Find the Right Mini and Smallest CNC Machine for Your Small Shop

CNC (computer numerical control) machines allow for precise, automated machining and manufacturing. While traditionally used in large production facilities, smaller benchtop CNC machines have opened up CNC capabilities to small shops, makers, hobbyists, and educators.

Choosing the right mini CNC machine comes down to your budget, workpiece size requirements, and desired capabilities. The smallest cnc machines range from DIY kits under $500 to professional-grade machines over $10,000.

What to Look for in a Small CNC Machine

Key factors to consider when selecting a small CNC machine:

• Size and Weight – Mini machines have small footprints and can fit on a desk or workbench. Look for a lightweight machine if needing to move it around.
• Work Envelope – The maximum size of materials the machine can accommodate. Smaller machines have reduced work areas.
• Axis Configurations – Entry-level machines are often 3-axis. 5-axis machines offer more versatility.
• Spindle Power – More powerful spindles allow faster material removal rates on harder materials. Small spindles limit speed and capabilities.
• Precision and Repeatability – Machining tolerance affects precision and finish quality. Repeatability impacts consistency across jobs.
• Software and Interface – Ease of use matters, especially for beginners. Look for included software and compatibility options.
• Materials Machining – Most mini mills can machine wood, plastics, and soft metals. Some can also do aluminum and steel.
• Cost – Prices range widely for small CNCs based on size, capabilities, and quality. DIY kits are most affordable.

Best DIY and Desktop CNC Mills Under $2,000

DIY and entry-level desktop CNC mills offer an affordable starting point under $2,000. While limited in size and capabilities compared to full-scale machines, they allow exploring CNC machining on a budget.

Shapeoko Pro XXL

The Shapeoko Pro XXL from Carbide 3D is one of the largest desktop CNC mills available, with a 32″ x 24″ x 6″ work area. It comes fully assembled and features sturdy aluminum extrusions, DeWalt router, and Carbide Motion control software. The XXL can machine woods, plastics, and soft metals.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 32″ x 24″ x 6″
• Spindle: DeWalt DW660 (1.25 hp)
• Linear Motion: Belt drive, 8000 mm/min rapids
• Machine Weight: 110 lbs
• Price: $2,800

BobsCNC E4 CNC Router

BobsCNC makes an affordable, beginner-friendly CNC machine kit called the E4. It has a 12″ x 18″ cutting area and uses GT2 timing belts for reduced backlash. Assembly is required, but it’s a good starter project. The controller runs GRBL software and handles common g-code.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 12″ x 18″ x 3.5″
• Spindle: Dewalt DWP611 (1.25 hp)
• Linear Motion: GT2 belt drive
• Machine Weight: 35 lbs
• Price: $749 (kit)

PrintNC Benchtop CNC Machine

The PrintNC is an open source DIY CNC mill that can be 3D printed and built at home. It’s based on a gantry design with three lead screws for stability. Work area ranges from 18″ x 18″ to 24″ x 24″ for the largest PrintNC model. As a DIY build, it’s customizable and upgradeable.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 18″ x 18″ x 5″ (and larger)
• Spindle: 500W-1000W
• Linear Motion: Lead screw
• Machine Weight: ~75 lbs
• Price: $500-$1000 (self-sourced parts)

X-Carve CNC Machine

The X-Carve is a beginner-friendly CNC that is designed to be easy to assemble and operate. It uses the open-source GRBL controller and Carbide Create software. Several sizes are available including a 1000mm x 1000mm work area. Handles woods, plastics, and soft metals.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 24″ x 24″ x 3.5″ (largest)
• Spindle: 500W/Bosch Colt (Inventables options)
• Linear Motion: Belt drive, 100 ipm rapids
• Machine Weight: 35 lbs
• Price: $1,100-$2,500

Best Small CNC Mills Under $5,000

Stepping up to ~$5,000 opens more options for premium small CNC mills. These offer faster speeds, better precision, stronger construction, and more capability than entry-level machines. Great for prosumers or small businesses doing production work.

MillRight CNC M3

The MillRight CNC M3 is a higher performance mini mill with a rigid welded steel frame, precision ball screws, and 7.5 hp Bosch spindle. It can smoothly machine woods and plastics, and can handle harder metals with proper fixturing. Great balance of power, precision, and compact size.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 13″ x 25″ x 6″
• Spindle: Bosch GKF 125 CE (7.5 hp)
• Linear Motion: Ball screw, 500 ipm rapids
• Machine Weight: 115 lbs
• Price: $2,950

OMIO X6-2500 CNC Router

With a spacious 25″ x 50″ workzone, the OMIO X6-2500 is a good mid-size production level CNC mill for a small shop. It uses HSD spindle options up to 24,000 rpm and ballscrew-driven linear rails for stability across the work envelope. Handles hard and soft materials well.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 25″ x 50″ x 5″
• Spindle: HSD high frequency 2.2 kw
• Linear Motion: Ball screw, 1000 ipm rapids
• Machine Weight: 770 lbs
• Price: $4,000 (w/ spindle)

Axis CNC Shark HD4

The AXIS CNC Shark HD4 is compact but capable 5-axis CNC mill. With a 15 hp HSD spindle and 20″ x 20″ x 10″ travels, it’s geared for metal machining but can also tackle plastics or wood. The generous Z-height allows stacking multiple vises for production jobs. Made in the USA.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 20″ x 20″ x 10″
• Spindle: HSD15kw 24,000 rpm
• Linear Motion: Ballscrew
• Machine Weight: 750 lbs
• Price: $5,000

