Best CNC Machines of 2019

1. MYSWEETY DIY CNC Router Kit

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

MYSWEETY is a capable DIY CNC Router Kit. MYSWEETY advertises it as a GBRL control woodcarving milling machine for engraving. It also works with various other materials as well as woods.

• Best feature 1: Beginner-friendly
• Best feature 2: Durable construction
• Plus points: Partly assembled, control via different operating systems, various materials
• Minus points: Limited instructions, below average support

This CNC router kit comes partly assembled but there’s still some assembly and tweaking from the user end. Going by the user reviews this is an enjoyable experience. It certainly helps you to become better acquainted with the machine. A little experience or aptitude in this area will make the setup process much simpler even though it’s not overly complicated.

The board comes preprogrammed and all wiring is plug-n-play.

Basic yet Functional

The machine is both compact and lightweight but it’s also a sturdy construction. I’d say the MYSWEETY Router Kit is the perfect choice for new users who want to get accustomed to the technology. It provides a great platform for producing simple models. There is a USB interface and an open-source grbl-based control system to operate the device.

Some users complain that the included software is old and unsupported. Well, you can choose between several other software programs to run this CNC Router. The popular PCB Processing and Toolpath Creation are two of many but you have to buy them separately.

Although promoted as a woodcarving machine you can use other materials. Some of these include plastic, acrylic, PVC, PCB, and various others.

The Not So Good

The setup is simple enough for those familiar with the technology. For first-timers, though, the included instructions fall short. Software support doesn’t get many positive reviews either. These are things the complete novice will want to mull over.

2. DIY CNC Router Kit by Beauty Star

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

This DIY CNC router won’t suit commercial purposes. It’s a great little tool for new users who have some knowledge or mechanical aptitude for working with machines like this.

• Best feature 1: Good precision cutting & power
• Best feature 2: Compact and lightweight
• Plus points: Great research and study machine, tough construction, easy to operate
• Minus points: Difficult for beginners to assemble, replacement parts difficult to source

A Great CNCStudy Tool

Consider this affordable CNC router by Beauty Star if you’re new to precision cutting. It’s a great product for anyone who wants to study the art of fine engraving using a variety of materials. The machine is simple in design, compact, and lightweight, which makes it easy to operate and store.

The working area is not very big (see specs below) but it’s perfectly ample for those smaller DIY designs. The powerful 775 spindle motor performs surprisingly well for a CNC router in its class. And although it won’t cut hard metals or stone there are plenty of softer materials to experiment with.

Before you can use the machine you first have to assemble it. The setup process part is the least user-friendly side. Once you’ve put it together you have a sturdy CNC router that’s worth every penny.

The Not so Good

The Beauty Star DIY CNC router kit is that it’s fairly easy to operate at the beginner level but it’s not so easy to assemble. The available documentation doesn’t help much either. It’s why you’ll want some prior know-how or mechanical ability before you buy this product. Make sure you request the manual in English too, that’s unless you need the Chinese version.

3. BobsCNC E3 CNC Router Engraver Kit

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

BobsCNC E3 CNC Router takes things to the next level and that includes a jump in price too. It’s easier to assemble than the first two picks. Updated instructions are always available online at any time.

• Best feature 1: User-friendly machine
• Best feature 2: Works with wood and a variety of other materials
• Plus points: Robust construction large cutting area, cuts thick materials
• Minus points: Nothing to report

This is an advanced-beginner friendly machine for serious enthusiasts. If your laptop has a spare USB port you can run the machine from that. And unlike the previous devices, there’s nothing left to the imagination—instruction-wise. All backup files are available online too. They include Quick Start Guide, Assembly Manual, and a Troubleshooting Guide.

Wood Cutting Wooden Construction

The cutting area is generous at 450 x 390 x 85 mm and the biggest in this guide.

Once you’re up and running you can cut various woods up to 3.3″ thick stock. This includes composite wood and hardwoods. You can also use the E3 to cut a variety of other soft materials but always check for compatibility beforehand.

Don’t let the all-wood frame construction of this CNC Router put you off. It uses 6mm 5ply Baltic birch and 1/2″ MDF for the spoil-board. It’s extremely well-made and as robust as any metal alternative.

Software Choices

You can choose between several choices of software to run the E3. Most of these are free open source. The UGS or Universal G-code Sender is a popular choice. The firmware loaded on the logic chip or microprocessor is grbl and also open source. If it sounds complicated you need to do a little online research. Most of you reading here are most likely familiar with grbl for controlling machine motions.

The Not so Good

There’s not a lot to complain about in terms of value for money. I did come across a few reports of software errors but these are not universal as setups and operating systems are personal. If I come across any future complaints I’ll update this guide accordingly.

4. CNC Piranha FX by Next Wave Automation

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Editor’s Rating: 3.9/5

The CNC Piranha FXpunches above its weight for a machine in its price range. Although priced considerably more than the earlier picks it still costs very little compared to full-scale devices.

• Best feature 1: Integrated color touch-screen interface (no computer necessary)
• Best feature 2: Fully assembled
• Plus points: Perfect for advanced beginners, 3D models library, compact design
• Minus points: Initial learning curve

The color touchscreen interface at the front of the machine is a convenient extra. It does away with the need to hook up a laptop or other device. All you do is transfer the files via a simple USB drive. The data then displays on the screen from where you can select the project and let the work being.

The Piranha FX Offers More of Everything

This is the first machine in the guide to come with fully-assembled parts. It’s a great choice for advanced beginners and above who want to work on smaller scale projects like plaques and intricate carvings, etc. The Piranha FX even comes with its own 3D models library which is part of the popular Vector Art Sampler Pack. There’s software included too but it’s for Windows OS’ only.

This capable and ultra-precise CNC machine can work with a wide range of materials. Some of these include plastics, solid woods, composite plywood, MDF, metals, and even stone. You can also use it to engrave circuit boards up to a certain size. That brings me on to my next point.

Size Sometimes Matters

The work area is just 304 x 457 x 76mm (12 x 18 x 3″). That’s bigger than some of the cheaper models here but it’s still small considering the price. This doesn’t take anything away from the quality or versatility of the Piranha FX. Next Wave Automation designed their compact machine on purpose. If you want the same product with a longer and taller cutting area then consider the Piranha XL.

The Not So Good

Don’t consider this machine if you don’t like steep learning curves. It’s not a good choice for the absolute beginner unless you have plenty of patience and persistence. It’s ideal for the advanced beginner and above who’ll no doubt find it quicker to familiarize themselves with all the workings.

Other than the learning curve there’s little else to fault with this capable CNC machine.