Best CNC Routers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: February 20th, 2024

🛠️CNC routers have become must-haves for many industries, from hobbyist woodworking projects to professional manufacturing. These machines offer incredible precision, versatility, and efficiency, letting you bring detailed designs to life.

With some impressive advancements this year, 2024 has a lot to offer, whether you're starting a small business, enhancing your woodworking hobby, or tackling pro-level projects. Here's a look at our top picks for the best CNC routers of 2024.

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Overall Best: BobsCNC Evolution 4

The BobsCNC Evolution 4 earns our top spot for 2024. Known for its expansive 24″ x 24″ cutting area, this CNC router is ideal for both hobbyists and small business owners. The machine's rigid plywood frame ensures stability, while its precision allows for meticulous work on materials such as wood, plastic, and soft metals. According to our research, users appreciate its ease of assembly and the extensive community support available, making it a fantastic entry point into the world of CNC routing. Its combination of affordability and robust features makes it a standout choice.

Key Features:

  • Cutting Area: 24″ x 24″ x 3.8″
  • Material Compatibility: Wood, plastic, soft metals
  • Ease of Use: Easy assembly with extensive community support
  • Price: $1,280
Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

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Runner-up: X-Carve by Inventables

The X-Carve by Inventables stands out as our runner-up for 2024 due to its versatility and user-friendly design. It features a customizable work area that can extend up to 1000mm x 1000mm, perfect for a range of projects. The modular design allows for straightforward upgrades, adapting to both beginners and experienced woodworkers' evolving needs. Additionally, the Easel software that accompanies the X-Carve simplifies the design and carving process, offering a seamless user experience. According to user feedback, this router balances ease of use with powerful capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Cutting Area: 39.4″ x 39.4″ x 4.5″
  • Material Compatibility: Wood, plastic, soft metals
  • Ease of Use: Modular design with user-friendly software
  • Price: $1,395
Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Maslow CNC

M2 CNC Engraving Machine Kit, First Wall Mounted Highly Accurate Cutting Engraver, 3-Axis CNC Machine for Wood, Metal, Plastic & More, Up to 4x8ft Working Area, Based on Maslow CNC Design 2021

If you're on a budget, the Maslow CNC is an outstanding choice without compromising on functionality. Its unique vertical design is space-efficient, making it perfect for smaller workshops. Despite its affordability, it boasts a large cutting area of 4′ x 8′, catering to substantial projects. The open-source nature of Maslow CNC allows for extensive customization, which users value highly, delivering great value for money. Our research indicates that this machine is ideal for those new to CNC routing or those working with limited space.

Key Features:

