5 of the Best CNC Wood Carving Machines [REVIEWED]

Last updated on August 2nd, 2022 at 04:59 pm

Are you looking for the best CNC wood carving machine? You may be wondering why you would need one in the first place. A CNC machine is a computer numerical carving machine. It uses programmed technology to carve into different materials, including wood. The machine does its cutting around three different axes, all simultaneously. 

Image	Name	Link
	Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY CNC Machine	CHECK THE BEST PRICE
Editor's Choice	CNC Piranha FX	CHECK THE BEST PRICE
	BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router Kit	CHECK THE BEST PRICE
	SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-MX3	CHECK THE BEST PRICE
	Axiom Precision ARPro CNC Machine	CHECK THE BEST PRICE

In this article, we take a look at what makes up a good CNC wood carving machine. We are taking a unique look at five products that do a great job. We will look at what separates these machines from others. It also covers what is good and what could be better on them. Let’s take a look, will we?

Our Top Pick for the Best CNC Wood Carving Machine

Do you need a quick list to check as you shop around for the best CNC wood carving machine? Here are a few things you will need to be on the lookout for. Find out how the device is operated and if it is something you can handle. You may also want to check on how easy it is to maintain and what to do if there is a problem with the programming since it is computer operated.

Round Up of the Best Electric Wood Carving Tools

Cenoz Upgrade CNC 3018 Pro GRBL Control DIY CNC Machine

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This machine has an upgraded control board with an integrated driver chip and unique precision. It also comes with an external fan and a fixed heat sink. Thanks to the intelligent software system, it has reduced the risk of operation issues. This machine is easy to put together. 

It weighs 4.7pounds and measures 17.4 by 9.7 by 6.8inches, and is made of metal. This machine has enough power to carve accurately using a GRBL three-axis system. The great thing about this machine is that it doesn’t only work on wood but also on plastics, soft aluminum, acrylics, PVC, and PCB.

Pros 

• You can carve on a variety of materials
• It has an upgraded control board
• It is precise
• It has more power than previous versions.

Cons 

• It’s not easy to learn how to use
• You can only cut it into flat pieces.

CNC Piranha FX

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While this machine is compact and seemingly less consequential, don’t be fooled, it is just as powerful as the CNC Shark. For ease of use, the device has a touch screen that’s easy to understand and use. It has a 12 by 18-inch table surface, perfect for embarking on carving projects. 

This machine packs the same amount of power as larger machines but is much more affordable, making it a good buy. To do the carving, you can design the product on your computer using the appropriate software, save it on a USB drive or other storage device, then plug that into the CNC Piranha FX. 

This is great because you don’t need to have your computer in the same place as the machine.

Pros

• It is affordable
• It’s a powerful tool for small carvings and detailed work
• It has a touch screen interface.
• It is precise
• You can design in one place and carve in another place. 
• It comes fully assembled.

Cons 

• It is better suited for small projects rather than big ones
• The outer clamp can be too big for the router, causing sliding action.

BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router Kit

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This CNC machine has a couple of things going for it. One of the first is that it is affordable and hence can be used by beginners who are still not as experienced and would not want to spend too much on a big expensive CNC machine.  It has a rigid laser cut frame, an SG20U supported rail system, a GT2 belt drive on the X and Y axis, and ACME TR8 on the Z-axis.

It’s a self-assembly machine; while some may not see this as a good thing, it is not entirely wrong. By assembling it yourself, you get to know the machine and how it works. One of the unique things about this machine is that it is made of wood and has a rigid frame. It has a Dewalt 660 router and Arduino-based microprocessor.

Pros

• It is affordable
• It is effective
• It is precise
• Beginners can use it.

Cons 

• It comes in pieces, and you will have you assemble it yourself; this can take about a day or so, depending on how skilled you are.

SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-MX3

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This machine has two things going for it; it is affordable and professional. It is a powerful and capable machine, even though it is compact. It is controlled using Mach 3 software, and it also comes with a new control board for higher efficiency. The versatility of this machine allows you to work on different projects, including drilling, engraving, and woodworking.

Pros 

• Beginners can easily use it
• It is versatile
• It is compact
• It can take big projects, thanks to the open back and front panels.

Cons 

• The software that controls it needs to be bought separately
• It has low engine rotation.

 Axiom Precision ARPro CNC Machine

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This is a heavy-duty machine that is usually used for industrial purposes. It operates with axes that are ready for rotary work. This machine is a stand-alone DSP RichAuto B18 controller, and it performs all functions needed. This is a professional machine with a 3horsepower spindle and an Integrated Liquid Cooling System. It has an  Interlocking aluminum table as well as precision Ball Screws.

Pros 

• It’s a professional machine
• It comes with an optional toolbox and stands
• It has a 6-inch z travel capacity
• It is prewired to accept an optional rotary kit.

Cons 

• The toolbox and stand are sold separately
• It does not come with software.

Buyer’s Guide

What materials does it cut into? 

It is essential to have an idea of the type of materials that you think you will be working with. Check on the machine’s versatility and what it can handle. That also goes hand in hand with the durability of the machine itself. 

What is the drive system on the CNC machine?

Another feature you need to check on the CNC machine is the drive system. There are three basic drive systems for CNC machines: rack, pinion, leads screw, and balls screw. 

The rack and pinion drive system work well when working on projects longer than 4 feet. While the lead screw is more accurate than the rack and pinion, it is better suited for shorter projects. Then the ball screw drive system, which is the most expensive of the three, presents you with more accuracy and precision on more significant projects. 

What type of software does it have?

Software is a big deal with CNC machines. What you program it to do is what you will get. Find out what sort of software the machine comes with and if it is something that the device is sold with or if you will need to buy it or download it separately. 

Does CNC machine weight matter?

It may seem like another specification, but it counts. The weight of a CNC machine is usually linked with the construction quality of the machine. Generally, the heavier the machine, the better quality it is.

Final Thoughts

A CNC machine gives you better precision and accuracy than you would get from hand carving tools. A computer is used to guide the device and deliver unparalleled precision. The great thing about CNC machines is that they can cut through various materials with much ease. While there are many variants, they differ according to budget, use, etc. We recommend the CNC Piranha FX. 

This machine is affordable and will do a great job of carving smaller pieces that need a high level of accuracy. You will love detailing with this machine. We hope this guide will help you find your perfect fit. Happy carving and happy shopping!