5 Best CNC Machine for Beginners, Nov(2024)

Here is my list of Best CNC Machine for Beginners.

The several categories of CNC machines have been discussed in this list, which is helpful for a beginner.

So, if you are looking for a Full Enclosure, Woodworking, Aluminum, Overall, Router and Laser combo, Beginner friendly Budget CNC Machine then you will find it useful.

Let’s dive right in…,

Best CNC Machine for Beginners

#1 SainSmart Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO (Overall)

The 3018 Pro is a decent CNC machine for beginners..

It’s mostly intended for engraving, although it’s exceptionally well built for such low-cost equipment..

The Bad

This is a CNC router for light workload applications.
This is a light duty CNC router.

So, you can not work with hard material in this tool..

The Good

Built quality
This is a well-made machine. The frame is sturdy, and it’s simple to put together.

Working area & Usage materials
It has a 300x180x45mm working area.

You can easily cut softer material with this tool such as wood, plastic, soft aluminum, acrylic, PCB and leather.

Metals are a little difficult to work with it. Aluminum can be cut, but it will necessitate experimenting with feeds and speeds.

Other soft metals may be acceptable, but plan to do a lot of testing.

Offers
You can easily be switched to a laser engraver. Purchase a laser unit and replace the router/spindle with it.

And it doesn’t take more time to swap..

Software and Function
The tool runs on Arduino and employs GRBL, a high-performance open-source software for movement control.

Because of its durability and simplicity, GRBL has become a best choice and there is plenty of help and resources available if you get stuck.

CARVECO Maker CAM Design Software and CANDLE are included, allowing you to control your machine and run your GCODE design files.

There is no need to adjust G-code to ramp up to full speed because the reduction in 20,000rpm Spindle is approved and supported out-of-the-box..

What do I love the most?

For those who are just getting started with CNC, the Genmitsu 3018 Pro is a fantastic choice.

Pro is a good quality, multifunctional  machining, routing, and laser engraving equipment for beginners..

Quick info

Good

• Easy to assemble.
• Good for beginner.
• Can switch to laser engraving.

Bad 

• Working space is limited.

#2 Desktop CNC 3018-SE V2 (Budget & full Enclosure)

This 3018-SE transparent enclosure is a budget friendly tool.

Let’s know more about this tool’s function and features.

This has a transparent enclosure that provides safety while allowing you to observe the engraving process from the outside.

The Bad

Unable to work with hard materials
This CNC is suitable for light wood and plastic work.

Because the head (spindle) unit has a lot of motion, it can’t make tight straight cuts..

The Good

Working area & materials
It can carve and cut different materials such as plywood, MDF, PCB, acrylic and carve on soft metals surfaces like aluminum.

It has a working area of 11″x6.18″x1.3″.

Easy to assemble
The majority of the components are pre-installed.

You can put together all parts using a thorough guidebook.

Software & features
The control board runs on the free and open-source grbl software.

It works with Windows XP/7/8/10, Linux, and Mac OS X.

A new Z-axis fixture has been added to this tool.

It is compatible with 5W and 15W Laser Modules, and it also allows for a direct upgrade to a 300W spindle.

The 300W spindle and 5W/15W modules are not included.

Safety Design
When the machine is engraving, this tool creates little fragments of wood that fly everywhere.

Its complete transparent enclosure protects you from flies and dust.

This enables you to safely observe the engraving process.

In comparison to other 3018 CNC Routers, it may also reduce working noise.

What do I love the most?

This has a transparent enclosure that provides safety while allowing you to observe the engraving process from the outside.

It’s good for home DIY, beginners, hobbyists and small businesses..

Quick info

Good 

• Fully enclose.
• Doesn’t make noise.
• Pre-assembled. 

Bad

• Suitable for soft material.

#3 BobsCNC Evolution 4 (Woodworking)

The Bob CNC Evolution 4 is designed for woodworking which is suitable for beginner, and small shop.

For more information let’s dive in..

The Bad

Makes noise
It makes a lot more noise than other entry-level devices.

Dust
This  tool can do a lot more cutting than other entry-level machines.

As a result, it produces a significant amount of dust.

This  tool does a lot more cutting than other entry-level machines.

As a result, it produces a significant amount of dust.

To prevent dust you can use dust collection.

The Good

Built quality

BobsCNC Evolution 4 is a well built CNC router. The rails are cold rolled steel with SG20U bearings and the tool frame is 5-ply Baltic birch.

It is only 42 pounds of weight..

Working area & materials
This tool is designed to cut wood and plastics.

You can not cut aluminum, brass or steel.

This tool can cut all types of plastics, soft aluminum, woods, acrylics, leather, and PCBs.

Other materials are also possible but without experiment you do not have to use them.

It features a cutting area of 610 mm x 610 mm x 85 mm and is powered by the SG20U rail system.

Software and function
A microprocessor called Arduino links Evolution 4 to your computer. Grbl firmware is installed on the microprocessor and connects to your computer through USB.

Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and OSX are all suitable with the USB drive.

Commercial software packages are available, although it is advised that you begin with free software..

What do I love the most?