Tormach 1100MX CNC Mill

On the larger end of “small” CNCs, the Tormach 1100MX is highly capable with excellent accuracy and 10″ of Z travel. Ideal for prototypes, fixtures, tooling, and batch production. Options like a power drawbar, tool changer, and 4th axis further boost versatility for the price.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 35″ x 12″ x 10″
• Spindle: 2.2 kW; 10,000 rpm
• Linear Motion: Ballscrew
• Machine Weight: 1500 lbs
• Price: ~$5,000

Best Small CNC Machines Under $10,000

In the under $10,000 range, you start getting into true “industrial” CNC machines. These offer the speed, precision, reliability, and capability expected in a production machine. Larger work areas are easier to find as well.

Tormach PCNV 770 CNC Mill

A scaled down version of their flagship machine, the Tormach PCNV 770 packs robust construction, torque-driven ballscrews, and 25+ hp spindle power into a relatively compact package. With 20″ x 20″ x 20″ travels, it has excellent capacity for fixtures, molds, or stacked vise work.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 20″ x 20″ x 20″
• Spindle: 7.5 hp; 3 hp, 6000 rpm (optional)
• Linear Motion: Ballscrew
• Machine Weight: ~2000 lbs
• Price: $7,900

Precision Matthews PM-25MV CNC Mill

For under $10k, the PM-25MV from Precision Matthews gives you a LOT of mill for the money. It has heavy duty box ways, a powerful 10 hp spindle, 36″ x 14″ table, and fast rapids. Nearly full-size mill capabilities in a “mini” footprint. Great for job shops wanting production capacity without breaking the bank.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 36″ x 14″ x 20″
• Spindle: 10 hp, 6000 rpm
• Linear Motion: Box way
• Machine Weight: ~3000 lbs
• Price: $9,899

Haas Mini Mill 2

On the high end, the venerable Haas Mini Mill 2 remains a top compact CNC machine for the small shop. A 30 taper cartridge spindle, 8000 rpm, and 30+ hp cutting power mean this little Haas can churn through jobs with the reliability they are known for.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 30″ x 16″ x 20″
• Spindle: 7.5 hp; 15+ hp (vectored), 8000 rpm
• Linear Motion: Box way
• Machine Weight: ~4000 lbs
• Price: ~$55,000 used; ~$95,000 new

SYIL X7 Pro CNC Mill

The X7 Pro from SYIL provides a large work cube of 33″ x 26″ x 20″ while maintaining high speeds, precision, and rigidity expected of a production machine. Made in China but with quality components and construction that rival European and American machines at a fraction of the cost.

Key Specs:

• Work Area: 33″ x 26″ x 20″
• Spindle: 15 hp, 24,000 rpm
• Linear Motion: Box way
• Machine Weight: 6500 lbs
• Price: Starts at $8,500

What Can You do with a Mini CNC Machine?

While not a full replacement for heavy duty industrial CNC machining centers, mini mills open up countless possibilities for small shops, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists. Here are some example projects and applications possible on a compact CNC mill:

• Prototypes – Machine functional prototypes from metals, plastics, woods from CAD models. Iteratively test and refine designs quickly.
• Custom Parts – Produce custom brackets, mounts, connectors, housings, components in small batches. Great for R&D iterations.
• Tooling and Fixtures – Machine your own workholding fixtures, jigs, tooling to save cost and time. Custom made to your exact needs.
• Signs and Decor – Create custom decorative pieces, plaques, signs, art pieces, gifts, keepsakes, trophies, etc. from wood, plastics, aluminum.
• Molds and Patterns – Produce molds, vacuum form tools, casting patterns tailored to your application. Reusable for low volume production.
• Engraving – Precision engrave or stamp logos, markings, serial numbers, textures into materials.
• PCB Milling – Mill printed circuit boards from copper clad laminates. Complete custom circuits in hours vs weeks.
• Education – Hands-on manufacturing and engineering education. Teach programming, CAD/CAM, CNC skills.

The possibilities are endless! A small CNC machine lets you take on projects on a budget that would not be feasible by other means.

Advice for Buying Your First CNC Mill

If you’re new to CNC machining, here are some tips for purchasing your first machine:

• Get the largest work envelope you can afford – it gives you room to grow. But don’t sacrifice too much capability.
• Prioritize rigidity, precision, speed, and power. This impacts the quality of work you can produce.
• Look for growable machines with open-architecture controls. Allows upgrading components over time.
• Consider add-ons like probing, tool changers, rotary axes, cooling – they greatly expand possibilities.
• Expect a learning curve! Budget for fixture plates, workholding, tooling, materials to practice and learn on.
• Join online communities to learn. The CNC hobby world is thriving with shared knowledge and project ideas.

Start Your CNC Journey Today

Thanks to compact, affordable CNC machines, precision machining is now within reach of home shops. With DIY kits starting under $500 and small vertical mills available up to $10,000, it’s possible to get into CNC machining at nearly any budget.

Do your research to select the right mini CNC mill for your needs and skill level. Consider size requirements, intended materials, capabilities, options to grow into. With a bit of creativity, even desktop CNC machines can handle surprisingly complex projects. And learning the skills will open up new possibilities for bringing your custom product ideas to life.