CNC Router Buying Tips
When buying a CNC router it’s apparent it can be a bit of a minefield. From Chinese manufacturers masquerading as UK companies or trying to convince you it’s a great idea to purchase a machine from them. To one man bands trying to pass themselves off as a fully-fledged established CNC supplier.
Let’s get this out of the way first — Mantech Machinery are the authors of this article, it’s important that we are as transparent as possible. In fact, there are many reputable CNC router suppliers in the UK, we’re just one of those reputable companies.
First off when buying a CNC router, why are you buying one? Is it a hobby, just starting a fledgeling business or are your manufacturing needs a driver for the purchase?
Generally, as a hobbyist buyer, you won’t be looking for all the razzle-dazzle that a much higher specced machine will give you but I imagine there are some important factors for you. Build quality should be on the top of your list, you don’t want the machine to be skipping around your workshop like it has a mind of its own. Just because you go the hobbyist route, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice on build quality. For example, even our 600 x 900 bed CNC router is built on an industrial use level.
Another important part of purchasing a hobbyist or starter CNC router would be the design workflow or software you will be likely to use when creating your files and sending them to the machine. Some entry-level machines come with Mach3 or the newer Mach4 which enables you to control your machine. Some more expensive options will use NC studio or even custom motion controls. All 3 of these are just that, control software and they all require you to use some kind of CAD/CAM package such as what we supply with most of our CNC routers call V Carve Pro by a company called Vectric.
There are a number of great CAD/CAM packages out there such as the following (by the way this software section applies to all machines, hobbyist or not):
Fusion 360 | AlphaCAM | Solidworks | Aspire (By Vectric)
There are so many more to list But the above are certainly some of the more well-known software options.
Are you a new start-up or an established business?
New start-ups may want to also purchase an entry-level machine before they move into the realms of more expensive options such as Auto Tool Change CNC Routers, at the same time they may also want to just jump straight in. There is no right or wrong way, it all depends upon whether the business can take the initial cashflow hit. You could always finance the machine which would bring the purchase down to manageable chunks.
At Mantech we offer a great upgrade policy if you buy entry-level — find that your business needs have changed and require more features etc.
Going more advanced means you get more features and potentially better components and even greater build quality. For instance, our Apollo ATC (Auto Tool Change) CNC range comes with advanced high performance 9.0kW air cooled spindles, rapid servo drives and can be upgraded to things like drill heads and oscillating cutting knife systems.
Support
This is one of the most important aspects of buying any machine, not just a CNC Router. Ensuring you have the very best support system after your purchasing is imperative.
Look for things like turnaround times when you have issues (at some point you are likely to have one — these are mechanical & electrical beasts that need looking after), Whether the company holds large stocks of common parts and good telephone and internet support.
Be wary of buying directly from China as there are numerous pitfalls. Tax and duty being one, whether the machine will turn up and actually work after spending weeks in a container. Most importantly how are you going to install it safely and what kind of ‘real’ warranty & support will you get — they won’t be able to send in an engineer as a UK company would.
To summarise, make sure that when you purchase your CNC router it's from a reputable UK business, who has a track record in the supply and installation of machinery. They hold plenty of stocked spare parts, have good solid warranties and won’t leave you in the lurch if your machine goes down. There are a number of good CNC router companies in the UK, just do your research on each one before you commit.
