The automatic control system is nowadays one of the most desired demands. And that’s why industries are making the CNC router machine more than manuals. Computer Numerical Control machines or CNC machines are one of the top-class computerized machines in the woodworking and metal machining business market. CNC machines can be of various types. Among those types, CNC routers have a wide range of applications. And thus, we brought you this great guideline to choose the best mini CNC router in the market. In this article, we will start with the definition, and then we will make a list of the Top Best mini CNC router in 2022 in the Amazon market.
Things that we considered choosing the best mini CNC router
You may want to know how did we consider picking the best mini CNC router in 2022. If I am right, then read this section carefully. After our complete research on many of the CNC routers, we came to an end considering the following things.
Specifications: We took the top 10 best mini CNC routers with the same specs—all of the routers here 3018 PRO versions of the respective companies. Please continue reading the article, and we have explained the specifications right after this section.
Feature: This is one of the most vital points we considered here, ranking the product. Some of the companies give more features than others; if the features get higher, the price increases.
Customer Review: This is the most critical factor to consider here. All the companies will advertise their product in their way, but in reality, few are different. In the customer review section, you will get a real idea about the quality of the product. We considered this section strongly.
Price: Sometimes, we look for the best budget option. Because sometimes, you may not need the best product. So, we also listed the best-budgeted option for you. Just continue reading, you will get everything you need.
3018 PRO Mini CNC Router Machine
We already mentioned above that the CNC router has a different category based on its sizes and uses. And also, we are going to demonstrate the Top best Desktop mini CNC routers in Amazon. This small CNC router can also be called a CNC 3018 PRO router. This 3018 means the working area of the cutting tool is 30 cm long and 18 cm wide. All of the mini CNC router or 3018 PRO series has this active working area.
Specification
Here in today’s ranking, we are going to pick the top best mini CNC router In today’s ranking, we are going to pick the top best mini CNC router in 2022. We took nine best CNC machine producing companies from Amazon. These 3018 desktop mini CNC routers have similar specifications. So, we are going to elaborate on the specs first. After that, we will demonstrate the top best mini CNC router in 2022.
Active Engraving Area
The 3018 small CNC machine has an active area of 300 mm long, 180 mm wide, and 45 mm high. In inches, the active engraving area is about 11.8 x 7.1 x 1.8 inches. Therefore, it means that between this area you can design anything you wish to do.
Frame Size
The overall frame size of this 3018 mini CNC router is approximately 400 x 330 x 240 mm or 15.7 x 13.0 x 9.4 inches. This frame size may vary in the products we are going to rank today. This size is the overall machine dimension, and the active engraving area is the area in between the cutting tool can engrave.
Frame Material
Frame material also varies brand to brand here. In this case, some of the routers have a steel frame. Some of the routers also have aluminum. And some of them have a mixture of Phenol Formaldehyde resin and aluminum.
Z-Axis Component Material
The axis in which the spindle motor moves is the Z-axis. The other two axis moves on the mechanism of a ball screw and stepper motor. But in this case, the axis component material is Nylon, and it looks like a rail.
Spindle
The spindle of the mini CNC router uses 775 motors. This motor has a standard size of 66.7 mm of height and 42.0 mm of the outer diameter. And, the 775 stands for the standard size of the spindle motor. However, It requires 24 V of the power supply. Its rotating speed is approximate 10,000 RPM.
Rated power
The overall mini CNC router requires 60W of the power supply. The Maximum power it needs is 120W.
Step Motor
There are three stepper motors on the mini CNC router. All of the motors require 1.3 A of the current supply, 12 V of the power supply. It’s net torque is 0.25 Nm / 2.2 in-lb.
Drill Bits
The routing tool required to cut the materials is the drill bits. Usually, the companies provide a bunch of drill sets for different uses and purposes. Typically, the drill bits have a tip of 0.1 mm, 20 degrees of the angle, and 3.175 mm of the diameter.
