Hands-On Review: Lunyee 3018 Pro Ultra Desktop CNC for Hobbyists and DIYers

Written By Ethan Caldwell

As someone who's worked with a variety of desktop CNC routers over the years, I can confidently say that the Lunyee 3018 Pro Ultra CNC strikes a solid balance between affordability and performance. I’m ready to give you a detailed review of the 3018 Pro Ultra, covering its features, performance, and real-world usability.

 

 

Build & Design

One of the first things that immediately caught my attention with the 3018 Pro Ultra desktop unit is its all-metal construction. Unlike many budget CNC machines that use acrylic or plastic frames, this model has a robust, fully metal frame offering impressive stability and durability. The linear rails motion system, rather than traditional V-slot wheels, provides smoother movement and higher precision, which is especially noticeable during engraving and light milling tasks.

The 500W spindle is equipped with an ER11 collet, supporting 3.175mm bits—ideal for CNC machining and smaller-scale engraving projects. The base also features pre-tapped M6 holes and engraved measurement lines, making the clamping process quick and flexible. This design is especially suitable for serious hobbyists, DIY engineers, and users looking for a capable desktop CNC router. It is also accessible to casual users. Its compact CNC milling machine design makes it perfect for small workshops or home-based DIY projects requiring precision engraving.

 

 

Assembly

Putting the 3018 Pro Ultra together was surprisingly simple. Most of the machine’s main components come pre-assembled, so setup involves mounting the spindle, plugging in the cables, and squaring the gantry. The included manual is quite helpful, with clear illustrations and wiring diagrams that make assembly a breeze.

 

 

There are two control options available: an offline controller for quick, standalone jobs, and PC control via USB for more detailed CNC software operations. One thing to note is that you can’t use both control options simultaneously. Nonetheless, the machine’s wiring is neatly organized, and all the connectors are securely labeled, reflecting careful attention to detail.

 

 

Software

The 3018 Pro Ultra is powered by a GRBL-compatible controller (1.1f version), making it compatible with a wide range of popular CNC software such as Candle, UGS, Fusion 360, and Easel.

For CNC beginners, Easel provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, though the free trial lasts 30 days. For more advanced users, Fusion 360 works flawlessly once the appropriate GRBL post-processor is set up.

 

The included USB stick contains drivers, software, and even test files, making setup nearly plug-and-play. This is a huge time-saver for anyone who wants to start small desktop CNC projects or practice CNC machining without technical hassle.

 

 

Performance

In terms of cutting and engraving performance, I tested this desktop CNC unit on plywood, acrylic, and a small aluminum plate. The results were consistently impressive. The linear guide rails truly shine, offering a level of precision rare for machines in this price range. Cuts were clean, with minimal vibration or chatter, making it a great choice for detailed engraving machine work.

 

The 500W spindle isn’t meant for heavy-duty industrial milling, but it’s more than capable for small-scale engraving and light aluminum milling. I had no issues with moderate feed rates on aluminum or wood, and the cutting process remained smooth and predictable. However, for harder metals like steel, this machine wouldn’t be suitable.

Noise levels are reasonable, but I recommend using a dust collection system to maintain a clean workspace. A simple vacuum attachment helps mitigate dust and chips during operations.

 

 

Usability

What sets the 3018 Pro Ultra apart is its accessibility for newcomers. This easy-to-use desktop CNC router for beginners allows hobbyists to complete small-scale engraving projects quickly without prior professional experience. If you’re looking to get started with CNC machining, this machine offers a perfect balance between ease of use and functionality. The manual zeroing method (using the paper trick) worked flawlessly, and the spindle torque remained consistent after extended use.

For anyone learning the basics of CNC—feeds, speeds, and toolpaths—the 3018 Pro Ultra makes the process intuitive without feeling overwhelming. It’s a perfect choice for hobbyists and beginners exploring small CNC projects or engraving machine operations.

 

 

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Sturdy all-metal frame ensures superior stability

• 500W ER11 spindle suitable for engraving and light milling

• Compatible with GRBL software (Candle, UGS, Fusion 360, Easel)

• Compact work area (300 × 180 mm), ideal for small CNC projects

• Quick assembly with clear instructions

• Supports offline and PC-based control

Cons:

• Limited cutting area, unsuitable for larger projects

• No built-in dust collection—requires external vacuum system

• Not suitable for hard metals like steel

• Requires third-party software.

 

 

Who It’s For

The 3018 Pro Ultra is well-suited for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and small-scale engineers, and is especially suitable for beginners or those working on small projects. Its combination of a sturdy frame, reliable performance, and affordable price point makes it stand out. Whether working on prototypes, signage, or PCB engraving, this machine delivers consistent, professional-quality results.

This isn’t a machine for industrial-level projects, but for what it’s designed to do, it’s a fantastic entry-level engraving machine and CNC milling unit.

 

 

Conclusion

The Lunyee 3018 Pro Ultra CNC router combines thoughtful engineering with solid performance, making it one of the best options for hobby-level CNC machining in 2025. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced DIYer, this machine offers the precision and stability you need for a wide range of projects.

If you’re looking for a reliable, compact, and capable desktop CNC unit that doesn’t break the bank, the 3018 Pro Ultra is a fantastic choice.