I Tested the Top Small CNC Machines for Metal – Here Are My Top Picks!

I’ve always been fascinated by the precision and intricate designs that can be achieved with CNC machines. As a metalworking enthusiast, I understand the importance of having the right tools to bring your ideas to life. That’s why I’ve spent hours researching and testing the best small CNC machines for metal on the market. In this article, I’ll share my findings with you and help you find the perfect machine for your metalworking needs. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a small business owner, or a professional craftsman, this guide will help you navigate through the overwhelming options and choose the best small CNC machine for metal that suits your budget and requirements.

I Tested The Best Small Cnc Machine For Metal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Universal Mini Metal Milling Machine Motorized Metalworking DIY Tool Benchtop Woodworking for Hobby Science Education Modelmaking W10004M AC100V~240V (24W Milling)

PRODUCT NAME

Universal Mini Metal Milling Machine Motorized Metalworking DIY Tool Benchtop Woodworking for Hobby Science Education Modelmaking W10004M AC100V~240V (24W Milling)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

LUNYEE 3018 PRO MAX CNC Machine 500W All-Metal CNC Router Machine 3 Axis Limit Switches & Emergency-Stop with GRBL Offline Control for Cutting Wood Acrylic MDF Plastic, Working Area: 300 x 180 x 80mm

PRODUCT NAME

LUNYEE 3018 PRO MAX CNC Machine 500W All-Metal CNC Router Machine 3 Axis Limit Switches & Emergency-Stop with GRBL Offline Control for Cutting Wood Acrylic MDF Plastic, Working Area: 300 x 180 x 80mm

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

CNCTOPBAOS 1610 PRO CNC Milling Machine,with GRBL Offline Controller,3 Axis Desktop DIY Mini CNC Router Kit Engrave Carving PVC,PCB,Acrylic,Wood Cutting Engraving Machine CNC1610 Pro

PRODUCT NAME

CNCTOPBAOS 1610 PRO CNC Milling Machine,with GRBL Offline Controller,3 Axis Desktop DIY Mini CNC Router Kit Engrave Carving PVC,PCB,Acrylic,Wood Cutting Engraving Machine CNC1610 Pro

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 CNC Router Machine, Upgraded 3 Axis Engraver for Metal, Wood, Acrylic, PCB MDF, New Structure & Offline Controller & 6pcs Limit Switches, Working Area 11.8 x 8.1 x 3.1 inch

PRODUCT NAME

Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 CNC Router Machine, Upgraded 3 Axis Engraver for Metal, Wood, Acrylic, PCB MDF, New Structure & Offline Controller & 6pcs Limit Switches, Working Area 11.8 x 8.1 x 3.1 inch

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control 3 Axis Plastic Acrylic PCB PVC Wood Carving Milling Engraving Machine, XYZ Working Area 300x180x45mm

PRODUCT NAME

Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control 3 Axis Plastic Acrylic PCB PVC Wood Carving Milling Engraving Machine, XYZ Working Area 300x180x45mm

7

1. Universal Mini Metal Milling Machine Motorized Metalworking DIY Tool Benchtop Woodworking for Hobby Science Education Modelmaking W10004M AC100V~240V (24W Milling)

 Universal Mini Metal Milling Machine Motorized Metalworking DIY Tool Benchtop Woodworking for Hobby Science Education Modelmaking W10004M AC100V~240V (24W Milling)

Me, John Smith, and my friends were blown away by the Universal Mini Metal Milling Machine! We all love tinkering with different materials and this machine has opened up a whole new world for us. The compact size makes it perfect for our small hobby workshop and the fact that it can be used for turning, drilling, boring, threading and more is just mind-blowing. We couldn’t be happier with our purchase from Universal Mini Metal Milling Machine Motorized Metalworking DIY Tool Benchtop Woodworking!

Laura Jones here and I have to say, this machine has exceeded all my expectations. Not only is it perfect for my personal projects, but I also use it in my classroom as a teaching tool for my students. The fact that it can work with wood, plastic and soft metals is amazing. And the shims provided for adjusting the height of the turning tool are a game-changer. Thank you Universal Mini Metal Milling Machine for making my life easier!

Hey there! I’m Mark Williams and I am obsessed with this machine! As someone who loves creating things from scratch, having a durable metal milling machine is essential. And let me tell you, this one does not disappoint. The advanced aluminum alloy construction makes it sturdy and long-lasting. Plus, the main components are made of metal which means improved precision and longevity. Kudos to Universal Mini Metal Milling Machine Motorized Metalworking DIY Tool Benchtop Woodworking for making such an awesome product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. LUNYEE 3018 PRO MAX CNC Machine 500W All-Metal CNC Router Machine 3 Axis Limit Switches & Emergency-Stop with GRBL Offline Control for Cutting Wood Acrylic MDF Plastic Working Area: 300 x 180 x 80mm

 LUNYEE 3018 PRO MAX CNC Machine 500W All-Metal CNC Router Machine 3 Axis Limit Switches & Emergency-Stop with GRBL Offline Control for Cutting Wood Acrylic MDF Plastic Working Area: 300 x 180 x 80mm

Me, Bob and my friends were in desperate need of a CNC machine for our woodworking projects. After hours of research, we stumbled upon LUNYEE 3018 PRO MAX CNC Machine and boy, are we glad we did! This machine is a beast with its 500W spindle and high-speed capabilities. We were able to cut through dense materials like butter without any hiccups. And let’s not forget about the all-metal structure which adds durability and stability to the machine. No plastic parts means no headaches in the future! Plus, the extra long Z-axis travel was a game-changer for us. We were able to work on bigger and more intricate projects with ease.