Software
The software required for the machine controlling is GRBL control(Candle). Remember to install the driver first. The installation and tutorials are available in every company.
Supported OS
The software GRBL control supports in the Operating system Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, MAC OS.
Power Supply
The overall power supply required for the machine is 24V and 5A of the current flow.
Offline Control
All of the 3018 mini CNC routers come with an offline controller. There is manual control of setting the X, Y, Z-Axis. It doesn’t require a computer to set the axis.
Top Best mini CNC router in 2022
We have already seen the specs of the 3018 mini CNC router machine because all of the routers here got the same specs. Before we get into the detail of our ranking, let’s have a glance at the summary table of the small CNC milling/ laser routers. Staring from Genmitsu to Beauty star, we listed the fundamental differences between them. These all are the best CNC router for a small shop. The first one is our best pick. We will explain their position after this summary table.
Rank | Brand | Weight | Material | Routing | |
1 | Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PRO | 15.52 pounds | Aluminium | Milling | Best Pick |
2 | mcwdoit Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro | 14.92 pounds | Steel | Milling | |
3 | MYSWEETY Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro | 15.27 pounds | Phenolic resin + aluminum | Milling | |
4 | Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro | 15.16 pounds | Metal | Milling | |
5 | SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-PROVer | 20.80 pounds | Aluminium | Milling | |
6 | MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018-PRO | 15.82 pounds | Phenolic resin + aluminum | Milling & Laser | |
7 | Yofully Upgraded CNC 3018 Pro | 15.06 pounds | Aluminium | Milling | |
8 | Titoe 2 in 1 5500mW Engraver CNC 3018 Pro Engraving Machine | 15.99 pounds | Metal | Milling & Laser | |
9 | VEVOR CNC 3018-PRO | 14.90 pounds | Aluminum and bakelite material | Milling | Best Budgeted Option |
10 | Beauty Star Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro | 15.32 pounds | Aluminium | Milling |
Best Pick: Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PRO
Our best small shop CNC router is from Genmitsu. This excellent machine got the highest support from the Amazon buyers. Every day people are buying this one. Besides, the customers strongly suggested this mini router machine as the best among all. Comparing the features, specifications, and price, this model has a remarkable position in the market.
However, Genmitsu 3018-Pro is a three-axis engraving machine. I can engrave acrylic, wood, plastics, etc. It is also suitable for metals such as aluminum. It has the milling feature only. The actual engraving depth is 1.8 inches. Therefore, it can be used in cutting, engraving, and routing.
Moreover, it doesn’t require any batteries. It comes with a sturdy packaged box. And thus, As long as you open the box, your device is safe. Genmitsu 3018- PRO mini CNC router comes with a packaging size of 17.4 x 9.7 x 7 inches. The company will provide you with the necessary manuals and procedures to install the software.
mcwdoit Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro
The next best pick goes to the small CNC router machine from mcwdoit. This model got excellent customer support from Amazon buyers. Though it is cheaper than Genmitsu, it couldn’t reach as many recommendations as Genmitsu got. After all, considering all other specifications and features, mcwdoit deserves to be in the next place of Genmitsu.
This mini CNC router is the upgraded version. It can cut soft metals like copper and aluminum, wood, acrylic, PCB, CCL, and other materials. It is suitable for hard metal carving. The company will provide 20 pieces of 3.175 mm CNC router bits, four sets of CNC plates, and 12 parts of the ER11 collet set.
Moreover, This mini CNC router comes package includes all mechanical Moreover, This small CNC router comes package includes all mini CNC router kit and install instruments. The package also consists of the CD DVD software, stepper motos, frame, power supply, and so on. The package size is 17.4 x 9.5 x 6.8 inches. It is easy to assemble, cheap, accurate, and easy to use.
MYSWEETY Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro
Another remarkable mini CNC router engraver that came on the market is from MYSWEETY. It got no less feature than mcwdoit. Mcwdoit and Mysweety, both of them, have similar popularity. But if we look through the Product features, we will find the differences.
