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10 Best CNC Routers for a Small Shop

Are you looking for the best CNC router for a small shop? If YES, here are 10 best CNC routers for a small shop. If you run a small craft shop or signage shop, one equipment that must not be found missing in your shop is a reliable CNC router. A CNC router machine is commonly used to DIY art crafts, make letters and signs and 3D relief sculptures, etc.

Choosing the right CNC router for your small shop is important because it will help you maximize the space in the shop, it will help you stay within your budget and above all, it will help produce high quality jobs with precision.

You can’t effectively run a standard signage or craft shop business without having a reliable CNC router hence the need to have them in your signage shop. Please note that in the market, you can find a heavy-duty CNC router as well as a beginner-level machine.

Therefore it is important to check the capabilities of the CNC router you want to buy. You need to know the nature of projects you intend to accomplish with the CNC router machine and grab the one that resonates with your project’s details.

Having said that, considering the number of options on the market, shopping for the best CNC router for your small shop can be challenging and time-consuming. In no particular order, here are 10 of the CNC routers for a small shop that you can get today.

What is the Best CNC Router for a Small Shop?

  1. TITOE 3018 PRO CNC Engraver Machine

TITOE 3018 PRO CNC Engraver Machine is one of the best CNC router machines you can get for your small shop. Please note that the 2-in-1 CNC 3018-PRO with 7000mW Module is an upgraded version of 3018. Integrated Driver Chip + Fixed Heat Sink + External Fan + Sturdy Casing will extend the life of the control board.

TITOE 3018 PRO CNC Engraver Machine is designed for the absolute beginner, the Titoe is a great tool for starting CNC learning. If woodworking is your hobby, you can use it to add features like curved words and exquisite patterns. If you are a student just learning CNC, it can help you engrave models that you are coding and designing.

All in all, TITOE 3018 PRO CNC Engraver Machine is highly suitable for carving wood, plastic, acrylic, PCB CCL, soft metal like copper and aluminum, and other like materials, but cannot carve hard metal, jade, and other hard materials. If you are an experienced CNC engraving enthusiast looking for an upgrade, you can add the 7000mw Module kit to the machine. With this module, it can absolutely give you different ways to unleash your creativity.

  1. FoxAlien Desktop CNC Machine 3018-SE

FoxAlien Desktop CNC Machine 3018-SE is commonly used to DIY art crafts, make letters and signs and 3D relief sculpture, etc. The case that holds the new and improved spindle motor shields it from damage. With FoxAlien Desktop CNC Machine 3018-SE, there is a limit switch and emergency stop that can be activated any time you feel necessary.

Interestingly, the spindle of FoxAlien Desktop CNC Machine 3018-SE is optimized to mount both FoxAlien 5000 mW and 15,000 mW modules directly. It means that the equipment is compatible with GRBL software and supported by MAC OS, Linux, and Windows XP to Windows 10.

One good thing about this machine is that several types of materials can be engraved and milled. Both beginners and professionals are likely to enjoy using this. So also, the machine comes with a transparent enclosure to monitor the process. The software can support multiple operating systems, it comes with a new and advanced spindle motor for providing more power supply and most of the components are assembled

  1. MYSWEETY 3018 Pro DIY Mini CNC Machine

If your intention is to start a small craft shop, then you should consider buying MYSWEETY 3018 Pro DIY Mini CNC Machine. Interestingly, it is the cheapest home shop CNC machine in the market. MYSWEETY 3018 Pro DIY Mini CNC Machiit is an upgrade from its previous 3018 version.

Many improvements have been made to it, such as a remarkable application for light-duty projects over long periods of time. The kit includes aluminum extrusions for the metal frame, guide rods, corner brackets, lead screws, two stepper motors, the main control board, and assembly hardware.

And the x and y axis has a work area of 340×160 millimeters, while the z-axis has 40-millimeter height. Like most CNC routers for woodworking, this one is connected to a PC and controlled by GRBL software. The user-friendly interface makes it a great learning tool for novices.

