On this page we are going to give you a buyer’s guide if you are looking to get a very good milling machine. The first thing that we will do is cover the 3 things that you need to look for to make sure that you get a really good one.
We will walk you through the 3 main things that you need to think about and we will also give you our choice of the top 5 so you can pick the one that is right for you and get going with your projects.
We have picked out the top 5 milling machines that are quite versatile, we have deliberately picked out 5 very different machines so you can pick the right one based on the project that you will be carrying out.
3 Things to Look for in a Milling Machine before You Buy:
What You Need It For?
The first thing that you need to think about before you buy milling machine is exactly what project you will be carrying out. There are so many different versions from a standard milling machine to a Router machine.
There are also some that will only work with certain materials, so make sure that you have an idea of the exact project that you will be using the milling machine for.
Most of them are quite versatile so if you do end up overlapping into other projects are using different materials you shouldn’t have too much of a problem, but he is always a good idea to make a mental note of exactly what you need it for and then you won’t run into any problems with not having the right size or finding that you have a milling machine that will not accept the material that you are using.
Most of the choices that we have picked below will give you a very versatile bunch of milling machines and should work with most materials such as acrylic, aluminium, PVC etc…
Software:
Chances are if you’re looking at buying a milling machine you already know a bit about how they work. If you are a complete beginner, don’t worry too much because we have picked out some choices that are fantastic for a complete beginner.
The software and the setup can be a little bit confusing if you are just starting out so make sure that you go through software that is widely used.
We highly recommend going for an open source software, so you are not locked out and so that it always gets updated by the community.
It works in very much the same way as the Firefox web browser, open source code means that people can contribute to the code and it always helps with the reliability and the function as you have the entire world able to contribute.
Most popular software to be used with a milling machine is normally Grbl, but you can find other choices as well. We recommend going for the standard unless of course you are complete projects that need a certain piece of software, if that is the case you probably already know what you are looking for but we thought we would mention it so there is no confusion.
That means that when you get your milling machine you can set it up and get to work straight away.
Features:
This is another really obvious one as with anything that you are buying you want to make sure that it has the features that you need.
A couple features to note with a milling machine is the ability to use it off-line, some of the best milling machines will not require you to be connected online all of the time to the computer, this can just give you the versatility of being able to work on your projects when you want without having to be connected.
Another big thing that you want to look for is to make sure that you get all of the tools that you need, most milling machines will give you a kit that comes with them to contain all of the tools that you will need on most projects. However some milling machines will actually charge you extra for each tool, we have picked out some of the best that give you the most accessories so you can check out our list but it is just something to be aware of.
Another feature which is again very obvious but an absolute must have is to make sure that you have enough surface area for your projects. This is properly one of the first things that you will look at, but it is amazing how many people buy a milling machine and then find that it is too small to be able to be used with the projects.
So, make sure that you check out all of the measurements and all of the details.
Final Thoughts:
Another thing that we highly recommend after you have picked your milling machine is to go through to Amazon.com, check out the customer reviews as you will be able to see a full list of people that have actually left a review and you will also know that they have purchased the product.
The reason that this is very important is because you will be able to get real-world feedback from people that are currently using the product.
So, you don’t have to worry about guessing, because they are using the product, they will normally give you photos and also recommendations on how to get the best out the product.
Without further ado let us have a look at our top 5 choices for a decent milling machine in 2020:
#1 Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit Milling Machine – Best Choice
This is our best choice for a milling machine, and it will give you everything that you need in one package.
The reason that we have picked this as our top choices because it is currently the number one bestseller on Amazon.com and it will give you a wide range of features that is very versatile.
If you are completing a lot of different projects that require different settings and requirements you will find that this is versatile for the more and also gives you everything that you need in one place.
Here are the standout features:
Versatile:
The Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit Milling Machine is capable of cutting all types of plastics, soft aluminium, woods and acrylics and PVCs and PCBs. It will also work with a wide range of other materials and when you go through to the Amazon.com page to check this out you can actually see some of the projects that have been carried out using this milling machine and there are quite impressive.
You will be able to see both pictures from the customer reviews and also on the main product page so you will see lots of different features that you can use with this milling machine.
The engraving depth is 1.8 inches, and the other brilliant thing about the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit Milling Machine is that this makes for a fantastic self-teaching tool which allows you to try your DIY ideas on an inexpensive platform without the risk of damaging expensive equipment.
