Best CNC Machine For Hobbyists
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve gone on the quest for the best CNC router for hobbyists but haven’t quite found “the one.”
There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for a CNC router, and it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. In this article, we’re going over our #1 contenders for the best CNC machine for the hobbyist. From features, size, and quality, this is your guide to finally finding the best router for your needs.
Identifying The Best CNC Router For a Hobbyist
One of the most important aspects of finding the right machine for you is ensuring that it meets certain standards. While you don’t want to get the most expensive CNC router out there if you’re a hobbyist — at least not right off the bat — you also don’t want something that’s going to break down or make it hard for you to work with.
Some recommended requirements you should set when looking for a CNC router include the following:
- Cost-effective: First and foremost, a hobby shouldn’t put a strain on your finances — though we’re all guilty of getting a little carried away at times. The best CNC routers are affordable so that they can be enjoyed by hobbyists everywhere.
- Size: There’s a good chance you don’t have the space for an industrial-sized machine if you’re a hobbyist — or maybe you do. For the majority of people, size is going to be a crucial factor to consider when picking out the best CNC router for you.
- NOTE: A smaller machine doesn’t have to mean less power. Make sure you don’t sacrifice too much efficiency for size.
- Reliable Safety Features: You should be able to enjoy your hobby and know your machine is built to keep you safe while doing so. Reliable safety features like limit switches and emergency stop buttons avoid harm to you, your machine, and your project.
- Easy-to-learn Software: Your CNC router needs to make learning the software easy so you can jump into your projects without stressing over a steep learning curve. Additionally, the best CNC routers come from companies that offer learning resources should you have questions about your machine and its capabilities.
- Quality Build: Subpar quality won’t just show in the design, but you’ll feel it when you use your machine. A good CNC router for a hobbyist should perform just as well as a larger-scale router.
A quality, locally sourced, and American-built CNC router also ensures your machine comes with:
- Excellent Customer Support: When you shop overseas, it can be difficult to get reliable customer support should you encounter issues with your router. Additionally, you most likely won’t get access to ongoing support, which could make your experience that much more frustrating.
With these features in mind, we have some top picks of our own for hobbyists looking for the best CNC router out there.
The RC Series CNC Router
A machine for all hobbyists, the ShopSabre RC Router makes it easy to tackle your favorite projects. The durability you’ll experience with this machine is akin to that of our larger-scale CNC routers, so you won’t sacrifice quality for ease of use.
If you’re just starting in your hobby and haven’t had much experience with a CNC router, the RC Series’ enhanced rack and pinion X & Y axes are excellent for projects that require lower accuracy and make this router ideal for small-scale production environments.
Machine Highlight: Motor System
The RC Series comes equipped with heavy-duty industrial closed-loop motors with encoders connected to direct-drive planetary drives. This motor system makes it the perfect hobbyist machine and offers the user improved speeds and accuracy, and as a bonus, less maintenance.
The ShopSabre 23 CNC Router
The best CNC router for hobbyists should be able to fit in smaller spaces, and that’s what makes the ShopSabre 23 CNC router special.
You won’t just save on space with this machine, but you won’t have to shell out too much to make it yours. Though smaller in size compared to our industrial series CNC machines, the ShopSabre 23 comes with the largest Z motor in its class for a quick response.
Machine Highlight: Ball Screw Technology
Performance is at the core of the ShopSabre 23 CNC Router. This machine comes standard with 3 Axis Ball Screw Drives and gives you 2 times more rigidity than the competitors. This industry-leading technology gives you less backlash and no whip concern.
What you get is highly accurate cuts, superior edge finishes, and lower maintenance than other comparable machines.
The Best CNC Routers For Hobbyists Make Projects Easy
ShopSabre’s CNC Routers are not only known for their price and build, but they also make it easy for hobbyists to perform techniques like:
- Rough cutting
- Finishing cutting
- Drilling
- Single and multi-pass operations
- Boring
- Profile
- Carving
- Grooving
- Planing
- Nesting
Most projects need hobbyists to employ at least a few if not most of these techniques, and that makes it crucial for you to choose a machine that will make it as easy as possible. Speaking of projects, the best CNC machine for hobbyists allows you to effectively create things like cabinets and furniture, signs, carvings, props, musical instruments, and other fabrications.
ShopSabre Continued Support For Hobbyists
As we’ve mentioned, the best CNC routers go beyond the machine. With ShopSabre, you’ll get access to support from experts in the USA, ready to troubleshoot any issues you may encounter and even guide you toward resources that can help you learn more about your machine.
Find The Best CNC Machine For a Hobbyist
Finding the right CNC router as a hobbyist doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for reliable and easy-to-use American-made machines, all you have to do is turn to ShopSabre.
From industry-best CNC routers to plasma machines, and accessories, we offer unrivaled performance at an affordable price, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank — just focus on the project at hand.
Get in touch with our experts online or at 952-461-4570 today and let’s find the best CNC router for you.