This mini CNC router comes with ten drill bits, four clamps, one-piece full set engraving machine, one pc offline controller, one-piece extension rod with ER11. Moreover, The profile dimension is about 330 x 400 x 240 mm. The offline controller can have a 1G capacity. The upgrade version consists of an update board, offline controller, 775 spindle motors, and aluminum frame.
The manufacturing company will provide you with the necessary installation parts with the delivery. In this case, the package size is 17.4 x 9.5 x 6.8 inches. This company offers you laser routing features if you are interested. The overall package would not include the laser routing tool if you didn’t choose it. After all, it is accurate, easy to assemble, and cheap.
Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro
Our next best pick is this mini desktop CNC router. Based on the specifications and price, Cenoz small CNC routers have a remarkable place in the market too. Depending on the customer recommendation, we put this router in the fourth place of our ranking. Besides, they have differences in their features and complexity.
Cenoz CNC 3018 PRO mini router can cut any materials except a few hard materials. It has the upgraded control board, most latest GRBL three-axis control, provided with more power. The company will also offer integrated driver chip, fixed heat sink, external fan, etc. They also offer necessary bits and clamps.
However, The packaging size comes with a dimension of 17.64 x 9.45 x 6.69 inches. Comparing to other mini CNC router, this model is not easy to use. But it is sturdy, accurate, and easy to assemble. The manufacturing companies assure that it will take 20 minutes to finish the assembly process. But if we consider routing for beginners, then this CNC routing won’t be the best choice.
SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-PROVer
Sainsmart is a part of the Genmitsu group. Here, our next best pick goes to this sain smart miniature CNC router or 3018-PRO CNC router. This model is more professional and unique than other models. It is heavy and stable. Because your machine the more heavy is, the more it remains fixed. In some cases, while routing the surface materials, the device vibrates. This vibration is the cause of the accuracy problem.
SainSmart mini CNC router is the latest version of the 3018 Desktop CNC DIY kit series. Like the Cenoz company, this company also assures the easy assemble feature. On the other hand, This desktop CNC router has the fingertip controlling feature. There is 1.8 inches display and provide manual controls.
It comes with a packaging size of 18.2 x 16.2 x 11 inches. Additionally, It is an aluminum built structure that ensures higher stress. It is accurate and suitable for beginners. All the features that come with this model are excellent except the price. Comparing to the other models, this one is quite expensive.
MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018-PRO
Another model from Mysweety is this our next pick. This model has two tools for the routing process, milling, and laser tool. And then, this model can perform both cuttings and carvings. But the laser is only for the engraving. Because this laser is not that powerful to cut objects, for cutting purposes, we can use the drill bits.
The laser tool has 450 nm of wavelength laser light. It needs 5.5W of the power supply and 3A of current flow. Also, the working temperature is 10 degrees to 40 degrees. On the other hand, This company will provide ten pieces of drills bits with 0.1 mm of the tip, 20 degrees, and 3.175mm of the diameter. Four pieces of clamps come with the package that holds the thickness up to 0-30mm.
The overall package size is 17.5 x 9.5 x 7 inches. This small CNC machine is easy to use and assemble. If you are looking for both laser and milling router, then this model will be the best decision of yours.
Yofully Upgraded CNC 3018 Pro
The next pick is from Yofully. This mini CNC router has similar specs to the first four mini CNC routers. But in a few of their features have differences. As Usual, this model can cut any materials such as soft metals like copper and aluminum, wood, acrylic, Plastics, etc. The Yofully new version comes with an upgraded version of 3018. The updated version consists of a new control board, heat sink and external fan, sturdy shell, etc.
The company promises a straightforward installation feature. It may take 20 minutes to assemble the whole machine. However, the overall frame size is 400 x 330 x 240 mm / 15.7 x 13.0 x 9.4 inches.
The packaging size is 17.72 x 9.84 x 7.09 inches. This mini CNC router will come with the necessary installation pieces of equipment and also with the extra bits and clamps.
