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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Will you have access to training and tutorials to help you learn the machine and gain new skills?
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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
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Open source plans for ultimate control of your machine
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Easy to use, with touch interface and video tutorials to teach you how to mill
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Made in Europe
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Education bundle available for Fablabs & training centers
Cons
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Needs to be assembled, but electronics are plug and play
Carbide 3D - Shapeoko 4 Standard
Several upgrades since Shapeoko 3, including a more rigid v-wheel design
T-slot plate
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Missing key elements from base pricing (probing device, etc)
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Low spindle power possibilities
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Manufacturer located outside Europe (shipping & custom fees, US electrical outlets, etc.)
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Needs to be assembled
Euromakers - Aureus 3x600
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European provider
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Inspired by design of recognized machines in the CNC space
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Paid add-ons such as engraving kit available
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Needs to be assembled, even the electronics
Ooznest WorkBee Z1+
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Possible to upgrade legacy Workbee into latest model
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Good build quality
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Known for their UK-based customer support
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Import + shipping fees for EU-based makers
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Low spindle power possibilities
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Several options available to customize the machine, but at an additional cost to the base price
Stepcraft M1000
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Machine can come assembled & ready to run
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German quality
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Paid add-ons available for 3D printing, laser engraving, etc.
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No onboarded computer or touch probe
Sorotec Hobby Line XL kit
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Solid aluminum extruded profile
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Lots of options and add-ons available to customize your machine
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Needs to be assembled, including the electronics
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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
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High quality components & build for professional use
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Open-source plans for ultimate control of your machine
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Made in Europe
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Education bundle available for Fablabs & training centers
Cons
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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
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Assembled by a CNC specialist
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Extra work space compared to the High-Z 1400/T to machine larger pieces
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Made in Europe
Cons
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Higher shipping costs due to bulk of machine
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Not the strongest structure design (unsupported rails)
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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
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Assembled by a CNC specialist
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Reinforced steel frame
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Integrated LED lighting strip
Cons
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Higher shipping costs due to bulk of machine
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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
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Aluminum T-slot plate
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Customizable components (portal extension, ball screw spindles) - for an additional fee
Cons
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CNC controller not included in base price
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Needs to be assembled, even the electronics
Table: comparison of 4 CNC machines for pros
| 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 |