Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
For most hobbyist and small-shop woodworkers, a benchtop unit likely provides all the function you’ll ever need. But the more you spend, the more features and capacity you get.
As CNC machines have grown in capability and popularity, they're finding their way into more and more home shops. With small footprints and relatively low price tags, benchtop CNCs—essentially robotic routers—provide a good way to dip your toe into the "tech" side of woodworking. If you're intrigued by the idea, but don't know a gantry from a spindle, we'll help you understand the important things to look for in a CNC.
Benchtop CNC units sell from about $1,500 to $6,000, with many variables that affect pricing. As with many tool purchases, first decide not only how much can you spend, but also how much should you spend? In other words, what will it take to get a machine that will do what you need it to do? Remember this adage: "Buy the best and you'll only cry once." Precision, tight tolerances, and durability typically add cost. A low-cost machine may not give you the performance you need, adding frustration and buyer's regret. And as technology changes—both with the CNC software and the computers required to operate them—your setup might become less nimble or effective over time.
Like any machine, a CNC unit has a given workpiece capacity, called its "envelope," expressed as the maximum travel in the X, Y, and Z axes (photos, below). So your next buying-decision line in the sand is, what do you want to make? Will you be carving small signs or cutting out cabinet parts? Understanding how you plan to use your CNC determines what capacities the machine needs.
The bed on the machine in the first photo below provides a 24×24" envelope in the X and Y axes. However, that doesn't limit workpieces to the size of the bed. Although the gantry supports limit size in the X direction, the Y capacity is effectively limitless, thanks to tiling.
Photo of CNC machine bed with x and y axis labeled
Look for X and Y travel in the machine's specifications to determine the size of pieces the machine can handle.
Photo of CNC machine and Z axis.
The Z-axis (vertical) travel limits the thickness of material you can cut on the CNC.
Photo of CNC machine with outlines of first and second tiles labeled
CNC software allows you to divide large jobs into sections (tiles), providing virtually infinite capacity in one dimension.
CNC tiling allows you to machine a portion of the workpiece—a "tile"—then slide the workpiece, machine another tile, move the workpiece, and so on (photo, above). You're limited only by the length of the workpiece you can support as it extends beyond the CNC. Dowels bored into the spoilboard and workpiece (the sacrificial MDF on the machine bed used to avoid cutting into the metal bed) register the location of the workpiece to align the tiles. Although tiling your work does extend your workspace, I wouldn't want to do it all the time. First, creating the tiling toolpath requires more work than creating a standard toolpath, and then registering the workpiece on the CNC can get fussy. If you plan to routinely cut long parts, get an envelope large enough to minimize tiling.
The Z axis defines the vertical travel of a cutter. As you look at this specification, keep in mind that the router bit or cutter and the space needed for it to travel over the workpiece reduce the Z-axis capacity (photo, above). So cutting completely through 1-1⁄2"-thick material requires Z-axis travel of 3-1⁄4" or more. And if a machine doesn't come with a spoilboard, remember that adding one reduces the stated Z-axis travel by that board's thickness.
Photo of detailed CNC of US Navy Seal
Highly detailed work, such as this engraving on granite, requires a CNC that provides absolute precision and tight tolerances.
Carving ordinary wood plaques and signs with large letters and numbers demands less precision than creating a detailed image (photo, above) or cutting out project parts that need a precise fit. Give yourself permission to buy a machine that offers less precision if the work you'll be doing doesn't demand tight tolerances.
Watch George's video "CNC routers can do all that?"
This might be the hardest part: anticipating how you'll use your CNC in the future. Today's simple work may grow into projects that require tighter tolerances. Will you develop the need to cut larger pieces? The X-Y travel on benchtop machines varies widely. Large signs, door panels, and cabinet parts require a larger-format CNC.
Photo of a fourth axis CNC machine
A fourth-axis-compatible machine allows you to add a rotary device, similar to a lathe, to your CNC.
Some benchtop machines can do work in a fourth axis: rotation (photo, above). This allows you to create almost any round, cylindrical, or spiral piece, such as table legs or chess pieces, that you'd make on a lathe. If you might want this in the future, buy a machine now with the capability to add this accessory later.
Obviously, down the road you can just buy a larger machine, and that might not be a bad thing as technology improves and prices decrease. You may pay the same amount in 5 years for a larger, more capable machine as what you pay for a lesser-equipped model today. (As with all technology, or having children, you just have to jump in at some point—there might never be an ideal time.)
Photo of Shapeoko Pro
Pay attention to the logistics of adding a CNC router to your shop, such as total footprint, power requirements, portability, and dust collection.
As you consider adding a CNC to your shop, consider how well your shop will accommodate this new tool (photo, above).
