8 Best CNC Routers of 2023 [Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide]

CNC routers are relatively sturdy, and they are generally used for the sole purpose of chopping up timber or even giving shape to any such material.

CNC routers usually have a powerful build and can easily be used for various purposes that range from turning, milling, and cutting. These machines are perfect for your timber chopping needs and get the job done without any delay.

That said, picking the best CNC router can be rather challenging. Some machines get outdated over time, and some may not be ideal for the purpose you had in mind.

After long and thorough research into it, we've picked out the 8 best CNC routers right now.

Let's take a look at each of them in detail.

Best CNC Routers 

Here’s the list of the 8 best CNC routers that will help you take your craftsmanship to the next level.

1. Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router - Best for Beginners & Hobbyists

Genmitsu is well known for its CNC milling machines and routers. The 3018-PRO is a different version of the previous 3018 model. The new model has been upgraded to reduce difficulty while assembling.

For a beginner in wood carving, the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO is precisely what the doctor ordered. If you have hobbies like woodworking, then this device works perfectly for you.

Students who are just learning CNC will find the machine especially useful. Engraving models using wood for codes and designs comes quite easily with the device.

It is an excellent self-learning device that is useful for a number of standalone projects. We found that it is predominantly a cost-effective option that allows you to work without inflicting damage on the equipment. That is especially true if you are new to this.

Furthermore, it is perfect for engraving mainly due to the 1.8-inch depth it offers. The machine cuts through a number of materials like soft aluminum, wood, PVCs, PCBs, and acrylic, to name just a few. 

One of the troubles with the machine is that though it works well, it is a little slow. This is problematic if you're working on intricate projects that take time. Moreover, the clamps that hold the project in place are fixed a little awkwardly and need frequent adjustments.

2. BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router - Best for Spacious Workstation & Expert Woodworkers

The BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router is one of the most identifiable devices. This is probably due to the decades of experience that the company has in this area. The Evolution 4 has had a serious upgrade, and each of the upgrades has been quite impressive.

The Evolution 4 has been made with a birchwood frame and is an improvement on BobsCNC's previous designs, which are no longer available.

One of the first things you notice about the Evolution 4 is its spacious workstation. The space offered by the Evolution 4's cutting area gives you plenty of range to work with. So, an expert in woodwork will find it to provide the perfect area to create new projects.

Another aspect that raises brownie points for the Evolution 4 is that it comes with a manual that gives you a step-by-step guide on putting it together. That is hardly surprising since Evolution 4 is technically a kit. What makes Evolution 4 even better is that the company offers you excellent customer service in case you need help in putting it together. 

While the Evolution 4 is an impressive CNC router, one flaw that we noted was with the Z drive screw. To be more specific, the Z screw tends to wobble a little when you take up projects that need intricate designs. This tends to mess with the machine's work alignment.

3. Genmitsu 3018-PROVer - Best for Premium Design & Pre-assembly

The Genmitsu 3018-PROVer is the latest in the company's 3018 series. The version released in 2020 is an upgrade on the Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PRO. Unlike other machines in the series, this device is ideal for anyone who wants to take baby steps in the world of woodwork without splurging too much.

The first thing that attracted us to the SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PROVer is its high premium design. The look is an upgrade when compared to the previous models. With its aluminum body and oxide blue features, the 3018 PROVer has an entirely different feel from the standard CNC Router.

The latest addition to the Genmitsu CNC 3018 series, the 3018-PROVer, is pre-assembled, which is quite a relief for anyone familiar with such machines. Since it is pre-assembled, you can start running the machine within an hour instead of the usual time it takes for a lot of other machines.

The 3018 PROVer also has an upgrade of an offline controller that comes with a 1.8" display. This gives you the freedom to read and view the CNC router without the need for a computer. 

The 3018-PROVer is a very classy-looking machine and hardly has a hiccup. The only doubt we had with the machine was that a newbie to this arena would actually be lost. The machine doesn't offer a detailed guide since the machine is pre-assembled. So, it takes a lot of trial runs before you get everything perfectly on your machine.

4. Mcwdoit GRBL3018 PRO

The Mcwdoit GRBL 3018 PRO CNC Router is upgraded from the previous 3018 PRO CNC Router from Mcwdoit. The upgraded version comes with specific instructions on how the machine needs to be installed. All you need to do is follow the steps to install the device and begin working on projects.

The Mcwdoit GRBL 3018 PRO CNC Router may not be easy on the eye as some of the other devices of this nature. But it is an ideal device, especially for beginners to wood carving and engraving.

The Mcwdoit GRBL 3018 PRO CNC Router comes with a complete set of spare parts. This makes it easy for users to install following the manual instructions. The 3018 PRO CNC Router is ideal for spindle engraving and has provisions for it in the kit. The router is ideal for beginners to learn and understand how woodwork can be handled. It gives first-time users enough confidence to work.

The kit also has a paper manual for understanding how the machine works and has a USB flash drive with the control software. The machine makes up the perfect method for beginners who want to understand woodwork. 

While the device is ideal for beginners, we felt that it did have a few limitations. This is the case if you want to learn more about milling steel or such materials; it doesn't work as well as you would expect it to.

5. MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018-PRO

The idea of a budget CNC router at home that can craft materials for your liking seems just like a pipe dream. MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018 PRO is the ideal machine for that particular idea. This is a good product if you have plenty of DIY projects in the pipeline. The machine can fit easily into your workshop without needing to move things around too much.

One of the first things we noticed about the MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018 PRO is that it is built for the absolute beginner. It is relatively easy to install, and customer service specifies that if you're stuck while installing it, they'll help out.