Although this is not cheap is definitely not one of the most expensive milling machines and is fantastic for any project you need it for.
New power adapter:
There is also a new power adapter that has been redesigned with CE, FCC & PSE certifications that will ensure complete protection for you and your machines. You will get a built-in smart integrated circuit design that will keep the power adapter going against overheat on the unit and it also means that you will be able to charge this stably. This is a great feature although it’s not something you will directly use you want to know that when you are using your milling machine that you are not storing up problems and you want to make sure that it is safe. With the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit Milling Machine you will be able to use it confidently knowing that the power adapter will cover you and make sure that you are safe.
Off-line control:
With the SainSmart off-line control module you can control the CNC rotor without connecting to the computer. The CNC routers can be placed wherever you want such as a garage and workshop and this also adds to the versatility of this product meaning that you do not need to have a computer handy to be able to use some of the advanced features.
Redesigned mainboard:
As we mentioned that this is an upgrade it also comes equipped with the ABS case and fan, so the performance and stability of the new mainboard has been greatly improved and you will be able to use this and if you have used the previous version you will definitely notice the difference.
Open source:
This is one of the best features in our opinion, when you get into software it can be very hard to edit the code if it is not open source due to all of the protections that it can come with. With the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit Milling Machine the software is open source and it is built on Auduino and Grbl that are both open source and they will give you all of the support, tutorials and additional training you need to be able to use them effectively. You can even find new ideas to try as this is open source software you can see what people are doing with it elsewhere online so if you want to start experimenting this is a fantastic milling machine to do so.
Click here to check out the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit Milling Machine at Amazon.com…
Click here to check out review of the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit Milling Machine…
#2 SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-MX3 – Great Second Choice!
This is also another very good milling machine that you can go for and it has some of the same features but has a slightly different set up, so this one is well worth comparing to our top choice and seeing whether it will serve you better.
Here are the standout features:
compatible with Mach3:
Mach3 is professional software that will be able to turn your PC into a CNC machine controller all you need to do is plug in the Router machine or the milling machine via USB and you will be able to get to work. This gives you an affordable and powerful alternative to high-end industrial CNC machines without getting rid of the features and the ability to carry out large projects.
Versatile:
Just like our top choice the SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-MX3 gives you a very versatile machine as it will give you an engraving area of 300 x 180 x 45 mm, this is quite large and as mentioned above you will be able to carry out larger projects using this small CNC machine. You can use it for a wide variety of tasks such as jewellery making, PCB engraving, inlay cuts, engraving 2.5 D designs and even full 3-D cutting, so no matter what project you are currently involved in you will find that it will be made easier if you use the SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-MX3.
Laser engraving:
The SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-MX3 takes its abilities further as it is not just a woodworking machine you will also be able to take place of the spindle with a laser module, so this is fully customisable if you choose to use it as a laser engraving machine. Bear in mind that if you wish to use it as a laser engraving machine you will have to buy the laser module separately, but you can do so when you check it out at Amazon.com.
Auto Tool Zero:
with a simple mouse click you will find this super easy to use as it has an auto tool zero, this means that it will automatically return to a predefined position allowing you to easily take charge and calibrate your tools and it will also make it far easier when you are swapping between multiple projects that are versatile and require different settings.
Click here to check out the SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-MX3 at Amazon.com…
Click here to check out the SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine 3018-MX3 review…
#3 – TopDirect 2500mw Laser Engraver CNC 3018 Pro Engraving Machine – Great For Engraving
this is another choice that you can go for and this one is more setup as an engraving machine, the others will do this but this one is geared towards the specifically so if you’re looking at doing laser engraving check out this one.
Here are the standout features:
here is a full list of the dimensions and everything that you get:
Frame Dimensions: 330 x 400 x 240mm
Engraving Area: 300 x 180 x 45mm
Software: GRBL control systems
Power Adapter: 24V 5.6A adapter
Stepper Motor: Fuselage length 34mm, Current 1.33A, 12V, Torque 0.25N/m
Spindle: 775 spindle motor (12-36V) 24V:10000r / min
Supported System: Windows XP / Win 7 / Win 8 / Win 10 / Linux
Drill bits: Tip 0.1mm, 20-degree, diameter 3.175mm (10pcs included
Clamps: 4pcs, Hold the thickness of 0-30mm, size: 50 * 20 * 3 (length * width * thick), the inner slot width 6mm
Materials: Can engrave plastic, wood, acrylic, PCB, PVC, wood, etc.
