machines of various brands, sizes and capacities, from the best machines for beginners to the more advanced CNC routers for professional operators. 

                You will also find a summary table comparing the specifications and options of each category of machines at the end of each section. 

                The best desktop CNC machines for hobbyists

                Mekanika - EVO-M

                Origin: Belgium

                Work area (mm): 630x1030

                Type: Kit

                Price range: From 2290€

                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): 2,500 mm/min

                Spindle: Up to 1400W, computer controlled

                Onboarded computer: Raspberry Pi 4

                Interface: Yes

                Pros

                • Open source plans for ultimate control of your machine 

                • Easy to use, with touch interface and video tutorials to teach you how to mill

                • Made in Europe

                Cons

                • Needs to be assembled, but electronics are plug and play

                Carbide 3D - Shapeoko 4 Standard

                Origin: United States
                Work area (mm): 430x430
                Type: Kit
                Price range: From 1900€ 
                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): not announced
                Spindle: 710W, manual
                Onboarded computer: No
                Interface: No

                Pros 
                • Several upgrades since Shapeoko 3, including a more rigid v-wheel design 

                • T-slot plate

                Cons
                • Missing key elements from base pricing (probing device, etc) 

                • Low spindle power possibilities

                • Manufacturer located outside Europe (shipping & custom fees, US electrical outlets, etc.)

                • Needs to be assembled

                Euromakers - Aureus 3x600

                Origin: France
                Work area (mm): 425x390
                Type: Kit
                Price range: From 2290€
                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): not announced
                Spindle: Up to 1400W, computer controlled
                Onboarded computer: No
                Interface: No

                Pros
                • European provider 

                • Inspired by design of recognized machines in the CNC space

                • Paid add-ons such as engraving kit available

                Cons
                • Needs to be assembled, even the electronics 

                Ooznest WorkBee Z1+

                Origin: United Kingdom
                Work area (mm): 520x770
                Type: Kit
                Price range: From 1490€ (+ import fees for EU)
                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): not announced
                Spindle: 710W, manual
                Onboarded computer: No
                Interface: No

                Pros
                • Possible to upgrade legacy Workbee into latest model 

                • Good build quality

                • Known for their UK-based customer support

                Cons
                • Import + shipping fees for EU-based makers 

                • Low spindle power possibilities

                • Several options available to customize the machine, but at an additional cost to the base price

                Stepcraft M1000

                Origin: Germany
                Work area (mm): 679x1044
                Type: Assembled or in kit format
                Price range: From 2897€
                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): not announced
                Spindle: Up to 1650W, computer controlled 
                Onboarded computer: No
                Interface: No

                Pros
                • Machine can come assembled & ready to run 

                • German quality

                • Paid add-ons available for 3D printing, laser engraving, etc. 

                Cons
                • No onboarded computer or touch probe 

                Sorotec Hobby Line XL kit

                Origin: Germany
                Work area (mm): 610x1050
                Type: Kit
                Price range: From 2184€
                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): not announced
                Spindle: 800W
                Onboarded computer: No
                Interface: No

                Pros
                • Solid aluminum extruded profile 

                • Lots of options and add-ons available to customize your machine

                Cons
                • Needs to be assembled, including the electronics 

                • Custom options can have a big impact on the base price of machine

                Want to see a table comparing the specs of these machines? Click here.

                The best desktop CNC machines for pros

                Mekanika - PRO-L


                Origin: Belgium

                Work area (mm): 1030x1030

                Type: Kit

                Price range: From 5,490€

                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): 4500 mm/min

                Spindle: up to 2200W, computer controlled

                Onboarded computer: Raspberry Pi 4

                Interface: Yes

                Pros 

                • High quality components & build for professional use 

                • Open-source plans for ultimate control of your machine

                • Made in Europe 

                Cons

                • Needs to be assembled, but electronics are plug and play 

                CNC Step High-Z S-1400/T-105


                Origin: Germany

                Work area (mm): 1400x1050

                Type: Assembled

                Price range: From 8,272€

                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): Not announced

                Spindle: up to 1050W

                Onboarded computer: No

                Interface: No

                Pros

                • Assembled by a CNC specialist  

                • Extra work space compared to the High-Z 1400/T to machine larger pieces

                • Made in Europe 

                Cons

                • Higher shipping costs due to bulk of machine  

                • Not the strongest structure design (unsupported rails)

                • Low spindle power capacity 

                Stepcraft Q.404


                Origin: German

                Work area (mm): 1400x1476

                Type: Assembled

                Price range: From 10,000€

                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): Not announced

                Spindle: up to 2200W, computer controlled

                Onboarded computer: No

                Interface: No

                Pros

                • Assembled by a CNC specialist  

                • Reinforced steel frame

                • Integrated LED lighting strip

                Cons

                • Higher shipping costs due to bulk of machine  

                • Seems discontinued for the moment

                Sorotec Compact Line 1007-kit


                Origin: Germany

                Work area (mm): 1250x706

                Type: Kit

                Price range: From 4590€

                Typical cutting speed (plywood, 3mm pass): Not announced

                Spindle: up to 3200W, computer controlled

                Onboarded computer: No

                Interface: No

                Pros

                • Aluminum T-slot plate

                • Customizable components (portal extension, ball screw spindles) - for an additional fee 