  • Cutting Area: 4′ x 8′
  • Material Compatibility: Wood
  • Ease of Use: Vertical design, extensive customization
  • Price: $500
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$999.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the M2 CNC Engraving Machine Kit? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the M2 CNC Engraving Machine easy to set up and use?
The M2 CNC Engraving Machine is pretty versatile—it can handle wood, metal, and plastic up to a workspace of 4x8 feet, according to the manufacturer's description. But when it comes to setting it up and using it, your mileage may vary depending on your CNC experience. From what we've found, the M2 isn't a simple 'plug and play' setup. You'll need to dive into a more hands-on, DIY approach for assembling the frame and calibrating the machine. If CNC tools are new to you, expect to spend a bit of time figuring out the setup, calibration, and operation. It might be helpful to look at some tutorial videos or other resources as you go along since that's what many have recommended. If you're somewhat familiar with CNC tech, you'll likely find that once you get the hang of setting up and calibrating the M2, it can achieve precise cuts, often landing within a 1mm margin of error. This makes it suitable for detailed work, but it does mean that a methodical, step-by-step approach is crucial, especially at the start. For absolute beginners, there's definitely a learning curve with this machine. Getting advice from more experienced folks or joining online groups might be really helpful if you hit some hurdles. If you're ready to invest some time into learning, the M2 could be a great entry into CNC machining. But if you're after a quick and easy start, you might look at CNC machines that are more beginner-friendly with simpler setup and calibration features.
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What materials can the M2 CNC Engraving Machine cut?
The M2 CNC Engraving Machine is quite the handy tool because it can cut through a variety of stuff like wood, metal, and plastic. This makes it super versatile for different projects—whether you're doing something artsy, decorative, or even functional. A cool aspect of this machine is its built-in dust collection port. As the manufacturer describes it, this feature is great at managing debris well, so your workspace stays cleaner and there's less dust flying around—especially when you're working with wood, which tends to generate a lot of dust. As for its build, the kit includes some laser-cut, steel, and powder-coated mounting brackets, along with a lead screw z-axis and three 1/8" router bits for precise cuts. While you'll need to use your own router, it works with popular models like the [DeWalt 611](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Ddewalt%2B611%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Bosch Colt](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dbosch%2Bcolt%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [Makita RT0700CX](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmakita%2BRT0700CX%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), so you've got some flexibility there. Just a heads up, setting up the M2 can take a bit of time, especially if you're new to CNC machines. Our research suggests that some folks mention the initial setup and calibration as a bit of a learning curve. But once you're familiar with it, you'll find that the machine's precision and efficiency can really become invaluable. In short, the M2 CNC Engraving Machine is all about giving you a detailed and customizable cutting experience. Whether you're just starting out or are already a pro, getting the setup right initially can make a huge difference in how well you can tackle various materials with precision.
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How accurate are the cuts with the M2 CNC Engraving Machine?
The M2 CNC Engraving Machine is pretty solid when it comes to precision. The manufacturer mentions that it can achieve highly accurate cuts with just a 1mm variance, which is great for detailed work, even on metal. But if you're working with metal, there are a few things to keep in mind. The type and thickness of the metal can affect cutting speed and depth, so you'll need to tweak the machine's settings a bit. The M2 doesn't come with a router, but it does work with several popular ones like the [DeWalt611](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB009K1HXR4%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Bosch Colt](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB000AR8P2K%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [Makita RT0700CX](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB00364FREQ%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), so you can pick the one that fits your needs. From what we've found, some folks run into a bit of trouble during the initial setup and calibration, especially with different materials like metal. Getting the assembly right and calibrating accurately is really important for nailing those precise engravings. Spending some extra time on these steps can make a big difference. The M2 includes open-source Makerverse software, which is pretty user-friendly, so even beginners can dive into creating complex designs. Getting the hang of both the software and the machine settings is crucial to getting great results. But once you've fine-tuned everything, you'll really see the machine shine when engraving metal. All in all, the M2 CNC Engraving Machine is built for accuracy and handles metalwork well. Just be sure to set it up properly and understand the material you're working with to get the best results.
View All Answers for

Best for Small Businesses: Ooznest Workbee

The Ooznest Workbee is our pick for small businesses looking for strength, reliability, and stability. Designed with professionals in mind, this router offers solid performance across various materials, especially wood. Its customizable sizes allow users to tailor the machine to their specific project needs, making it versatile for a broad range of applications. Users appreciate its robust build and the flexibility it provides, making it a reliable investment for small-scale production.

Key Features:

  • Cutting Area: Customizable
  • Material Compatibility: Wood, plastic, soft metals
  • Ease of Use: High customizability and robust build
  • Price: £1,335 – £1,595 ($1,700 – $2,000)
Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best High-End Option: Snapmaker Artisan

Snapmaker Artisan 3D Printer Dual Extrusion,Large Work Area FDM 3D Printer Industri...

For those seeking a high-end, multifunctional machine, the Snapmaker Artisan is an excellent option. This versatile machine offers seamless transitions between powerful laser engraving, dual-extrusion 3D printing, and precise CNC cutting, thanks to its easy-to-swap tool heads. It's a comprehensive solution for users who need multiple functionalities from a single device. According to user reviews, its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for serious creators.

Key Features:

  • Capabilities: Laser engraving, 3D printing, CNC cutting
  • Ease of Use: User-friendly interface
  • Price: $2,599
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$1,599.00 at Amazon
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