It’s a mini version of a CNC milling machine that delivers optimal performance and power at an affordable price tag and features a space-saving design.
Owing to these benefits, these machines are becoming more and more popular among new hobbyists who want to learn basic skills of CNC machining.
Along with that, a benchtop CNC milling machine is capable of not only milling but can also be used for drilling, slotting, engraving, flattening uneven surfaces, and cutting several materials.
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7 Best Benchtop CNC Milling Machine Reviews
Therefore, to save you from hassle, we’ve reviewed the best models on the market and a relevant buying guide to make things easier for you. Here is my list of the Best Benchtop CNC Milling Machine in 2021;
1. Jet JMD-18 350018 230-Volt Milling & Drilling Machine
- Table size: 9.5 ｘ 31.75 inches
- Motor: 2HP
- Weight: 739 pounds
- Spindle speed range: 150-3,000 RPM
- Warranty: 2 years
- Large work table.
- Most precise and accurate results.
- Highly adaptable.
- Work Lamp to illuminate the workspace.
- Tapered roller bearings spindle.
- Time-consuming assembly.
- A heavier CNC milling choice.
Overview
This milling/drilling machine is a true workhorse that surrounds a host of features for providing precise and accurate results.
It bears a 2HP powerful, UL-certified motor that can rev up its spindle from 15 to 3,000 RPM.
Switching between various speed levels becomes unnoticeable. Thanks to its hinged belt cover to make speed changing a faster process.
Know what’s going on with your project by reading through its easy-read dials feature. Along with this, an internal depth gauge and a quick-stop knob are other valuable features to make this machine versatile.
What’s more! The JMD-18 has an intuitive design with sturdy construction. Having industrial-grade components, this durable machine lasts for longer. No matter how heavier the material is, its one-piece cast iron column never fails to provide support where needed the most.
Then, there’s a work lamp to lighten up the workspace area when needed. With a decent size worktable and higher consumer rating, this one is an excellent benchtop CNC milling machine for beginners and hobbyists.
2. Proxxon 34108 Micro CNC Milling Machine
- Table size: 10 ⅝” x 3 5/32”
- Motor: Poly V drive system
- Weight: 41 Pounds
- Spindle speed range: 280-2,200 RPM
- Warranty: 2 years
- German-tailored parts.
- Ideal for light-duty applications.
- Adjustable speed levels.
- A micro milling machine.
- User-friendly controls.
- Decently priced.
- Not great for heavy-duty milling tasks.
Overview
Thankfully, you can have the top-rated and feature-packed CNC milling machine that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Proxxon 34108 is one such machine that is efficient and performs fairly well.
This is a small yet versatile mill that can machine several materials, including metal, plastic, and aluminum. It’s a bit challenging for the machine to mill/drill heavy-duty applications, but on working with light-duty tasks, the machine is a champion.
The machine comes with a headstock that can swivel through 360-degree. With an indicator, you can keep an eye on the angle of this headstock.
Along with this, you have a zero adjustable handwheel to adjust the height and to do a fine feed mill.
For getting maximum milling precision, you can lock the quill and headstock by using its lock levers. Along with this, it owns a Poly-V driven permanent magnet motor that provides you variable speeds at 6 different intervals.
Other remarkable features include a decent-sized worktable and its lightweight design.
For newbies, this machine is a good back-to-basics choice.
3. SHOP FOX M1036 Micro CNC Milling Machine
- Motor: 0.2 HP
- Weight: 30 Pounds
- Table size: 3 ½ x 8 inches
- Spindle speed range: 0-5,000 RPM
- Warranty: 2 years
- Compound slide table.
- Strong construction.
- Changeable speeds.
- Lightweight design.
- Minimum wobbling.
- Digital depth readout.
- Not for heavy milling jobs.
Overview
If you’re a brand-conscious person and want to go with a branded product, then Shop Fox M1036 is, maybe, what you should go for.
This benchtop CNC milling machine features a table that can go in 2 axes. You won’t get trouble holding a workpiece at an accurate position since its crank handle, along with a graduated dial, would get the said job done.
While keeping each axis lock at its position, this machine will reduce vibrations and wobbling to ensure the most accurate and precise milling results.
This is not all! This machine is also impressive since it has a variable speed dial. You can not only control the speed of its spindle but can also adjust the pulley’s speed range with a breeze.
To get your desired results on softer materials and smaller bits, adjust the speed to a high level. While for heavy materials and larger bits, you should adjust the spindle speed to a slower speed.
For light-scale machining jobs, this one is a productive addition to a shop.
4. SUNWIN Metal Mini CNC Milling Machine
- Motor: 12V DC
- Weight: 6.2 Pounds
- Spindle speed range: 2,000 RPM
- Warranty: 1 year
- UL and CE-certified.
- Portable.
- Strong and sturdy.
- Affordable.
- Worth the price.
- Smaller worktable.
Overview
This machine sets itself apart from its contenders for being significantly simpler yet functional. Easy-to-assemble, affordable price tag, and smaller footprint make it a worth buying machine.
