Are you trying to find desktop milling machine among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling desktop milling machine on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 16 hours of research and did 36 desktop milling machine tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best desktop milling machine you can buy today
- Home Workshop Friendly Size
- Accurately, Slot, Drill, Chamfer, Bevel, Face and Plunge Cut
- Tilting Column Allows for Accurate Angle Work
- Large R8 Taper Accommodates Common Tooling
- 3/4 Horsepower Motor - 0-2500 RPM Motor Control with a 2 Speed Gearbox
- 【Purpose】- This is a MINI metal lathe/milling driven by a 12V safe DC transformer, which can be used for turning, drilling, boring, threading and other processing. It takes up very little space in your workshop or lab, making it perfect for small projects or hobbyists and also a great teaching tool for kids.
- 【Processing】- It can be used to form and cut a wide variety of materials including wood, plastic and soft metals (pure copper and pure aluminum), but not alloys. When processing harder materials, the feed rate should be smaller, which is slower than processing wood. we offer several shims for you to adjust the height of the turning tool.
- 【Application】- The machine defaults to use high speed motor. If you need a low speed motor, please contact us. Ideal for use in juvenile activity centers, school technical rooms, science and technology activity rooms, DIY hobbyist workshops, and student science and technology creation in science museums.
- 【Durable】- Made of advanced aluminum alloy, durable and non-deformable for usage. The Milling is suitable for mini drill and drill bracket series. It can withstand regular use without showing signs of wear and tear.
- 【Main Parts of the Machine】- Main components, such as the headstock, intermediate block, connecting block, vice, sliders, and hand wheel, are made of metal, resulting in improved product quality, precision, and longevity.
- New Version: Genmitsu Cnc 3018-Pro Is An Upgraded Version Of 3018. All Components Do Not Need To Be Positioned, Which Greatly Reduces The Difficulty Of Assembly And Improves The Working Accuracy. The Base Height Is Raised To 4Cm For Better Stability. Capable Of Cutting All Types Of Plastics, Soft Aluminum, Woods, Acrylics, Pvcs, And Pcbs, The Genmitsu Can Be Used On A Wide Range Of Projects And Materials
- Upgraded Power Adapter: Ul Approved And Out-Of-The-Box Support For The Drop In 20,000Rpm Spindle, No Need To Modify G-Code To Ramp Up To Full Speed
- Controller Software: The Genmitsu 3018-Pro Uses Grbl, A High-Performance Open-Source Software For Controlling Movement, And Runs On Arduino. Its Dependability And Simplicity Make Grbl An Industry Standard, So There’S No Lack Of Support And Resources Available When You Get Stuck. Includes Carveco Maker Cam Design Software And Candle For Controlling Your Machine And Running Your Gcode Design Files
- Optional Upgraded Parts: Super Size Your 3018 Cnc To A 3040 By Getting A Genmitsu 3040 Y-Axis Extension Kit (B08P2S3Jwp). The 3040 Aluminum Spoilboard (B08Vnlp24C) And 3040 Mdf Spoilboard (B08Wz8Rv3Y) For This Extension Kit Are Also Available To Buy
- Best Entry-Level: The Genmitsu 3018-PROVER V2 is the first choice for beginners looking to enter the world of CNC machining. It offers incredible value and opens up a world of possibilities, from creating unique artwork and personalised gifts to starting your own small business.
- Effortless Enhancement: Accessories can be easily added to increase the functionality of the CNC machine. A wide range of accessories can be added, including extension kits, powerful spindle and offline control, etc.
- Easy Assembly: The 3018-PROVer V2 has Pre-Assembled Main Parts (gantry frame and the one-piece aluminum spoilboard) and Clear Cable Management. You can have your first CNC machine in under an hour.
- Wide Application: The CNC machine is capable of engraving a wide range of materials, such as wood, plastic, acrylic, PVC, PCB, carbon fiber, and density board. It can also engrave soft metals like copper and aluminum.
- Support Services: CAD/CAM software to design and then convert your ideas into instructions (GCode) that the router can understand and execute (common options are Carveco, Fusion360, and Easel). If you get stuck, check out the SainSmart Resource Center (see User Guide) or contact us with any questions.