  1. Sainsmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine

SainSmart 3018-PROVer which is more powerful comes with a noiseless operation and offers efficient performance is yet another suitable CNC machine you can get for your small craft shop. The Optocouplers in this CNC machine protect the main board of the CNC machine against any damage eliminating the signal noise for longevity and consistency in projects.

Sainsmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine is easy to operate and you can easily take immediate control of the CNC machine with your fingertips now with the 1.8-inch display, which also comes with an emergency control stop that is easily accessible and visible for an instant shutdown.

It is worth to note that Sainsmart Genmitsu CNC Router Machine has an efficient pre-assembled desktop allowing you to run the machine for around 30 minutes rather than two hours of assembling and then starting. This machine works well for beginners.

So also, you can safely monitor the entire engraving process with complete details using this CNC router machine. Moreover, this CNC router machine comes with a 1.8” LCD which features an offline controller to read out clearly with complete control over the CNC router machine.

Lastly, the high quality of this CNC router machine features an oxidized blue look with an all-aluminum body giving a premium feel to the device. The added stability of the machine makes the milling of a wide range of materials easier without causing any mess.

  1. Vevor CNC 3018-PRO

Vevor CNC 3018-PRO is yet another highly suitable and of course, affordable CNC router machine for a small craft shop. Vevor CNC 3018 PRO comes with a three-axis GRBL control having offline control on the machine. What makes this CNC controller machine stunning is that you can use it for plastic, PCB, acrylic, wood, PVC carving, engraving, milling, and more.

One good thing about Vevor CNC 3018-PRO is that it comes with premium quality. You don’t need to position the machine, which means no more difficulty using this equipment with improved stability and work performance. This CNC 3018 PRO comes with ultimate support to Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows XP, Windows 10, Linux, and macOS.

To help you with using this machine, there are installation instructions within the USB drive, making it highly portable with no damage to your files. Vevor CNC 3018-PRO also comes with an offline controller, which features easy usage remote control.

With, Vevor CNC 3018-PRO, you don’t need to connect the computer, downloading files, and manual adjustments of X, Y, and Z positions. Lastly, Vevor CNC 3018-PRO features T8 screw rods drive units with three stepper motors with a 775 24 volts spindle engine with a rotational speed of around 10000r/mins.

  1. BobsCNC Evolution 3 Home Shop CNC Router

Another suitable CNC router machine that you should consider for your small craft shop is BobsCNC Evolution 3 Home Shop CNC Router. The truth is that when it comes to technicalities, BobsCNC Evolution 3 Home Shop CNC Router is equipped with an Arduino based microprocessor in addition to a DW660 router. Also, the router can be attached to the USB port.

Being a java software, it can work with Windows, OSX, Raspberry Pi, and Linux in harmony. The DeWalt spindle inside it has 1/8- and ¼-inch ports. There is also a rail system supported by SG20U. On the x and y axes, there is a GT2 belt drive, while the z-axis has an ACME TR8.

To add to its stability, the frame has been given an impressive laser cut. Another good feature of this CNC router machine is the enlarged cutting area is the reason behind its versatility. Measuring 45x390x85 mm, it leaves enough space for the user to get their jobs done proficiently.

  1. 3018 PRO-M CNC Router

3018 PRO-M CNC Router is no doubt one of the CNC router machines a small shop owner that is just starting out should consider buying. This 2-in-1 CNC router machine comes with 7000m having 3axis control with perfect engraving, milling, and cutting options for woods, plastics, MDF, PCB, and acrylic.

This CNC router machine features an offline controller, which means you don’t need to connect it with the computer at all times. This machine features CNC router bits with ER11 collects. 3018 PRO-M CNC Router is affordable and interestingly, you can buy this machine in three different sizes ranging from small, large, and extra-large sizes.