                Cons

                • CNC controller not included in base price

                • Needs to be assembled, even the electronics 

                Table: comparison of 4 CNC machines for pros

                Mekanika >< CNC Step

                 

                Brand Mekanika CNC Step
                Model

                PRO-L

                High-Z S-1400/T-105

                Price (excl. VAT) From 5490€+199€ (Spoilerboard)
                6510€
                GENERAL INFORMATIONS

                Footprint (mm)

                1400x1400

                1350x1730
                Working area (mm) 1050x1050 1100x1400
                Z clearance (mm) 115 110
                MECHANICS

                Driving system Ballscrews 16mm Ballscrews 12mm
                Guiding system Prismatic rails Non supported rails
                Structure & frame Aluminium extrusion & 8mm steel plate Aluminium extrusion & aluminium plate
                Maximum travel speed 10.000 mm/min Not announced
                Annouced precision <0,1mm <0,1mm
                ELECTRONICS

                Motors 4x Nema 23 4x Nema 23
                Drivers & Controller Planet CNC (europe based) CNC Step
                Protected electronic box Mekanika control unit CNC Step Box
                Onboarded computer Raspberry Pi 4 No
                Interface touch pad
                Touchscreen & keypad No
                Limits switches 6x Inductive sensors 3x Mechanical sensors
                Spindle Up to 2,2 Kw software
                controlled (option)
                Up to 1,4 Kw software
                controlled (option)
                Connectivity Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, USB USB, Parallel port
                ADD ONS

                Spoilerboard Optional
                Optional
                Dust shoe Optional Optional
                Probing device Included Included
                Square gantry feature Included No
                SUPPORT

                Warranty 5 years   2 years
                Help & tutorials Yes Yes

                 

                Brand Mekanika Stepcraft
                Model PRO-L Q404
                Price (excl. VAT) From 5490€+199€ (Spoilerboard) From 10.000€
                GENERAL GEOMETRY

                Footprint (mm)

                1370x1370

                1596x1501
                Working area (mm) 1030x1030 1223x1223
                Z clearance (mm)  115 145
                MECHANICS

                Driving system Ballscrews 16mm
                Ballscrews 16mm
                Guiding system Prismastic rails 15mm & bearings Supported rails & wheels
                Structure & frame Aluminium extrusion & 8mm steel plate Aluminium extrusion & aluminium plate
                Maximum travel speed 12.000 mm/min 12.000 mm/min
                Announced precison <0,1mm <0,1mm
                ELECTRONICS

                Motors 4x Nema 23 4x Nema 23
                Drivers & Controller Planet CNC (europe based) Stepcraft 
                Protected Electronic box Mekanika control unit Stepcraft control box
                Onboarded computer Raspberry Pi 4 No
                Interface touch pad Touchscreen & keypad No
                Limit switches 6x Inductive sensors 3x Mechanical sensors
                Spindle Up to 2,2 Kw software
                controlled (option)
                Up to 2,2Kw manually controled (option)
                Conectivity Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth,USB USB & parrallel port
                ADD ONS 

                Spoilerboard Included Included
                Dust Shoe Optional Optional
                Probing device Included included
                Square gantry feature Included No
                SUPPORT

                Warranty 5 years   Up to 3 years
                Tutorials & articles Yes No

                 

                Brand Mekanika Sorotec
                Model PRO-L Compact Line 1007-kit
                Price (excl;VAT) From 5490€+ (199€ Spoilerboard)  From 3697€ (4590€ with VAT)
                GENERAL GEOMETRY

                Footprint (mm)

                1370x1370

                1320x910
                Working area (mm) 1030x1030 1250x706
                Z clearance (mm)  115 170
                MECHANICS

                Driving system Ballscrews 16mm
                Ballscrews 16mm
                Guiding system Prismastic rails 15mm & bearings Supported rails & bearings
                Structure & frame Aluminium extrusion & 8mm steel plate Aluminium extrusion & aluminium plate
                Maximum travel speed 12.000 mm/min Not announced
                Announced precison <0,1mm Not announced
                ELECTRONICS

                Motors 4x Nema 23 Optional
                Drivers & Controller Planet CNC (Europe based) Optional
                Protected Electronic box Mekanika control unit Optional
                Onboarded computer Raspberry Pi 4 No
                Interface touch pad Touchscreen & keypad No
                Limit switches 6x Inductive sensors 3x Mechanical sensors
                Spindle Up to 2,2 Kw software
                controlled (option)
                Up to 1,4Kw manually controled (option)
                Conectivity Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth,USB Not included
                ADD ONS 

                Spoilerboard Optional Included
                Dust Shoe Optional Optional
                Probing device Included Optional
                Square gantry feature Included No
                SUPPORT

                Warranty 5 years   1 year (B2C) 2 years (B2B)
                Tutorials & articles Yes No

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