■ Power requirements: Benchtop CNCs come prewired for either 110 or 220 volts, with varying amperage requirements. Make sure you have a power supply that meets or exceeds the needs of the machine.
■ A stand or bench: Some manufacturers offer stands for their machines, but not all do. You can also custom-build a stand. A bench or stand on casters allows you to roll the machine out of the way when not in use.
Photo of dust collection on CNC machine.
Routing on a CNC creates so much fine dust that you definitely need a dust shroud around the bit, allowing you to connect to a vacuum or collector.
■ Dust collection: I would not run a CNC without some type of dust collection. A large shop vacuum suffices for most benchtop units, but the dust can quickly clog the vac's filter, reducing its effectiveness. A dust collector, with higher airflow (CFM), usually works better. You might get a dust shroud (photo, above) with the machine; if not, they typically sell as accessories. Like other tools in your shop, the shrouds typically accept 2-1⁄2" or 4" hose.
Most CNC companies recommend VCarve Pro ($699) or VCarve Desktop ($349) for designing projects and creating CNC toolpaths. The software sometimes comes with the machine, but not always. Some companies have their own machine-specific design and toolpath software. Check before buying your machine so you know if software adds expense. Most software requires a Windows operating system, but some will run on a Macintosh system using Parallels software.
Check your comfort level with using CNC-related software before investing in a machine. Test drive the VCarve software by downloading a free trial from vectric.com. When you design projects, nearly any clip art can be turned into a file you can cut with a CNC. You also can purchase a huge variety of 3-D files at Design & Make (designandmake.com).
As you evaluate benchtop CNC units, you'll find a variety of "function" choices in motors, drive types, computer hardware, and more. Let's sort these out.
Photo of CNC spindle
Designed to run for long periods, a dedicated spindle will outlast a router over the life of your CNC machine.
A CNC machine uses one of two methods to spin the bits: a dedicated spindle (photo, above) or a router (photo, below). Let's look at the differences between the two.
Photo of CNC router.
Routers cost less than spindles and can be easily replaced if breakdown occurs.
Spindles can be water-cooled or air-cooled. On some water-cooled systems, the water pump automatically turns on and off with the spindle. On others, you must manually turn the pump on; forgetting to do this can damage the spindle. Any water-cooled system is self-contained, so there's no risk of the coolant getting on your work. I prefer an air-cooled spindle or a completely automatic water-cooled spindle.
A router-powered CNC machine works fine, but given the option and budget, go with a spindle for higher accuracy and longer life.
If you get a machine with a spindle, it almost certainly turns on automatically when you start a toolpath and turns off when that toolpath ends. Some router-based machines include auto on/off, while others offer an optional control box to do this.
Turning a router on and off manually each time you start and stop a toolpath isn't a deal-breaker, but you must remember to turn it on before beginning the toolpath or you'll likely break the router bit and damage your workpiece. I much prefer doing whatever it takes to have auto on and off.
Photo of spindle collets
Spindles typically come equipped with ER collets. Routers use larger nuts to house their collets.
Routers in CNC machines use the same collets that you find on any router. However, most CNC spindles use ER collets. What's an ER collet? The E is a holdover from naming items with a letter series, while the R is for Rego-Fix, the company that made the collet self-releasing. ER collets get machined to tighter tolerances than standard router collets. This might prove a huge factor when you're trying to do precision work. When evaluating spindles, opt for ER collets when available.
When it comes to moving the spindle or router in the X, Y, and Z axes on a benchtop machine, you have three choices: belt drive, lead screw, or ball screw.
Photo of belt driven CNC machine
On belt-driven machines, motion in the X and Y directions comes via a flat ribbed belt traveling over cogged pulleys.
■ Belt drive: Cogs on the pulleys prevent belt slippage, but as you use the machine, dust in the cogs might interfere with the belt engaging. Wide belts, such as the 15mm one shown in the photo above, work more effectively than narrow belts. A belt won't develop surface rust like lead or ball screws can. Belt systems typically move the bit position faster than screw systems, but don't handle heavy loads as well. As long as you use the system within its capabilities, you'll be fine.
Belts can stretch, potentially affecting accuracy, but if one does stretch or break, it's easy to replace. Realistically, a belt can last a very long time and be tightened if it does stretch a little.
■ Screw drives: With both types of screw drives, the screw transfers the rotary motion of a motor to the linear motion required to move in the X, Y, and Z axes. A screw system works similarly to a threaded rod and nut: Imagine the nut captured in a housing on the CNC. As the screw turns, the captured nut moves the spindle or gantry (the bridge to which the spindle mounts).
Photo o9f lead screw on CNC machine.
Lead screws create more friction and operate less efficiently than ball screws.
The threads on a lead screw (photo, above) feature slightly rounded edges, quite different from a threaded rod, and purpose-designed for the loads caused by movement. The threads engage with a self-lubricating nut with wear compensation built in.