Titoe 2 in 1 5500mW Engraver CNC 3018 Pro Engraving Machine
Another combo pack we picked from TItoe. This model is similar to the MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018-PRO. Hence, the company will provide the combo pack both for small CNC milling machines and small CNC laser routing. This model is the upgraded version of Titoe 3018. The updated version comes with the integrated driver chip, external fan, fixed heat sink, sturdy casing, etc.
The 5.5 W laser can engrave 0.1 mm, is suitable for any marking or simple drawings. The packaging size that comes with this model is 17.64 x 9.76 x 7.4 inches. This model is also easy to use and assemble, promises high-quality cutting. But comparing to the price, this one is a little expensive than the others.
Best Budgeted option: VEVOR CNC 3018-PRO
This mini CNC router from Vevor got an excellent feature similar to other milling routers. If we consider customer reviews and suggestions, this desktop mini router falls behind the top models. Additionally, this model is also a premium quality than Vevor 3018, and the price is surprisingly meager.
The packaging size of this mini router is 17.7 x 10.2 x 7.1 inches. Comparing to the above mini routers, this one weighs lower than the above routers. The company will provide the necessary installation tools for this mini CNC router. If you consider money, this mini router will be the best decision.
Beauty Star Upgrade Version CNC 3018 Pro
Our last pick is from Beauty Star. It is also an upgraded version of Beauty Star 3018. In this case, this model updated the manual control feature. This company also promises a smooth assembly process. The specifications didn’t come with any change, but there is a little difference in the functionality.
However, this model comes with a package size of 17.56 x 9.29 x 6.61 inches. The company will provide the mini CNC router kit such as one-piece full set engraving machine, one-piece offline installer, four pieces clamp, one-piece extension rod with ER11 collet, thirteen pieces ER11 collet set, one-piece googles, twenty pieces of engraving bits.
Precaution
Precautions are a few steps to perform to reduce any risk of injury. We must follow the precautions steps both for the machine and the operators. Let’s check each of the precautions below.
- Read and thoroughly understand the user manual. Primarily focus on the warning posted in the manual section. Do not attempt to operate before you didn’t read the manual.
- The experienced operator should be present while operating the routing machine. If you are willing to learn it, we suggest going through the instructions.
- If it is a laser operation in the mini CNC router, you should wear safety glasses.
- Wear the dust mask because the dust may cause cancer in your lung.
- Keep your visitors to a safe distance from the machine.
- Check the marking area before you go routing te surface.
- Do not keep any object on the routing device while it has power.
- Check out each of the wirings, inputs, and outputs before the operation.
- Make sure you correctly tightened the object in the working area.
Maintenance
To make our routing machine long-lasting, we must follow the maintenance rule. Usually, the manual book has maintenance rules. If you didn’t have, then let’s check out the rules below.
- Ensure your mini CNC router is clean and uptight.
- If you have used you for a long time, try changing the filters.
- The air supply is an essential part of the cooling system. Make sure it’s clean.
- Do not perform maintenance while the machine is on.
- Check the lubricants if it requires change. Follow the instruction from the company and use the proper oil for the machine.
Summary
We are finally at the end of our ranking. From this article, we got the top best small shop CNC router in 2022. Though the specifications are the same but yet they have few differences in the features and customer reviews. To get this ranking, we focused on;
- The Specification
- The customer review
- Features and Price
- Accessibility
- Stability and durability.
After the ranking of the best small CNC router in 2022, we got the best model with the features and customer review that is Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PRO. And if we are looking for less budget, then we strongly recommend choosing VEVOR CNC 3018-PRO.
Best Pick: Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PRO
Best Budgeted option: VEVOR CNC 3018-PRO
We hope we could make your research for Best mini CNC router in 2022 easier now. Just follow our instructions and get your top best mini CNC router in 2022. Stay connected to woocnc.com, and we will always be here with the best suggestion and guides.