3018 Pro Max Review — Best Budget Desktop CNC Router for Hobbyists?

Written by Desmond Hayes

As someone who usually reviews 3D printers, laser engravers, and other desktop fabrication tools, I was excited to finally test a CNC router myself. The 3018 Pro Max CNC milling machine immediately caught my attention. Even at an entry-level price point below $400, it promises remarkable versatility—from intricate wood carving and crystal-clear acrylic machining to cutting aluminum parts with precision. For hobbyists and small-scale makers, that’s an impressive value proposition.

 

First Impressions: Build Quality and Assembly

Straight out of the box, the 3018 Pro Max desktop CNC router feels solid and well-built. It features a sturdy aluminum frame with ball screw-driven X, Y, and dual-shaft Z axes, offering a stable foundation that’s rare in this price class. The aluminum work platform includes T-slots, making it easy to clamp materials or use double-sided tape for quick setups.

 

Assembly took about an hour. It’s manageable if you have prior DIY or electronics experience, but total beginners may find cable management and limit switch alignment slightly challenging. Some aluminum nuts needed tightening and the base required minor leveling adjustments, but once tuned, the frame felt rigid and reliable.

One thing worth mentioning: during setup, I noticed faint squeaking on axis movement, which can usually be fixed with a light adjustment or lubrication.

Compared to cheaper belt-driven desktop CNCs, this machine feels robust. The powerful long-shaft spindle motor handles both wood and aluminum confidently—a huge upgrade at this price tier.

 

 

Software and Control

The 3018 Pro Max supports both GRBL Control (Candle) and Universal G-code Sender (UGS). For this review, I primarily used GRBL Control to run toolpaths from Fusion 360, which exported G-code seamlessly using the GRBL post-processor. UGS is ideal for quick 2D cutting jobs or for beginners wanting to design simple shapes without full CAD software.

A quick reminder for CNC beginners:

Most Chinese desktop CNC routers use GRBL firmware, so always export G-code using a GRBL post-processor. Selecting the wrong firmware can cause erratic or unsafe movement. Also, make sure to set a safe clearance height above your material to avoid tool crashes.

The offline controller included in the box works for simple designs via SD card but tends to skip steps with complex G-code files. For reliability and precision, I strongly recommend using a PC connection for all major projects.

 

Testing Performance

Wood Carving

My first test involved a detailed wood relief cut with a fine end mill. The results were impressive—clean, sharp edges and intricate details, even at a small scale. This kind of 2.5D carving (where the tool moves in multiple depths from a single direction) is rarely this crisp on a budget CNC machine. The 3018 Pro Max exceeded expectations.

 

Acrylic Machining

Next, I cut transparent acrylic to create a two-level gear and linkage mechanism, programmed in Fusion 360. After light sanding and flame polishing, the parts turned impressively clear—far more transparent than what you could achieve on a 3D printer.

Edges slightly rounded from heat, but dimensional accuracy stayed tight. This highlights the benefit of CNC milling acrylic over traditional printing methods when clarity matters.

Aluminum Cutting

Aluminum performance was the biggest surprise. I tested both 1000-series and 5000-series aluminum, and the machine handled both with confidence. The spindle motor cut smoothly without chatter or overheating.

Precision was excellent—a 50 mm disc measured 49.99 mm, 50.01 mm, and 49.98 mm across three points. Jog calibration tests confirmed that 100 steps equaled exactly 100 mm on both X and Y axes, and Z travel accuracy was within 0.06 mm.

For a desktop CNC milling machine, this level of dimensional accuracy is outstanding and suitable for prototype or functional part machining.

 

 

Safety, Operation, and Design Improvements

The manufacturer clearly improved reliability in this latest model. In earlier versions, pressing the emergency stop button didn’t fully cut off power, but now it completely shuts down both spindle and axis movement, enhancing safety.

 

The ER-style collet system is another major improvement over cheaper routers that rely on set screws—it holds tools securely and maintains true spindle alignment.

The machine produces some noise during aluminum cutting, though it remains at a manageable level; a sound-dampening enclosure can help further reduce it.

 

 

Accuracy and Manual Control

Jog testing confirmed precise control across all axes. The ball-screw design minimizes backlash and ensures smooth motion, making it possible to perform small manual cuts like grooves or holes. This makes the 3018 Pro Max useful not only for new designs but also for modifying existing parts or enclosures, such as adding holes or slots.

 

 

Pros

• Handles wood carving, acrylic machining, and aluminum cutting with impressive precision.
• Ball-screw X/Y/Z axes with a dual-shaft Z design for added rigidity.
• Offline and PC control options, compatible with GRBL software.
• Powerful spindle motor suitable for both soft and hard materials.
• Affordable price below $400, making it one of the best budget CNC routers for beginners and makers.

 

 

Cons

• Assembly may challenge beginners due to wiring and limit switch alignment.
• A sound-dampening enclosure is recommended during operation.
• Offline controller may skip steps with complex files—PC recommended.
• Minor frame or nut adjustments may be required.

 

 

Final Verdict

After extensive testing, the 3018 Pro Max desktop CNC router proves itself as a powerful, precise, and versatile entry-level CNC milling machine. Whether you’re creating detailed wooden carvings, clear acrylic parts, or machined aluminum components, it delivers impressive results for the price.

For hobbyists, DIY engineers, and small-scale manufacturers looking for a compact CNC router under $400, the 3018 Pro Max is a top-tier choice. It’s a reliable, affordable, and surprisingly capable machine that bridges the gap between beginner tools and professional equipment.

Don’t forget to check for available discount coupons—they make this already excellent CNC machine for beginners even more accessible.