Photo of ball screw on CNC machine.
Ball screws can carry heavier loads than their lead screw counterparts.
A ball screw nut (photo, above) contains ball bearings that roll in the concave recesses of the screw. Ball screws enjoy an edge in accuracy over lead screws, thanks to less backlash. Most ball screws require manual lubrication, though they create little friction and work very efficiently. This translates to long life and good transfer of power from the motor to the screw to the router bit.
All of these systems work, but given the choice, opt for a ball screw system.
Photo of stepper motor on CNC machine.
Benchtop CNCs typically use stepper motors to drive motion in the X, Y, and Z axes.
CNC motors come in two types: stepper and servo. A stepper motor (photo, above) operates on what's called an open-loop system. This means the software sends a signal to the motor to move, and it assumes the motor did what it should. A servo motor operates on a closed loop. In this case, the system sends the signal to the motor to move, and then double-checks to make sure the correct move happened. Servos provide a better approach, and you'll see them on large-format CNCs, but rarely on benchtops. So if you want this option, be prepared to pay at least $10,000 for a larger machine.
Once you create your project design and toolpath, that information gets transmitted to the CNC via a fob (also called a pendant). Or, you may have to plug a computer directly into the machine.
Photo of external computer connected to CNC machine.
Some CNCs require an external computer plugged in to operate the toolpath, which means having it in the shop alongside your machine.
The CNC typically connects to your computer via a USB port. Many users build a cabinet for the computer to protect it from the dusty environment. On the Shapeoko CNC (photo, above), you can do other tasks on the computer while it's running the toolpath, which I prefer. With some CNCs, the computer "locks up," meaning for the duration of the cut you can't use the computer for anything else. It doesn't take much of a computer to run the CNC, so if you go this route, shop for an inexpensive new or used computer and dedicate it to the task.
Photo of fob plugged into CNC machine.
Fobs are purpose-built to live and work in a dusty environment without the computer plugged in.
If the CNC has a fob, you'll do your design and toolpath work on a computer, save the toolpath to a flash drive, and plug that flash drive into the fob (photo, above). Regardless of whether you use the computer directly or a fob, functionality is very similar. You use the device to zero your axes, control the speed of travel, and set up the machine.
Photo of bit and touch plate
Lower the bit until it contacts the touch plate. Then reset the Z axis "zero" point on the fob.
Every time you put a new bit in the collet or use a different thickness of workpiece, you need to teach the bit the height of the wood surface, a process called zeroing the Z axis (photo, above). The touch plate may come with the machine or be an accessory. It's definitely worth having.
Honestly, it's always difficult to give tool-buying advice, and even more so with CNCs. The ideal bottom line: Buy your last tool first. Evaluate your CNC goals and use those to narrow your search, keeping future growth in mind. Look for and attend a CNC user group in your area or online so you can talk to people about their machine choices and experiences and get real-world practical information. Look for CNC classes in your area and tire-kick machines before you buy. If possible, attend a trade show where you can visit with multiple manufacturers and see firsthand several machines.
Photo of Axiom Iconic-04
Designed and built with big-time features and performance, but at a smaller scale. Axiom also sells machines in other sizes. The Iconic CNC machines do not accept a fourth axis, but their Pro series machines do.
Features
Photo of Shapeoko Pro
Pay attention to the logistics of adding a CNC router to your shop, such as total footprint, power requirements, portability, and dust collection.
This is a very capable machine with a large work envelope, and includes Shapeoko's Bitsetter touch plate. Unlike other Z touch plates, Bitsetter also locates the corners of your workpiece for the X-Y origin.
Features
Photo of Next Wave Shark
All Next Wave machines (except the SD100) come with their Virtual Zero Unlimited software. This cool technology allows you to map 3-D surfaces so you can then machine over that surface, such as adding lettering toa rounded surface. Virtual Zero lets you do that without creating a 3-D model.
Features
Photo of Shaper Origin
Shaper Origin routs the preset toolpath—in this case an oblong opening for a grommet—in all three axes as you move it around the workpiece.
Shaper Origin (shapertools.com) is a handheld CNC worth considering. This portable CNC—about the size of a 3-hp plunge router—allows you to take the tool to the work instead of the work to the tool, fits in a toolbox, and can store under a workbench when not in use. Origin orients itself to coded "domino" tape applied to your workpiece (photo, above), so you have virtually no X-Y limitations. This means you can easily CNC-carve in the middle of a large workpiece—something next to impossible on a benchtop CNC. You run it hands-on, tracking the bit location on the toolpath using the built-in screen. Origin makes minor corrections to the bit location to stay on the toolpath. Because it looks and operates like a handheld router, it feels more like "real" woodworking. With a conventional CNC, you push a button and do other work while it cuts.