It is powered up by a classic-style motor that rotates its spindle at the speed of 2,000 RPM. for cutting wood and soft materials, its efficiency is not less than its competitors.
Despite being an easier and effective mill machine, this is portable too. It weighs just under 4 kg and is, therefore, easy to transport from one place to another.
The machine is safer to operate, as well. Certified by UL and CE safety standards, this machine has become a happy choice for potential buyers who value labeled safe products.
What needs the buyer’s attention is its small work table that can machine only materials 9 by 7 inches in size. But at this price range, this size of the table is pretty enough and adaptable.
5. JET 350017/JMD-15 CNC Milling and Drilling Machine
- Motor: 1HP
- Weight:370 Pounds
- Table size: 7-1/2 x 23 inches
- Spindle speed range: 12 levels- from 110 to 2, 580RPM
- Warranty: 2 years
- A great choice for soft metals.
- Strong built quality.
- Reliable, backed up by a 2-year tool warranty.
- Cuts nicely and smoothly.
- Heavier.
- Overly-priced.
Overview
This benchtop milling machine packs the performance of an industrial-grade milling machine in its compact body.
At first, if you’re looking for a benchtop mill/drill with a larger working area, this is exactly what you need since it offers you a worktable measuring 23 by 71/2 inches.
Any appliance becomes insignificant if it never delivers you enough power to work with your projects. Luckily, this mill/drill is powerful with its 1HP UL-certified motor that gives the spindle enough power to rotate at variable speeds.
The most common concern that many users have while working with a milling machine is holding the workpiece to its right position. The manufacturer has paid attention to this and has integrated a locking collet for providing precise cutting results.
It also features a 360-degrees swivel head for simple and easy mounting and dismounting a workpiece onto its table.
There’s a one-piece cast iron column that makes this machine strong and tough. So if you’re dealing with hard materials, this is the chill pill that you are after.
6. Proxxon 34104 CNC Drilling and Milling Machine
- Motor: 0.1HP
- Weight: 17.75 pounds
- Table size: 4 5/16″ x 2 3/4″
- Spindle speed range: 280-2,200 RPM
- Warranty: 1 year
- Variable speed levels.
- Efficient.
- 3 collets for clamping a workpiece.
- Noise-free milling.
- A bit pricier.
Overview
For hobbyists and DIYers, this benchtop milling tool is a true helping hand for engineering small machinery parts.
Precision and accuracy are the bonus features that the users would get by owning this mini mill/drill machine. How? It features 3 different size collets to prevent falling off a workpiece from its workspace.
Unlike its peers that are either too heavy or are too lightweight, it just weighs somewhere in between. Weighing normal, it never wobbles too much when working with heavy and hard materials.
Its 0.1 HP motor delivers 6 variable speed levels for the spindle. This being, it can bigger milling projects smoothly and conveniently.
The solid column is another impressive and supportive feature of this tool. The hand crank can move vertically as well as horizontally to move a workpiece in both axes.
Its T-slotted compound table is its most versatile feature that gives you sufficient space to perform milling.
By all means, this machine is a no-fuss milling tool that needs your consideration.
7. WEN 33013 Compact Benchtop Milling Machine
- Motor: 11 Amp
- Table size: 18-1/8 x 4-¾ inches
- Spindle speed range: 100 to 2,500 (RPM)
- Weight: 130.1 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
- Compact design.
- Pre-installed drill chuck.
- Makes angled cuts.
- Fine-tune adjustment handwheels.
- Emergency safe button for user’s safety.
- Rust-resistant components.
- Without collets.
- The gear is plastic-made and may wear.
Overview
This benchtop milling machine with its high-quality features gets the job done while producing more precise cutting results.
The strength and power of this machine are incredible as it features an 11-amp motor for providing variable speed levels. On lower settings, you can adjust the speed from 100 to 1,100 RPM; and for rotating the spindle faster, adjust the speed from 100 to 2, 500 RPM.
Apart from that, the joy lies when you look at the design of this machine. It is well built with cast iron material. With a compact footprint, this tool is a valuable addition to any small garage or shop.
This machine can not only mill wood, steel, aluminum but is also good at cutting low carbon steel. Furthermore, you can adjust its column and head at 45-degrees in both directions to make bevel cuts.
The fine-tune adjustment handwheels are efficient and make milling a piece of cake.
Accuracy, being the main concern of many users, is intact since there are an emergency stop button and onboard measurement indicators to stop and watch how smoothly the machining is going on.
Buying guide for benchtop CNC milling machine
When buying the best benchtop CNC milling machine, there are certain factors that need your attention. If you’re a new hobbyist and don’t know how to invest your money wisely in a more economical, feature-rich, and powerful milling machine, go through this valuable buying guide.
What is a benchtop CNC milling machine?
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control machining process. Milling machines that use CNC setup employ computerized controls to remove a part from a workpiece.
And benchtop CNC milling machines are tools that are compact and are mini versions of industrial-grade milling machines.