Another aspect you notice about the machine is that it is lightweight. You won't sweat out trying to carry the machine around. In addition to this, it's also compact enough that it doesn't take up a lot of space in your workshop. This makes it convenient for you to practice your woodwork without a lot of stress.

Another aspect we liked about the device is that it is ideal for a number of different materials. This includes wood, bamboo, paper, leather, and ivory, to name just a few. This gives you enough ideas to create a number of projects. 

Of course, while the MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018 PRO offers a lot of positivity to the beginner in woodwork, we found that it had a slight disadvantage to it. While it works on a number of different materials, it does not work on metal, limiting your project range a little.

6. VEVOR CNC 3018

The VEVOR CNC 3018 CNC Router offers you an easy-on-the-pocket engraving machine. The machine is ideal for a lot of DIY projects and has been built especially for self-learning. With this machine at your disposal, you can work on understanding and practicing woodwork better.

The first thing we observed about the VEVOR CNC 3018 CNC Router is that it seems to be the perfect machine that will get a beginner excited about woodwork. The machine has been built to accommodate the needs of beginners, giving them enough space to learn.

Another significant advantage offered by the VEVOR CNC 3018 CNC Router is that it is quite durable. The machine offers you enough space to work and is built to suit the needs of a beginner. The machine's frame is made of aluminum which helps ensure that it lasts longer. In addition to this, the joints are fixed firmly enough so that it doesn't fall apart.

A lot of people agree that if there was a machine that would help them move around the nuances of woodwork, it is the VEVOR CNC 3018 CNC Router. It is built so that it can be used by people who aren't too familiar with CNC routers. 

The VEVOR CNC 3018 CNC Router is ideal only for beginners. But that means that intermediate users will be disappointed that they cannot use it to engrave materials such as metal since this works perfectly for wood, leather, plastic, and similar materials.

7. Genmitsu 3018-PROVer Mach3

The Genmitsu 3018-PROVer Mach3 is quite different from others of its kind. A significant change that one can see is that the machine is compatible with Mach3. Mach3 is a professional software that can turn your computer into a CNC controller, making this machine a game-changer.

One of the main reasons to love the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer Mach3 is that it comes pre-assembled. This means you don't have to spend too much time picking apart the components and putting it together. You just have to take it out of the package, set it up, and use it.

Another thing we liked about the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer Mach3 is that the machine has excellent quality components that make working with it an outstanding experience. The device is made of an all-aluminum body that is quite durable. This allows your machine to last longer.

In addition to durability, the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer Mach3 is also excellent for many applications. You can use it on a number of soft materials such as aluminum, wood, and plastics. Moreover, the machine has enough safety measures in place that don't interfere with your work. 

While the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer Mach3 is a good machine that lets you work effortlessly, we found that it isn't compatible for working with metals. The machine cuts through soft materials easily but doesn't work on metals at all. We hope the next model solves that little hiccup.

8. CNC 3018 Pro Max 3

The CNC 3018 Pro Max 3 is one of the best DIY CNC Routers. It is a machine that fits perfectly on your table in your workspace. The machine works well with your needs and is ideal for woodwork.

One of the first things we noticed about the CNC 3018 Pro Max 3 is that it is quite easy to use. Since it is smaller than most machines, it can be maintained perfectly. The machine is made of strong aluminum frames, making it quite durable.

Another reason to love this machine is its compact size. It fits perfectly in your workspace and is also powerful enough for your woodwork. The size is enough of an advantage when you're working with limited space. Despite the size, the machine works powerfully enough that it cuts through soft materials effortlessly.

The router works ideally for beginners who need to practice their woodwork. The machine works well for soft materials like wood, plastic, and acrylic, to name a few. Since it is easy to use, first-time users are sure to get the hang of it quickly. 

While the size of the machine is an advantage in some cases, it has its limitations. We found that intermediate users of the device will find it impossible to work on larger projects. This is mainly due to its compact size. Moreover, working with tougher materials like metal is impossible with this machine.

Best CNC Routers Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best CNC Router

Making the right decision regarding the CNC router for your needs might be a little confusing. You must have taken a look at our list by now. If you're still confused about the CNC Router for your needs, we'll break it down in simple terms.

The Ideal Size

The first criterion you need to be aware of is size. Some CNC routers are compact enough that they work well on a regular table in your garage. But there are larger CNC routers that need more space. So, make sure you check this parameter before making a purchase.

Strength And Durability

After the right size, the next box you need to tick is strength and durability. As our list suggests, there are CNC routers made of materials that are not just solid aluminum. Their durability might differ; naturally, this affects their shelf life.

Versatility Of Use

Another important criterion that you need to be aware of regarding your CNC router is the machine's versatility. Not all machines can work with any materials. If your chosen router is for a specific task, then you need to be sure that the machine actually does that task. If you want a device that does everything, then you might need a larger CNC router.

Conclusion

Reading this article might have given you enough food for thought regarding the right CNC router for your needs. If you’re going for a budget CNC router, then the MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018 PRO is an ideal choice. If you want a more professional router that provides an elaborate workspace, then the BobsCNC Evolution 4 has a workstation that fits the bill.

If a longer-lasting product that doesn’t need too much time for assembly is your requirement, the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer is ideal for you.

Everything that you need for a CNC router actually narrows down to your usage and experience. A professional in this area needs a machine with more features, while a beginner needs a smaller machine.

So, choose a CNC router that works well for you. On that note, we come to the end of our article.

Take care and see you again!

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