here are the dimensions of the laser that you will be working with:
Laser Power: 2500mW
Wavelength: 450nm
Power: 2500MW
Electric Current: <5A
Input Voltage: DC AC 12V
Working Temperature: -10 ~+40
Size: 33*33*75mm
Power Supply Interface: Lead line
Cooling: Air cooling
Aluminium heatsinks:
One of the standout features of the TopDirect 2500mw Laser Engraver CNC 3018 Pro Engraving Machine is the fact that it will run very well without overheating as it has an aircraft aluminium shell with heatsink group that will ensure that the heat dissipates.
Adjustable focal length:
You will be able to adapt to different industrial laser engraving machine standards using the simple focal length turning knob, this means that you will be able to carry out a wide range of projects using this machine.
Emitting aperture:
You will get a very powerful purple laser which will omit 2500mw of power and as mentioned above you can also go for more power if you need to.
#4 Laecabv Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro MAX GRBL – Worth A Look!
Even though we have this rated as number 4 on our list is definitely worth a look if you haven’t found the features that you need with the milling machine yet.
Here are the standout features:
Software:
You will get the GRBL firmware 1.1f which will feature stable performance. There are many versions of software that you can get to run your milling machine and as we mentioned it is an excellent decision to use the GRBL as it is open source. This means that other designers can edit the code and also release independent updates any time they need to, it also means that you have an entire community backing a software very much like the Firefox web browser; this means it will keep the machine secure and it will also keep it running very well and you will always have the latest software.
Offline:
You do not need to keep this online all of the time and you will be able to use off-line engraving this is an optional off-line module but it just gives you the versatility if you are carrying out projects or if you just want to be able to engrave when the machine is not online then this would be a great choice. It is also something that can be used very well by beginners because it does not give you that need to be constantly online. You will be able to use features such as the off-line knife matching and engraving.
Upgraded:
The Laecabv Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro MAX GRBL has been fully upgraded like some of our other choices and a lot of these upgrades seem to have gone onto the design of the engraving machine to keep the heat down you will get a new upgrade limit switch, heat dissipation fan and lots of other functions most of them geared towards safety so you don’t have to worry about overheating.
Versatile:
Some of the technical attributes of this machine will support anything that you need to use for various projects. You will find that the Laecabv Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro MAX GRBL will support 2P/3P, PVM/TTL signal control, you will also have a power range between 0-100% and this is fully customisable and adjustable.
Click here to check out the Laecabv Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro MAX GRBL at Amazon.com…
Click here to check out review of the Laecabv Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro MAX GRBL…
#5 MCWDOIT CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Wood Router Engraver – Great Choice!
You may find that you prefer this choice so if you still haven’t found what you are looking for you are looking for a milling machine is more geared towards wood router, then check this one.
Here are the standout features:
Upgrades:
one of the standout features for this product is the upgrades of the MCWDOIT CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Wood Router Engraver that makes it far easier to use and gives you far more functionality. There is an upgrade on the control board that will give you an integrated driver Chip, and also a fixed heatsink and fan. This will help keep heat away from the system when it is working, and it will make sure that you will be able to complete your projects far easier.
There is also been an upgrade to the off-line controller and this will be able to help you increase the capacity and change the settings, you will also be able to use this milling machine when you are not connected to the computer which is a huge advantage means that you can get on with your projects without needing to be online.
There are also more adjustments in the way of to heat shields that will prevent the laser from spreading to the sides and you will also be able to take this off if you want to as it is detachable.
This is also very easy to assemble and there are only 8 steps to do so and you should find it quite easy.
Installation Guide:
you also get a full installation guide and the manual will include the installation process, information about the GRBL software and also the copperCAM.
The GRBL software is the best one to have with your milling machine because it is open source so it contains all of the updates to keep it working smoothly and it will also mean that the machine will function a lot better. As software is constantly refined to keep it working very much like Windows on a computer by being open source it means that anybody can edit the code and you will have top designers that have edited this to make sure that it runs very smoothly.
Click here to check out the MCWDOIT CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Wood Router Engraver at Amazon.com…
Click here to check out review of the MCWDOIT CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Wood Router Engraver…
We hope you have enjoyed this buyer guide for a milling machine when you are buying in 2020! Check out some of our choices above and we are sure that you will find something that is adequate for you.