Benchtop CNC milling machines can be a lifesaver for any new hobbyist who wants to master his milling skills.
Applications of a benchtop CNC milling machine
A milling machine can machine flat or uneven surfaces to make several machinery parts. You can also attach some other functional tools to make holes into a workpiece, or do drilling, boring, and slotting. You can also use a milling machine for threading, carving, and engraving wood/metal.
A high-quality benchtop CNC milling machine is a prerequisite for any private garage or a workshop for machine several materials including brass, aluminum, plastic, steel, iron, and so on.
Advantages of a benchtop CNC milling machine
Having computerized controls, there are free chances of human errors when machining with a CNC mill machine. You will get precise and even cutting results by using a CNC mill machine.
Another great advantage of a benchtop CNC milling machine is its compactness. They are neither too heavier nor too expensive. For starters, a benchtop CNC mill machine is a perfect option for polishing his skills and learning the basics of CNC machining.
Key features to look for when buying a benchtop milling machine:
No matter how little knowledge you have about CNC machining, a benchtop CNC milling machine will cover your back.
You are suggested to ask yourself few questions before buying the most trusted milling machine for your applications
- What is the size of a workpiece you want to do milling?
- For which material you want a mill machine?
- Do you want a mill machine that can operate in all planes?
Read below to know what are some other key features that you should look into before purchasing a high-quality benchtop milling machine for your requirements.
Weight
Benchtop mill machines weigh from 6 pounds to 100 pounds or more. You are looking for a benchtop model since you are needing something small and compact.
A lighter version means more portability, while a heavier version says that the construction quality is sturdy and robust.
A heavier mill machine also means that there are lesser chances of vibration when working with a workpiece. This being, you ought to buy a heavy-duty benchtop mill machine to achieve precise and better machining results.
Spindle
The spindle is the main component of your milling machine. It is a rotary shaft that removes metal from a workpiece. Be mindful and spot the distance between the spindle and the worktable to determine if it offers you enough room to perform milling on taller workpieces.
Worktable
We advise you to go for buying a model that comes with a bigger working table. A larger working space area enables you to mill projects easily by clamping a workpiece firmly at its position.
Power
Benchtop CNC milling machines are electric tools and usually feature motors that have 1, 2, or so on HP rating.
The more powerful motor means the more precise and efficient the tool is. A powerful motor rotates the spindle faster and gives you more precise results.
So for cutting through material more quickly, we recommend you to get a model that comes with a higher HP motor.
Observe safety measures
Once you have known what a milling machine is and what its applications and important features are, you need to observe some safety measures before performing milling.
Always wear safety goggles so that no milling bits could enter your eyes during milling. Also, make sure that you put on safety gloves to keep your hands safe.
Rest assured that you remain 100% vigilant throughout a milling application to avoid accidents and hazards.
Final Verdict
Benchtop CNC milling machines could help you flourish your small-scale manufacturing industry by allowing you to engineer precise gear parts.
A multi-functional milling machine too cheap to ignore. Yes, believe me, you would be happier to know that you won’t have to break your bank or have to sacrifice a large room to get a CNC milling machine.
Doesn’t it sound cool? Grab a benchtop CNC milling machine and enjoy the perfect performance with the most functional features.
Milling at home has become possible now if you have a top-tier benchtop CNC milling machine.
On a brighter note, these mini versions are never expensive and are a nice help to teach you back-to-basic rules of CNC machining.
By speculating all the reviews and the key features, you would certainly get your dream appliance.
Let us know which one matched your needs the most.
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People Also Asked about benchtop CNC Milling Machine
Here are a few questions that people used to ask about benchtop CNC milling machine
What is the Best Benchtop CNC Milling Machine?
Here is my list of the Best Benchtop CNC Milling Machine in 2021;
- Jet JMD-18 350018 Milling & Drilling Machine
- Proxxon 34108 Micro CNC Milling Machine
- SHOP FOX M1036 Micro CNC Milling Machine
- SUNWIN Metal Mini CNC Milling Machine
- JET 3500 CNC Milling and Drilling Machine
- Proxxon 34104 CNC Drilling and Milling Machine
- WEN 33013 Compact Benchtop Milling Machine
What is the difference between a manual milling machine vs. a CNC milling machine?
CNC milling machines are computerized and don’t require anyone on duty. They work faster and give the most accurate machining results. On the contrary, manual milling machines are manually operated and may give faulty and inaccurate results.
Can I use my CNC mini-mill as a lathe?
You can use your milling machine like a lathe occasionally. But it is wiser to get these tools separately to make both of them last for longer.
Can a mill machine work with wood?
Yes, you can use a milling machine on a wood workpiece but you should need a dust collection system to keep sawdust away from the tool.
Are CNC milling machines easy to learn by hobbyists?
If you’re a new hobbyist, a CNC milling machine could give you a tougher time to learn. But since patience is the key to learning something new, a benchtop CNC milling machine could be your ultimate savior for allowing you to do more and more practice.
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