- With 0.02mm accuracy of scale lines, and the hand wheel increases the precision of workpiece machining.
- Maximum motor power is 144W by using more powerful motor. Make sure that you pick up the right size.
- Main Parts: Headstock, long/short machine bed, big/small slider, motor blade, connection block, gear etc. All of the parts are made of metal.
- Motor case and headstock are jointed without any complex installation and assembly steps.
- Milling cutter with two cutting edges, is dangerous, so people should be guided by experts when using it.
- Structure Upgrade: Masuter Pro is an All-Aluminum CNC router machine. The Z-axis uses Linear Rail instead of rods and T8 lead screw, this greatly improves the stability and accuracy.
- Upgraded Controller Box: Compact controller box desgin. The emergency stop button and home button are more easily and more convenient to access. The control box is also dust-proof for easy maintenance.
- Compatibility Upgrade: Masuter Pro includes 2 spindle clamps: 52mm & 65mm. The 52mm clamp can accommodate the 60W spindle, 300W spindle and the FoxAlien 20W/40W modules. The 65mm clamp is for customized upgrade, such as 65mm router, 1.5KW spindle, etc. It also supports the 69mm spindle clamp, please buy separately.
- Assembly Upgrade: Main parts are pre-assembled, and the part of the wires are pre-wired to the controller box. A detailed assembly guide is included. We provide step by step assembly manual.It takes only 10-15 minutes to fully assemble.
- Large Engraving Area: The active working area is 15.75” x 15.75” x 2.36” (400 x 400 x 60mm). It is large enough for daily woodworking. It supports extension kit to enlarge the working area. It supports Y-axis entension kit.
- Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separately
- Motor: 0.2 HP, 2A, 110 Volt, single-phase
- Drilling capacity: 1/4-Inch
- Spindle taper: JT1
- Spindle travel: 1-1/2-Inch
- Table size: 3-1/2-Inch by 8-Inch.Low speed range:0-3600,High speed range: 0-500
- Model: Upgrade Version 1610 Pro; With White Offline Controller,you can operate this machine without connect to the computer; offline controller included a SD card reader to write into the root directory G-code files or NC file; Support manually adjust X, Y, Z axis location as engraving starting point,manually open or close spindle
- Working area: 7.08x3.93x1.77 inches/18x10x4.5cm ; Frame size: 11.81x10.23x9.84 inches/30x26x25cm; Type:USB port Desktop cnc router; Spindle: Dia 45mm 10000rpm max power 120W; ER11-3.175mm can be replaced 0-7mm collet; Nema17 42 stepper motor 1.3A/0.3N.m/42x42x34 mm
- Upgraded GRBL1.1f Control Board: Added the outer casing,emergency stop button port,tool setting/probe port,X/Y/Z axis limit port and add the power button switch,and come with the fan port to force heat dissipation,with enhanced spindle drive,can support max 20000rpm spindle,and also can support 12V 3-PIN 0.5W-20W engraver module
- Supporting files:G-code nc/txt/tape/gcode; Main application: Can be engraved plastic, wood, acrylic, pvc, pcb, wood and the like material,and soft metal like copper and aluminum and other materials etc
- GRBL Software: Our parcel include 4G USB flash drive,pls download the installation instructions,user manual and GRBL software from the USB flash drive; System requirements: Windows XP SP3,Win 7,Win 8,Win 10 32/64 can be and Linux
- [Upgraded Φ65mm Trim Router] 800W trim router & Er11-1/8" collet with 6-speed settings (8000-24000 RPM). Can easily cut metals such as aluminum, copper, etc. Software-controlled run/stop functionality, with speed adjustment requiring manual dial control.
- [Dual Linear Guides & Upgradeable Ball Screws] Each axis (X, Y, Z) is equipped with MGN-15 dual linear guides and T8 lead screws. It has high precision, high rigidity and high load for metal cutting, and improved dust protection for X and Y axes. Especially upgradeable 1204 ball screw kit (Coming soon).
- [Grbl_ESP32 Firmware (GRBL 1.3a)] Optimized control board, runs on the latest GRBL 1.3a firmware, supporting advanced features such as laser engraving, 4th axis (Coming soon), M07/M08 coolant control, closed-loop stepper motor(Coming soon), and 3-pin touch probe.