For CNC woodworking, BobsCNC Evolution 4 is the finest option.

It’s a big machine with a lot of space to work with.

If you’re a newbie, this is a perfect way to start.

Quick info

Good 

• Large area.
• Perfect for woodworking.
• Good for beginner.

Bad

• The E4 is not suitable for use with a laser.
• Makes little noise.
• Produces more dust.

#4 Genmitsu 3018-PROVer ( Aluminum )

Genmitsu 3018-PROVer is comes with wide application and it is perfect for soft material.

It works well with Aluminum.

Let’s know more about this tool.

The Bad

Replacement parts
Replacement parts are difficult to find. The transaction takes a lot of time.

It could be better if a replacement aluminium bed could be purchased without first purchasing a kit with an MDF piece.

The Good

Built quality
The 3018-PROVer’s body has been significantly upgraded. It is entirely made of aluminium.

This improves the machine’s stiffness, which improves cutting performance.

The upgraded drivers are more powerful and much quieter.

It comes pre-assembled.

Upgraded features
Limit switches have been implemented to prevent your computer from crashing.

This is an amazing addition,but  they do reduce the work surface.

Don’t worry it’s not a major issue.

The addition of an offline controller display as well as an emergency stop button is the most significant improvement.

The stop button is a very useful addition.

It is visible and easy to use for immediate shutdown of your machine.

Thanks to Sainmart who thought about our safety.

Apart from the emergency button, I love that the offline controller in this machine allows the machine to run without a computer.

This manufacturer’s handbook provides a good overview of the offline controller.

The machine’s side enclosures are fine.

They assist to stop all of the noise and dust.

There isn’t much of a difference between this model and the other Genmitsu 3018 variants.

The  one more addition of a z-axis tool setting is touch probe which eliminates the need to use sheets of paper or other similar materials to position your part.

You have to connect the clip to your cutting tool and place the probe on the workpiece.

Reduce the tool’s height until it comes into contact with the probe.

Your workpiece’s height will be automatically adjusted by the machine, and you’ll be ready to cut.

So, the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer is a fantastic tool for beginners.

Application and work area
This tool can cut wood, plastic, soft aluminum, acrylic, PCB, leather, others may be possible through trial and error.

The machine working area is 300 x 180 x 45mm.

It has the ability to engrave on soft metals such as aluminium and stainless steel.

What do I love the most?

It has upgraded features like emergency switch button, offline controller display, side enclosures and touch probe.

Apart from all features it can cut soft metal which is more beneficial for a beginner.

Quick info

Good

• Pre- assembled.
• Comes with upgrade features.
• Perfect for soft metal.

Bad 

• Hard to get a replacement part.

#5 MYSWEETY 3018-PRO (Router and laser combo)

The MYSWEETY CNC 3018-PRO is an ideal entry level CNC machine, particularly for people interested in laser engraving.

The Bad

Focus lens
The focus lens on the laser module fits a little loosely.
It’s a common issue.

A small amount of Teflon tape applied to the threads will solve the issue.

And by doing so, you’ll be able to keep your laser focused on the workpiece where it belongs.

The performance of a laser that is properly focused will improve.

It also lacks any limit switches, so you must be cautious about how you position/scale your device.

The Good

Built quality
The construction is quite similar to other CNC machines in the 3018 model.

The construction is solid, and the majority of the parts are made of aluminium.
There are three versions of the MYSWEETY.

• Large > 3 watt laser
• Extra Large > 5 watt laser
• Full Size > 7 watt laser

The machine requires complete assembly. The instructions that come with the kit will assist you in putting it together. It could take up to an hour.

The machine’s profile is 4 cm high, with exceptional strength and stability.

Features
This tool comes with Pretty decent lasers.They engrave niceley.

Lasers can harm you. When operating the laser you should use given laser safety glasses.

Laser engraving is pretty powerful, and the machine can usually be set up and engraving in a couple of moments

Software
An offline controller comes with this tool which allows you to use the machine without connecting your computer.

There is no need to download any files. Manually set the X, Y, and Z axis as the engraving start point, open or close the spindle, and open or close the cooling fan.

Wide application
This tool can cut wood, bamboo, paper, ivory, leather, flammable plastic, PCB, ceramic/stone, metal surface paint, metal surface plating etc.

But it can not work on metal, iron, glass, 201/304 stainless steel, jewelry or silver.

What do I love the most?

Overall, the MYSWEETY CNC-3018 PRO is a wonderful starter laser/router combo for the one who wants to learn about CNC routing and laser engraving.

This equipment performs small-scale laser engraving which is a good learning tool.

Quick info

Good 

• Laser engraving.
• Easy to use.
• Router and laser combo.

Bad 

• Laser focus lens.

Conclusion

In order to meet the demands of both seasoned woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts, the article concludes with a thorough overview of the finest jigsaws for cutting curves. These top-rated jigsaws provide great cutting performance, flexibility, and movability, enabling users to carve accurate and complicated shapes in a variety of materials. For their woodworking tasks, customers can get precise and supple curve cuts by selecting one of these jigsaws.