Known as the 'workhorse' of machine shops, the Haas VF-2 is a favorite for good reasons. It's built for productivity and gets the job done efficiently, whether you're working on large or small projects.
Precise machining is this mill's forte. With an 8,100 revolutions per minute (rpm) spindle, a 20-pocket carousel tool changer, and a 55-gallon coolant tank, the quality and efficiency of your work are always high.
This CNC mill also shines with its ample working area of 30" x 16" x 20" and rapid movement speeds. Plus, you get a decent table size at 36" x 14" with a max weight of 3000 lbs, allowing you to work on large and hefty materials without worry.
Its high-power, direct-drive spindle handles tough materials with ease. Plus, you can customize the VF-2 to fit your specific needs, making it a smart investment that grows with your business.
The VMX30Ti by Hurco is a real standout in the world of vertical machining centers, especially if you're working with metal. Its state-of-the-art design and technology are all about high precision and completing various jobs.
This mill boasts a rigid and thermally stable frame, meaning the machine stays accurate and keeps cool even during intense machining. You'll end up with smooth surface finishes and precisely measured parts.
Speed is another big plus with the VMX30Ti. Its spindle speed of 12,000 rpm is impressive and means you get through work a whole lot quicker and smoother.
It's also super user-friendly. The machine features an interface that makes it easy to plan out complex jobs and get them done without a headache. Versatile tooling options cater to a range of tasks, from 3D milling to drilling, and features like tool life monitoring and collision detection keep things safe and efficient.
Mazak's VCN Series stands out as a solid class of vertical machining centers. The VCN-530C, in particular, is an excellent choice for handling both large parts and multiple small workpieces efficiently.
One of the key benefits of the VCN-530C is its ability to adjust to different kinds of jobs, thanks to its various spindle options. This means you can easily match the machine's power and speed to the material you're working with. Plus, with its fast-moving speed in all directions (1,654 inches per minute), you can get your work done quickly.
Another great feature is the machine's efficient automatic tool changer. If you pair it with the 60-tool magazine option, you'll be able to switch tools in a snap and keep your cutting going without any breaks. This is a big time-saver and keeps your projects moving smoothly.
The VCN-530C's control system is easy to use, even for tricky tasks like drilling at angles or making complex shapes.
The Okuma GENOS M560V-5AX is a great choice if you're looking for a Five-Axis vertical machining center that's both high-quality and budget-friendly. Okuma designed this machine with the idea of making top-notch machining more accessible.
One of its key strengths is its 15,000 rpm spindle speed, which makes it fantastic for detailed and efficient machining. This speed, combined with the machine's stable and precise operation, is ideal for making intricate parts quickly. Despite its compact size, the GENOS M560V-5AX offers a large work envelope, providing ample space for various projects.
The machine's ergonomic design is another highlight, making it easier and more comfortable for operators to use. You can see what you're working on easily and get to it without any hassle.
Also, it uses less energy - thanks to Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept - while still delivering really precise results, which is great for keeping costs down.
The DMG MORI M1 vertical milling machine is another excellent choice for its blend of precision, power, and user-friendliness. Designed to suit any machine shop and application, it's perfect for milling parts up to 1,300 lbs.
What we really like about the M1 is its monolithic bed design, which gives it incredible stiffness and rigidity. This means you'll get smooth, high-quality finishes on your work. It also stays consistent in its performance, even during long machining operations.
The M1 is popular for its spindle design, which boasts a solid 10,000 or 12,000 rpm. With more than 3,000 units installed worldwide, this shows its reliability and effectiveness.
The machine's working area is quite spacious at 43" x 22" x 20", but it won't take up a lot of room in your workshop. Being fully digitized with an Internet of Things (IoT) connector as standard, it fits right into a modern, connected workshop.
The cost of a CNC mill can vary depending on its configuration and features. Even though some CNC mills look similar, their price tags can be quite different based on their specific setup and functions. A small desktop CNC machine may cost around $10,000 to $30,000, for example, while a more advanced Five-Axis CNC mill could set you back around $150,000.
Automating your CNC milling machine with a robot has several benefits. Robots increase productivity by working non-stop and more precisely than humans. They also improve safety by handling risky tasks, such as loading machines. And despite the initial cost, over time, robotic milling lowers operating costs by reducing waste and labor expenses.
As a machine shop operator, it's not just about having a good milling machine; it's about having the best. And now you know which are, in fact, the best CNC machines for milling on the market!
By understanding the different types of mills available and what key factors to consider, you can make an informed decision to meet your needs.
Also, embracing the integration of CNC mills with advanced robotics like the RO1 can greatly boost your manufacturing efficiency, keeping your operations ahead of the curve.