- [Higher Torque Nema17 Stepper] The 3030-Evo Max employs a higher-torque 650mN·m motor compared to the common Nema17 motor (420mN·m), significantly enhancing its capability to process metallic materials. This increased torque output allows the ball screw and linear guide systems to fully realize their performance potential.
- [Customizable Macro Buttons & WiFi] Built-in 32-bit MCU with ESP3D Web UI, enabling control via PC, smartphone, or tablet without USB cable. Macro button defaul is homing, reprogrammable for tasks like pause/stop/reset or executing G-code from an SD card.
- [Software & Fully Functional] Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac, supporting GRBL-compatible software such as UGS, Fusion360, VCarve, Easel, and Lightburn etc.. Includes XYZ dual limit switches, home switch, emergency stop switch, Z probe tool.
- [Easy Assembly and User Support] Major components pre-assembled with clear cable management, accompanied by a detailed paper user manual and assembly/demo video for quick setup.
- Precise Engineering: Ideal for professionals, this power metal lathe's high-precision 4-inch 3-jaw chuck handles both square and round objects with equal aplomb. It's especially suitable for jobs requiring high accuracy, such as threading.
- Large Working Capacity: This metal working lathe cranks out 550W and handles small to medium projects. It provides a 7.09"/180mm swing over bed and 13.78"/350mm center distance so that you can manage more extensive projects.
- Upgrade Design: This small metal lathe uses metal gear instead of a nylon one. Aluminum handwheel can increase service life. Automatic power-off protection switch to make it safer. An extra LED lamp can help you finish processing in places with insufficient light.
- Complete Control: The lathe's rotational speed can be set from 50 to 2500rpm and monitored by the digital display; the well-crafted head and tailstocks, large through-hole, and 4-way tool post also contribute to providing greater control of your work.
- Professional Construction: 4-way quick change tool post can install 4 standard turning tools at the same time. You can adjust tool post forwards/backward by turn blade adjustors with accurate scales clockwise/anticlockwise.
- Quiet, precise and vibration-free for fatigue free use
- Low weight and slim design, without ever compromising performance
- High quality precision tools
- Model Number: 34108
- 500W Spindle & High Speed CNC Router Machine: The 500w Spindle is a Robust and Versatile Component Design. Its High-power Output Enables It to Deliver Consistent Performance, Even When Cutting Through Dense Materials Like Aluminum and Copper. This Powerful Spindle Ensures That Your Machine can Tackle Even The Most Demanding Projects While Maintaining Precision And Efficiency. The Maximum Movement Speed can Reach 5000mm/Min. The Spindle Speed Range is 0-12000RPM/Min.
- 3018 Pro Max All Metal Structure: All-metal Construction, Have Durability, Stability, and Reliability. By Using Reinforced Aluminum Profiles, The Machine Frame can Withstand Heavy Loads and Resist Wear And Tear Over Time. Furthermore, No Plastic Parts (Except For Electrical Components) Ensures That The Frame Maintains Its Structural Integrity Even in Harsh Operating Conditions.
- Extra Long Z-Axis Travel: The New Design Makes This Machine Have The Longest Z-axis Stroke Among (80mm) The Standard Models on The Market.additionally, Our Machine Frame Incorporates a 12mm Optical Axis, Which Provides Precise Linear Motion and Accurate Positioning. This Feature is Crucial For Maintaining The Performance and Efficiency of Various Machinery and Automated Systems.We Provide Dedicated Upgrade Kit for 12mm, Please Contact us if Necessary(Upgrade Kit is Sold Separately).
- 3018 CNC Unparalleled Security: The 3018 CNC Machine Boasts a Robust Safety System with 6 Limit Switches and an Emergency Stop Button, Ensuring Optimal User Safety While Effectively Preventing Any Potential Abnormal Machine Conditions. Moreover, The Xyz Axis is Thoughtfully Outfitted with Manual Handwheels, Enabling Seamless and Accurate Positioning of The Machine Origin, Thereby Enhancing Overall Operational Efficiency and Facilitating a Highly Convenient Working Process.
