So, you’re interested in buying a Cnc Machine and you are hoping that they’re affordable and all the spending will end once you get it delivered?
Well I have some good news and some bad news.
The good news is yes, there is a type of Cnc Machine that is affordable and the ongoing cost is minimal.
The bad news is, like a lot of things in life, you get what you pay for, Cnc Machines are no exception to this rule.
The cheapest Cnc machine on the planet is the ubiquitous 3018 desktop engraver. It starts for as little as $250 and there are many variations of this model with various upgrades.
They can be bought with different brand names but I’m pretty certain they all come from the same factory.
The 3018 title refers to the size of the machines work table, 30cm X 18cm.
Are they any good?
Yes, from the standpoint of learning how to operate a Cnc Machine for a minimal financial outlay, they are perfect.
Just don’t expect it to machine anything other than wood, but you can mill any shape that a much more expensive machine can do, but only in small sizes and a lot slower.My 3018 cnc engraver
I have a full 3018 unboxing and setup tutorial if you want to learn more about these machines.
This type of cnc machine goes up in price depending on the options that come with it.
Some have Z axis touch probes, some come with a diode laser that can be swapped out for the spindle etc.
The high end price for these particular machines are between $400 & $500.
Moving further up the cost scale are the larger but still basic Cnc Routers.
A good example would be the Shapeoko machines by Carbide 3D. The cheapest model, the Shapeoko 3 starts at around $1300.
This machine is a considerable step up from the 3018 in size and capability and will give you the ability to make some decent quality projects. Carbide 3D also offers payment plans to help spread the cost.
Sainsmart offers the PROVerXL 4030, a larger, more advanced and sturdier version of the 3018 engraver. This has the option of upgrading the spindle with a dewalt palm router to give it even more capability.
This machine is around $1000 and also has a payment plan available.
Are you looking for a Cnc Lathe? Sorry, I couldn’t find any in this price range.
The cost of running these types of hobby machines are minimal. The end mills and cutters are only small and inexpensive and will last a while machining wood and other soft materials.
The cnc machines/routers available in this price range are a lot more capable. Cnc MillsPrice RangeTaig Cnc Micro Millfrom $2,500Sherline Cnc Micro Millfrom $2,500Shapeoko XXL Pro$2,800Carbide 3D Nomad 3$2,800Stepcraft RoutersFrom $2,500Bantam Tools Desktop Cnc Mill$4,000Tormach 770 RangeFrom $7,700Pocket NC V2-10 5 Axis Cnc Mill$6,000Pocket NC V2-50 5 Axis Cnc Mill$9,000Clicking the links in the table will take you to the product pages
If you are looking to buy a Cnc Lathe this is the price range you can start to find them.
It is possible to use this type of machine to earn you a return on investment if you use them to start a side hustle.
Going back to the Carbide 3D Shapeoko range, they offer the Shapeoko XXL Pro from around $2800. This is considerably larger than the base Shapeoko and a good example of what to expect from most machines at this price point.
There are many other manufacturers of Cnc Routers at this price level, finding a distributor near where you live and researching the make and model they sell would be a smart move.
Online retailers such as ToolsToday.com deliver worldwide if you don’t have a local retailer.
Starting in this price range are the smaller benchtop Cnc Machines designed to machine metal. The design of these machines usually mimic the bigger versions used in industry.A small Taig Cnc Mill
Machining an Aluminum Spur Gear on a Taig Cnc MillTypically the gantry style of design with the larger cutting area are used primarily for milling wood. They generally utilize a commercial woodworking router for the spindle.
Now these machines deserve a special mention. The only 5 Axis desktop machines available, as far as I am aware.
I want one.
They offer 2 types of machine, both the same size but with different spindles to suit what type of components you are going to mill. Basically the more expensive version has a faster, more accurate spindle.
The downside to these machines is the issue of programming, you really need to know how to program them using a 5 axis capable Cad/Cam system. They are aimed more at specialised industrial and prototyping applications.
The machines in this price range have a lot of accessories available that can start adding up the cost. For example I bought a 4th axis rotary table for my Taig cnc mill, this was $500.
Also when machining metal you will go through end mills a lot faster and I would recommend paying for better quality when machining metals.
This section is for the rich folk!
These machines are aimed at small business owners with a product to make. There are a few industrial Cnc Machine manufacturers that have smaller sized machines that will fit in a decent sized home workshop or garage.Cnc MillsPrice rangeSyil Mini Cnc Mill – 5 seriesstarts at $10,000Tormach – 24R Cnc Routerstarts at $14,000Tormach – 1100MX Cnc Millstarts at $19,250Tormach – 15L Slant Pro Lathestarts at $17,000Haas Mini Millsstarts at $22,000Click the links in the table to see the machines
All these machines are basically smaller versions of proper industrial machines and as such the extra expense of tooling has to be factored in.
Multiple collet holders for the tool changers, coolant systems and these machines need industrial air compressors to run. You basically need a fully functioning tool room to get the most from Cnc Mills in this price range.
So at a best guess you need to double the machine cost to find the total investment you need to make.
There are so many machines in this category I’m not even going to start.
If you run a machine shop you won’t be googling “how much does a cnc machine cost” and be reading this article anyway.
If you are interested in buying a Cnc Machine my website is dedicated to helping you learn how to use them. I have a free 7 step guide to cnc machining pdf download which comes with a G Code program for you to run on your new cnc.
Click the button below to find out more!