Best Desktop CNC Milling Machines

Our Comparison

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. The purpose of this section is to compare our Evo machines to other you may find on the market.

Mekanika >< Euromaker

 

Brand Mekanika Euromaker
Model EVO-S Aureus 3x600
Price excl. VAT 2223€ + 230€ (spindle) + 106€ (Spoilerboard) 2290€
GENERAL INFORMATIONS

Footprint(mm)

850x850

650x650
Working area(mm) 650x650 425x390
Z clearance (mm) Up to 200 with High-Z kit
71
MECHANICS

Driving system Steel core belts & pulleys + leadscrew  Belts & pulley +
ballscrews
Guiding system V-wheel on aluminium  V-wheel on aluminium 
Structure & frame Aluminium extrusion & 6mm steel plate Aluminium extrusion & aluminium plate
Maximum travel speed 15.000 mm/min Not annouced
Annouced precision 0,1mm Not annouced
ELECTRONICS

Motors 4x Nema 23 4x Nema 23
Drivers & Controller Planet CNC (europe based) Grbl
Protected electronic box Mekanika control unit Open box
Onboarded computer Raspberry Pi 4 No
Interface touch pad
Touchscreen & keypad No
Limits switches 4x mechanical sensors Not annouced
Spindle Up to 1,4 Kw software
controlled (option)
AMB 1050 FME-P manual control  (included)
Connectivity Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth,USB USB
ADD ONS

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

Warranty 5 years   1 year (B2C) - 2 year (B2B)
Help & tutorials Yes Yes

 

Brand Mekanika Ooznest
Model EVO-S Workbee
Price (excl. VAT) 2223€ 1663€ (+ import fees for EU)
GENERAL GEOMETRY

Footprint (mm)

850x850

750x1000
Working area (mm) 650x650 520x770
Z clearance (mm)  Up to 200 with High-Z kit
88
MECHANICS

Driving system Steel core belts & pulleys + leadscrew  Belts & pulley +
leadscrew
Guiding system V-wheel on aluminium  V-wheel on aluminium 
Structure & frame Aluminium extrusion & 6mm steel plate Aluminium extrusion & aluminium plate
Maximum travel speed 15.000 mm/min Not annouced
Announced precison 0,1mm 0,1mm
ELECTRONICS

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

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

Warranty 5 years   None
Tutorials & articles Yes No

 

Brand Mekanika Stepcraft
Model EVO-M M1000
Price (excl. VAT) 2636€+ 148€ (Spoilerboard) 2730€
GENERAL GEOMETRY

Footprint (mm)

850x1250

913x1226
Working area (mm) 650x1050 679x1044
Z clearance (mm)  Up to 200 with High-Z kit
194
MECHANICS

Driving system Steel core belts & pulleys + leadscrew  Leadscrews
Guiding system V-wheel on aluminium  Bearing & rails
Structure & frame Aluminium extrusion & 6mm steel plate Aluminium extrusion & aluminium plate
Maximum travel speed 15.000 mm/min Not announced
Announced precison 0,1mm 0,05mm
ELECTRONICS

Motors 4x Nema 23 4x Nema 23
Drivers & Controller Planet CNC (europe based) Stepcraft
Protected Electronic box Mekanika control unit Integrated in machine
Onboarded computer Raspberry Pi 4 No
Interface touch pad Touchscreen & keypad No
Limit switches 4x mechanical sensors 3x mechanical switches
Spindle Up to 1,4 Kw software
controlled (option)
Up to 1,4 Kw software
controlled (option)
Connectivity Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth,USB USB, optional Ethernet
ADD ONS 

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

Warranty 5 years   3 years
Tutorials & articles Yes Yes

 

Brand Mekanika Sorotec
Model EVO-M Hobby Line XL kit
Price (excl. VAT) 2636€+148€ (Spoilerboard) 2352€
GENERAL GEOMETRY

Footprint (mm)

850x1250

860x1250
Working area (mm) 650x1050 610x1050
Z clearance (mm)  Up to 200 with High-Z kit
140
MECHANICS

Driving system Steel core belts & pulleys + leadscrew   belts & pulleys + ballscrews
Guiding system V-wheel on aluminium  Bearing & rails
Structure & frame Aluminium extrusion & steel plate Aluminium extrusion & aluminium plate
Maximum travel speed 15.000 mm/min Not annouced
Announced precison 0,1mm Not annouced
ELECTRONICS

Motors 4x Nema 23 3x Nema 23
Drivers & Controller Planet CNC (europe based) Beacicon2
Protected Electronic box Mekanika control unit Sorotec control unit
Onboarded computer Raspberry Pi 4 No
Interface touch pad Touchscreen & keypad No
Limit switches 4x mechanical sensors Not annouced
Spindle Up to 1,4 Kw software
controlled (option)
Up to 1,4 Kw manually controlled (option)
Conectivity Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth,USB Ethernet
ADD ONS 

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

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

 

Brand Mekanika Carbide 3D
Model EVO-S Shapeoko  4 Standard
Price (excl. VAT) 2223€ 1870€
GENERAL GEOMETRY

Footprint (mm)

850x1250

840x610
Working area (mm) 650x1050 430x430
Z clearance (mm)   Up to 200 with High-Z kit
100
MECHANICS

Driving system Steel core belts & pulleys + leadscrew   Belts & pulleys  + leadscrews
Guiding system V-wheel on aluminium  Bearing & rails
Structure & frame Aluminium extrusion & steel plate Aluminium extrusion & aluminium plate
Maximum travel speed 15.000 mm/min Not annouced
Announced precision 0,1mm Not annouced
ELECTRONICS

Motors 4x Nema 23 3x Nema 23
Drivers & Controller Planet CNC (europe based) Arduino + Gshield
Protected Electronic box Mekanika control unit No
Onboarded computer Raspberry Pi 4 No
Interface touch pad Touchscreen & keypad No
Limit switches 4x mechanical sensors 3x inductive sensors
Spindle Up to 1,4 Kw software
controlled (option)
Up to 0,9 Kw manually controlled
Conectivity Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth,USB Ethernet & USB
ADD ONS 

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

Warranty 5 years   1 year (USA)
Tutorials & articles Yes No

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. The purpose of this section is to compare our Pro machines to other you may find on the market.

Mekanika >< CNC Step

 

Brand Mekanika CNC Step
Model

PRO-L

High-Z S-1400/T-105

Price (excl. VAT) 5942€ 6510€
GENERAL INFORMATIONS

Footprint (mm)

1400x1400

1350x1730
Working area (mm) 1050x1050 1100x1400
Z clearance (mm)  Up to 230 with High-Z kit
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) 5942€+197€ (Spoilerboard) 8320€
GENERAL GEOMETRY

Footprint (mm)

1400x1400

1596x1501
Working area (mm) 1050x1050 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
Mekanika >< Sorotec

 

Brand Mekanika Sorotec
Model PRO-M Compact Line 1007-kit
Price (excl;VAT) 5364€+197€ Spoilerboard)  4465€
GENERAL GEOMETRY

Footprint (mm)

1000x1400

910x1320
Working area (mm) 650x1050 710x1020
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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