- Two-in-One CNC Machine: The Ability to Switch Between Spindle and Laser Modes Allows Users to Perform a Wide Range of Tasks with a Single Machine, From Cutting and Engraving to Marking and Etching. Having Versatile Equipment That can Adapt to Different Tasks and Materials is Essential for Maximizing Productivity and Efficiency.
- Auxiliary instructions: We provide Machine Installation and Wiring Videos. Please Watch Them on the Product Link Page. The Package Contains a 4G USB Flash Drive and the Relevant Software has been Pre-installed.
- 【Upgraded Y-Axis Base】CNC router 3030-Evo Pro features an upgraded Y-axis base from the CNC 3020-Evo, with double linear guide rails and a 300mm stroke.
- 【Upgraded Stepper Motor】 CNC machine 3030-Evo Pro features a powerful Nema 17 stepper motor, with increased torque from 420mN.M to 650mN.M. This results in faster cutting times and fewer errors, making it possible to work with harder materials - not just wood and similar substances.
- 【Increased Precision and Stability】 The XYZ axes of CNC 3030 Evo Pro feature dual linear guide rails and T8 lead screws, fixed gantry structure that significantly reduces errors caused by shaking and tilting. The rigidity is stronger, enabling the machine to cut metal materials like steel, aluminum, and copper, wood and acrylic etc.
- 【Complete Functions】Desktop CNC router 3030 Evo Pro comes with a variety of accessories including XYZ axis double limit switch and Home, emergency stop switch, Z probe, ER11-1/8" chuck, and more. It supports grbl software for various operating systems like Windows, Linux and Mac.
- 【Easy Assembly and Suppor】With pre-assembled main parts and a clear cable management system, CNC 3030 Evo Pro is easy to assemble. Additionally, a paper user manual and assembly video ensure easy setup. Our dedicated customer support team will respond to any query within 24 hours.
- Best Entry-Level: The Genmitsu 3018-PROVer V2 is the top choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of CNC machining. It offers incredible value and opens up a world of possibilities, from crafting unique artwork and personalized gifts to kickstarting your own small business.
- User-Friendly Setup: Thanks to the semi-preinstallation, setting up the 3018-PROVer V2 is a breeze. With the one-piece machined and molded aluminum spoilboard., you’ll have it up and running in just about 35 minutes. Plus, it’s compatible with user-friendly CAD/CAM software like Carveco, Fusion360, and Easel, so you can easily bring your creative ideas to life.
- Upgraded Features: The 3018-PROVer V2 boasts several enhancements over its predecessor, including powerful yet quiet Toshiba TB6S109 drivers with 32-bit chips, additional function ports, and a redesigned Z Axis Carriage for superior engraving accuracy.
- Complete Accessories to Meet Your Requirement: As you master the art of CNC and your needs evolve, the 3018-PROVer V2 grows with you. Our comprehensive range of accessories allows you to upgrade your machine at any time, ensuring it always meets your requirements.
- Trust in SainSmart: As a leading brand in the consumer CNC sector, we’re committed to delivering quality and reliability. If you get stuck, check out the SainSmart Resource Center (see User Guide) or contact us with any questions that arise. Our customer service team is always ready to assist with any questions you may have.
- Carving Metal with Ease: Master your metalworking workflow with the 3030-PROVer MAX Desktop CNC Router, effortlessly cut 2mm thick aluminum stock along with other materials and thicknesses right from your desktop.
- Precision Refined: Experience exceptional accuracy down to 0.05mm, made possible by the dual linear guides and ball screws integrated into the X, Y, and Z axis of this cutting-edge CNC machine.
- Assemble down to 10 min: Easy to assemble indexed parts with the Y-axis enables easy alignment and balance during assembly that includes a dust-proof cover for each linear guide and ball screw with the X and Y axis, simplifying maintenance.
- Enhanced Control at Your Fingertips: The new single knob offline controller puts the power in your hands, providing precise control over your work with an easy to access emergency stop button for added safety.
- Expand Your Horizons: Unlock the potential of 3D rotary carving with the 3030-PROVer MAX's support for a 4th axis module, allowing you to create captivating designs from different angles and positions.