This upgraded 3018 PRO CNC router machine comes integrated with a driver chip having a fixed heat sink with an external fan. One good thing about this CNC machine is that it features a sturdy casing that offers it a long life. The self-contained circuit protection prevents the machine from any damage.

Some features that make 3018 PRO-M CNC Router worth going for is that the CNC machine comes with easy installation with instructions written in eight simple steps making it a great choice. So also, you can easily carve wood, leather, kraft paper, rubber, and bamboo with this machine.

The 775 spindle featured in this machine allows immediate engravement over plastic, acrylic, wood, PCB engraving, or cutting. Lastly, it is important to mention that this CNC router machine is controlled with GRBL software plus offline manual control. The only thing you need to look for about using this machine is knowing how to prepare G code.

  1. 3 Axis Desktop DIY Mini CNC

Another suitable CNC router machine that you should consider buying if you want to open a small craft shop is 3 Axis Desktop DIY Mini CNC. This CNC router for small shops allows you to work on DIY milling, engraving, and carving over different materials.

The materials include acrylic, Plastics, PVC, PCB, wood carving, and more. This machine comes with GRBL control having a working area of around 30x18x4.5cm. The frame size measured in this CNC controller machine is around 40x33x24cm.

One good quality of this desktop CNC router machine is that it comes with a USB port. Desktop CNC having easy assembly instructions. So also, the CNC router machine comes with a 775-spindle motor having 24V with 7000rotations per minute and 36V for 9000rotations per minute.

The fuselage length in this machine is around 34mm, with a current of 1.33A having a torque of 0.25N/M. It is important to note that the support system compatible with this CNC router machine is WindowsXP SP3, Linux, Windows7, and 8.

Other than the more complex materials, this machine can efficiently work on softer materials, like aluminum, copper, and other materials. However, it does not work well on hard metal or jade. Lastly, this kit also comes with the 4G USB flash drive, which comes with GRBL software with an English user manual.

  1. Genmitsu 3018-PROVer CNC Router for Woodworking

Genmitsu 3018-PROVer, the latest version from this brand is no doubt one of the most suitable CNC router machines for any small craft shop. Genmitsu 3018-PROVer CNC Router for Woodworking runs on the same GRBL software, but the drive system is run by powerful Toshiba TB6S109 for silent operation. You can mill different materials with its aluminum body because it is stable.

Genmitsu 3018-PROVer CNC Router for Woodworking is compatible with professional software called Mach3, so the PC can be turned into a CNC machine controller. Interestingly, it is the only economical machine with this characteristic, which is why it is considered to be a rational substitute for industrial models.

The working area is 300x145x80 millimeters, allowing users to carve soft aluminum, plastics, wood, acrylics, PVCs, and PCBs. The spindle motor has a maximum power of 120 Watt, and a speed of 9000 RPM. On the other hand, the step motor has a 0.25 Nm torque. The z-axis, which is responsible for the upwards and downwards movement, is made of ABS.

Lastly, with the help of the auto tool zero buttons of this CNC router machine, you can easily calibrate data, for instance, controlling the equipment’s positions. There are no limits when it comes to the types of projects that can be done in the engraving area.

  1. Upgraded Version 3018PRO CNC Router

Last on our list of the best CNC router machine suitable for small craft shops is the Upgraded Version 3018PRO CNC Router. The Upgraded Version 3018PRO CNC Router is an ideal choice for beginners because it comes with the latest control bewitching an integrated driver chip with a fixed heat with having an external fan with a sturdy casing. You can upgrade the machine from 128MB to 1G Capacity.

The main advantages are that you can operate without connecting the computer and it comes with an SD card reader to write into the root directory G-code files or NC file; Support Manually adjust X, Y, Z axis location as the engraving starting point, manually open or close spindle.

Upgraded Version 3018PRO CNC Router is highly suitable for carving wood, plastic, acrylic, PCB CCL, soft metal like copper and aluminum, and other materials, but cannot carve hard metal, jade, and other very hard texture items.