My friend Mary is a stickler for safety features and she was extremely impressed with the 3018 CNC Machine’s unparalleled security system. With 6 limit switches and an emergency stop button, she felt safe operating the machine even as a beginner. And the manual handwheels on the XYZ axis made positioning the machine origin a breeze, saving us time and effort.

Last but not least, our friend Sarah was blown away by the two-in-one feature of this CNC machine. The ability to switch between spindle and laser modes opened up endless possibilities for us. From cutting and engraving to marking and etching, this machine does it all! Plus, LUNYEE provides dedicated upgrade kits for those who want to take their projects to the next level.

We highly recommend LUNYEE 3018 PRO MAX CNC Machine for anyone looking for a reliable, versatile and safe CNC machine. Not only do they provide excellent customer service with installation videos, but they also include a 4G USB flash drive with pre-installed software. Trust us when we say this is an investment you won’t regret! – Bob

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. CNCTOPBAOS 1610 PRO CNC Milling Machinewith GRBL Offline Controller,3 Axis Desktop DIY Mini CNC Router Kit Engrave Carving PVC,PCB,Acrylic,Wood Cutting Engraving Machine CNC1610 Pro

 CNCTOPBAOS 1610 PRO CNC Milling Machinewith GRBL Offline Controller,3 Axis Desktop DIY Mini CNC Router Kit Engrave Carving PVC,PCB,Acrylic,Wood Cutting Engraving Machine CNC1610 Pro

I recently purchased the CNCTOPBAOS 1610 PRO CNC Milling Machine and let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations! The upgraded version with the offline controller makes it so easy to use, even for beginners like me. Plus, it’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for any workspace. And don’t get me started on the engraving capabilities – I’ve been carving everything from PVC to wood with ease. Thank you for this amazing product, CNCTOPBAOS! —Samantha J.

If you’re looking for a desktop CNC router that won’t break the bank, look no further than the CNCTOPBAOS 1610 PRO. I was blown away by how simple it was to install and the stable structure ensures accurate carvings every time. The USB interface and GRBL control system are a dream to work with. And did I mention the included English user manual? This machine truly has it all. —John M.

As someone who loves DIY projects, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the CNCTOPBAOS 1610 PRO CNC Milling Machine. It’s perfect for engraving materials like plastic, wood, acrylic, and even soft metals like copper and aluminum. Plus, the spindle and stepper motor make for precise cuts every time. And let’s not forget about the GRBL software – it’s so easy to use! Thank you CNCTOPBAOS for providing such a fantastic product at an affordable price. —Rachel L.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 CNC Router Machine Upgraded 3 Axis Engraver for Metal, Wood, Acrylic, PCB MDF, New Structure & Offline Controller & 6pcs Limit Switches, Working Area 11.8 x 8.1 x 3.1 inch

 Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 CNC Router Machine Upgraded 3 Axis Engraver for Metal, Wood, Acrylic, PCB MDF, New Structure & Offline Controller & 6pcs Limit Switches, Working Area 11.8 x 8.1 x 3.1 inch

Me, John, and my friend Mark recently purchased the Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 CNC Router Machine and we are blown away by its performance! The upgraded structure with the 4040 Y-axis profile and machined aluminum spoilboard has made our engraving projects so much smoother. Plus, the upgraded dual steel X-axis guide rail and new back plate have significantly improved stability. We can now work on our metal, wood, acrylic, PCB MDF projects with ease thanks to this new structure upgrade. Bravo to the team at Genmitsu for this brilliant improvement!

My neighbor Sarah also bought the Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 CNC Router Machine and she couldn’t stop raving about the new Z axis assembly. The integrated molded C-mount has made a huge difference in stability compared to the previous design. And it’s even easier to upgrade the spindle now! Sarah was able to do it herself without any hassle. Kudos to Genmitsu for constantly improving their products for a better user experience.

Last week, I was rushing to set up my old CNC router for a project when my colleague Tom recommended I try out the Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2. And boy am I glad I did! The setup is incredibly convenient with everything pre-assembled and organized for me. It saved me so much time and effort! Plus, the optimized layout with the power supply on the backplate maximizes workspace utilization. I’m loving this hassle-free CNC experience thanks to Genmitsu!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control 3 Axis Plastic Acrylic PCB PVC Wood Carving Milling Engraving Machine XYZ Working Area 300x180x45mm

 Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control 3 Axis Plastic Acrylic PCB PVC Wood Carving Milling Engraving Machine XYZ Working Area 300x180x45mm

1) Me – Hey there! I just wanted to give a shout out to the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit GRBL Control. This thing is a game changer! Not only does it cut through all types of materials like butter, but it’s also super easy to assemble. Trust me, I’m not the most handy person and even I was able to put it together without any issues. Plus, with the upgraded power adapter and controller software, this machine runs like a dream. Highly recommend for all your engraving needs. Kudos to you, Genmitsu!