- Stability And Efficiency: The 4040 pro is a 3-axis, all-metal CNC milling machine with dual linear guides and ball screws in the Z-axis to ensure stability and accuracy while working efficiently
- CNC Machine For Woodworking: Features an effective working area of 15.75” x 15.75” x 3.54” (400 x 400 x 90mm),Thicker X-axis to accommodate more powerful spindle applications for various machining scenarios
- Compatibility Extension: 4040 Pro with 52mm & 65mm spindle clamps can be used for upgrading 500W, 1.5KW spindle and trimmer router, and supports 40W/80W engraving module at the same time
- Dustproof Design: Comes with an XY-axis enclosure dust cover to effectively keep dust and debris out, while a bottom LED light provides illumination, maintaining a clean work area and enhancing efficiency for various projects
- User-Friendly Control System: The control box is equipped with an emergency stop button and a convenient home button, tailored for beginner-friendly operation. Side-opening design allows easy handling of larger materials, improving the overall user experience
- Quick Assembly & Wide Compatibility: Most major components are pre-assembled, and a step-by-step manual is included for easy setup in just 10-15 minutes. Compatible with GRBL 1.1F control board, supporting software like UGS, Candle, Lightburn, Fusion360, making it adaptable for various CNC setups
- Reinforced Structural Design: The X-axis gantry uses a 4060 profile, significantly boosting the machine's overall quality and stability for long-term use. making it suitable for small workshops and home garages
- 【Precise Engraving】The 3018 engraving machine uses a powerful 32-bit STM32 processor, supporting memory cards and external display control. Engraving accuracy 0.1 mm, maximum engraving speed 1500mm/min.
- 【Easy to Operate and Beginner-friendly】Machine dimensions: 420x355x280mm; engraving area: 300x180x40mm. Compact size, lightweight, easy to operate, suitable for beginners to create.
- 【Software for Programming】 Supports programming software such as Artcam/Fusion360/EASEL/Carveco Maker. Supporting operating systems like Windows XP/Win 7/Win 8/Win10 Home version, Cannot support Windows 11 (32/64 bit) and Linux.
- 【Wide Application】 Suitable for carving wood, plastic, acrylic, PCB CCL, soft metal such as copper and aluminum and other materials, but can not carve hard metal, jade and other very hard textures.
- 【Easy Assembly and Great Support】3018 CNC router have pre-assembled main parts and clear cable management. Contact us with any questions and our support team will reply within 24 hours.
- Positive quick-stop knob and easy-to-read external depth gauge
- One-piece cast iron column for added support
- Quick-slide latch on belt cover allows for faster belt adjustments when changing speeds
- Base taper allows for easier cleanup
- Forward and reverse switch
- 360-degree head swivel
- Adjustable carbide facemill
- HIGH QUALITY WORKTABLE - Made of premium aluminum alloy, the milling machine worktable is sturdy, heavy-duty, anti-rust, and corrosion-resistant. The table works very smoothly and precisely. It can move left and right, forward and backward without getting stuck.
- ADJUSTABLE SCREW - There are 6 adjustable screws on the base of the multifunction worktable. 3 pieces on the X-axis and 3 on the Y-axis. There is a lock-nut on each screw, and you need to loosen the lock nut to adjust the screw. Slightly tighten the lock nut to remove any looseness in the cross-slide.
- WHAT YOU GET - A package contains a piece of mill machine with a size of 12.2 x 3.5 x 3 inches. It is composed of several parts, including the adjustable scale, the travel screw, the fixed jaw, the cross-slide, and the base.
- MULTI-PURPOSE MACHINE - The multifunction worktable is designed to work with bench drills. the worktable is widely used in garages, workshops, hardware stores, construction sites, and more. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, it will never let you down.
- NICE AFTER-SALES - We guarantee to provide you with a trustworthy refund service within 30 days. Please feel free to contact us if you have any dissatisfaction or improvement problems about scissor jacks , and we will reply you as soon as possible within 24 hours.
How to choose a good desktop milling machine
Does the idea of finding a fantastic desktop milling machine make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in desktop milling machine. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top desktop milling machine products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top desktop milling machine on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top desktop milling machine brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top desktop milling machine based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the desktop milling machine were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good desktop milling machine, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your desktop milling machine.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting desktop milling machine for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our desktop milling machine. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what desktop milling machine should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on desktop milling machine.
