11 Best CNC Routers of 2021 [Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide]
Having a hard time with chopping wood? A good CNC router always helps you out in this regard. CNC routers are relatively sturdy, and they are generally used for the sole purpose of chopping up timber or even to give shape to any such material. CNC routers usually have a powerful build and can easily […] The post 11 Best CNC Routers of 2021 [Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide] appeared first on Homesthetics - Inspiring ideas for your home..
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Having a hard time with chopping wood? A good CNC router always helps you out in this regard.
CNC routers are relatively sturdy, and they are generally used for the sole purpose of chopping up timber or even to give 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 Some machines get outdated over time, and some may not be ideal for the purpose you had in mind.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 11 best CNC routers of 2021.
Let’s take a look at each of them in detail.
Best CNC Routers
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
---|---|---|---|
Our Top PickOur Top Pick![]() | Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router |
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![]() | BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router |
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![]() | Genmitsu 3018-PROVer |
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![]() | Mcwdoit GRBL3018 PRO |
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![]() | MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018-PRO |
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![]() | VEVOR CNC 3018 |
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![]() | Mophorn CNC 2418 |
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![]() | Genmitsu 3018-PROVer Mach3 |
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![]() | Yofuly 3018 Pro CNC Router |
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![]() | TopDirect CNC 3018 Pro-M |
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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.
- What You Get: Genmitsu 3018-PRO CNC router kit; 40pcs ball...
- Premium Power Adapter: The 3018-PRO has brought safety...
- Offline Controller: The 3018-PRO comes with an offline...
- Software: The Genmitsu uses Grbl, high performance,...
Why Did We Like It?
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.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51f--asjFpL.jpg)
What Could’ve Been Better?
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.
- Small and easy to use
- Suitable for first-time use
- Engraves through materials easily
- Easy to assemble
- Works a little slow
- Clamps need frequent adjustments
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.
- A rigid laser cut 5-Ply Baltic Birch frame with SG20U...
- GT2 belt drive on X and Y-axis and Tr8 Acme Rod mounted with...
- NEMA 17 Stepper Motors and Home switches on all axes with a...
- 3/4” MDF Spoil-board with 1/4-20 threaded inserts and...
Why Did We Like It?
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 the Evolution 4 is technically a kit. What makes the Evolution 4 even better is that the company offers you excellent customer services in case you need help in putting it together.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Jf6UBP0bL.jpg)
What Could’ve Been Better?
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.
- Comes with a detailed manual
- Excellent customer service
- Spacious workspace
- Has a faster cutting speed
- Z Screw tends to wobble
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.
- Class leading value got even easier to use. The 3018-PROVer...
- Still based on open-source Grbl v1.1 the PROVer has stepped...
- Make more with the all-aluminum body and take advantage of...
- Take control of your 3018-PROVer Desktop CNC machine with...
Why Did We Like It?
The first thing that attracted us to the SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PROVer is its highly 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.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61vk2ykNcQL.jpg)
What Could’ve Been Better?
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.
- Offers up a premium look
- Has digital display for better control of projects
- Comes with better safety features
- Comes pre-assembled
- Takes time for beginners to understand
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.
- ♞ 【User Manual】Please view or download the manual for...
- ♞【Upgraded Version CNC 3018 Pro】 WE DO IT ! New...
- ♞【Offline Controller】Great for beginners. Upgrade from...
- ♞【Wide Application】Suitable for carve wood, plastic,...
Why Did We Like It?
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 for the perfect method for beginners who want to understand woodwork.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DYY8K-0YL.jpg)
What Could’ve Been Better?
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.
- Sturdy casing protects control board
- Easy to assemble
- Excellent customer service
- Has straightforward instructions
- Can only be used for smaller projects
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.