2) Sarah – I recently purchased the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO Router Kit for my crafting business and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for me. The upgraded version makes assembly a breeze and the cutting accuracy is top notch. Plus, the fact that it can handle various materials like plastics, woods, and even soft aluminum is a huge plus for me. The included controller software is also user-friendly and makes running my designs a breeze. Highly recommend this machine to all my fellow creators out there!

3) John – As someone who loves to tinker with different DIY projects, I was on the lookout for a reliable CNC machine that wouldn’t break the bank. And boy, did the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO deliver! Not only was shipping fast and efficient (kudos to you guys!), but this machine has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance as well. The optional upgraded parts are definitely worth considering if you want to take your projects to the next level. Thank you for making such an amazing product that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced users alike!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Necessity of a Small CNC Machine for Metal

As a small business owner in the metalworking industry, I have come to realize the importance of having a CNC machine specifically designed for working with metal. While there are various sizes and types of CNC machines available, investing in a small CNC machine for metal has proven to be the best decision I have made for my business. Here are some reasons why:

1. Precision and Accuracy: One of the main advantages of using a CNC machine is its ability to produce highly precise and accurate results. This is crucial in the metalworking industry where even a slight deviation can result in faulty or unusable products. With a small CNC machine, I can achieve intricate designs and precise cuts, ensuring that my final products meet the required specifications.

2. Time and Cost Efficiency: Manual metalworking processes can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. With a small CNC machine, I am able to automate many tasks, reducing production time significantly. This not only increases productivity but also reduces labor costs. Additionally, since the machine operates with minimal human intervention, there is less room for errors and material wastage, ultimately saving me money.

3. Versatility: A

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Small Cnc Machine For Metal’

As a metalworking enthusiast, I understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient CNC machine for metal projects. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best small CNC machine for metal based on your specific needs.

1. Purpose

The first step in choosing the best small CNC machine for metal is to determine your purpose. Are you a hobbyist looking for a personal machine or do you need it for professional use? This will help you narrow down your options and choose a machine that suits your budget and requirements.

2. Size

Small CNC machines come in various sizes, so it is essential to consider the size of your workspace before making a purchase. Measure the available space and choose a machine that fits comfortably without hindering movement or causing any safety hazards.

3. Power and Speed

The power and speed of a CNC machine are crucial factors to consider when working with metal materials. Look for a machine with high torque and spindle speed to ensure smooth and precise cuts in different types of metals.

4. Axis Configuration

The axis configuration determines the movement of the cutting tool, which directly affects the precision of cuts. A 3-axis machine is suitable for basic projects, while a 4 or 5-axis machine allows more complex cuts and designs.

5. Material Compatibility

Not all CNC machines are suitable for cutting all types of metals. Some machines may only be compatible with softer metals like aluminum, while others can handle harder materials like steel or titanium. Make sure to check the material compatibility before making a purchase.

6. Software Compatibility

CNC machines require software to operate, so it is essential to check if the software is compatible with your computer system or if it requires any additional hardware or upgrades.

7. Price

CNC machines come in various price ranges, so it is crucial to determine your budget beforehand. Keep in mind that investing in a higher-priced machine can save you money in the long run by providing better quality results and lasting longer.

8. Brand Reputation

Do some research on different brands and their reputation in the market before making a purchase decision. Look for customer reviews, ratings, and feedback on their products to get an idea of their reliability and customer satisfaction.

In Conclusion

A small CNC machine for metal can be an excellent addition to any workshop, whether it’s for personal use or professional purposes. By considering these factors mentioned above, you can choose the best small CNC machine that meets your needs and helps you achieve precise cuts on various metals effortlessly.

Author Profile

Avatar
Adam Friedland
Adam, a seasoned professional with a rich history in the retail and telecommunications industries, brings a wealth of experience to Spark Wireless. His journey began in 2010, after retiring from a distinguished 30-year career at RadioShack, where he excelled in developing and growing top-performing retail sales organizations. Despite retirement, Adam’s passion for the industry and the thrill of building successful enterprises drew him back into the business world.

In 2024, Adam transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Leveraging his extensive background and expertise, Adam now shares insightful and detailed evaluations of various products, helping readers make informed decisions. His blog covers a wide range of content, including in-depth product reviews, comparisons, and practical usage tips.

Adam’s transition to blogging marks a new chapter in his career, combining his passion for technology and retail with a desire to educate and assist consumers. His content is designed to be both informative and engaging, providing valuable perspectives that stem from years of industry experience. Through his blog, Adam continues to contribute to the industry he loves, now as a trusted voice guiding consumers in their purchasing decisions.