Make décor pieces at home and try those DIY projects that you’ve been procrastinating for so long, with a 5 Axis CNC machine.
The antique pieces of art that you want to bring home, but are placed in galleries and museums, or those incredibly perfect and unique ancient statues that are too expensive for you to bid on. You can do nothing but forget them. Right?
But no more!
How about making their look-alikes at home in your garage? Or at least try to. Yes, it’s doable with a 5 axis CNC device. The following article focuses on ways to fulfill such goals that would otherwise have been left unachieved. This content has covered 5 axis CNC machines that would help you create amazing things from out of bare pieces of plastic, wood, and metals. So, let’s dive straight in!
Points to Ponder
Here are some really important points to brainstorm before making your purchase decision.
How Is 5 Axis Cnc Machine Better Than A Regular CNC?
Need to work through just a simple single or two-axis project? Yes, a regular CNC machine would do just fine. But for complex and multi-dimensional projects, like statues and other stuff, you’ll need a 5 axis CNC machine for sure. How is it better? To start with, it would be way more convenient for you, and the precision with accuracy is another upside.
When the regular CNC machines and laser engravers from the era of Michelangelo work on the x-axis and y-axis only, a 5 axis CNC helps you move the cutting instrument and 5-axis vertical machining parts along with all the 5-axis at the same time. It is programmed to move the cutter end simultaneously along all the axis so the tip remains vertical to your project.
Why 5 Axis?
A potential buyer may ponder on what are the 5 axis on a CNC machine. Rather than spending time on this technical question, focus on ‘Why’. There are a lot of reasons to prefer a 5 axis CNC machine over the regular 2-axis. As a starter, it aids the worker in machining out the complicated parts of the project. Want to put a wrinkle on the double chin of trump’s statue, your 5th axis CNC machine will do it for you. Almost like the real one.
Moreover, it needs a singular and much simpler setup as compared to the complex setups required for the other options. This improves precision, helps avoid the risk of human error, and at the top, saves money. On another brighter side, with a 5 axis CNC, you don’t need to repeatedly tilt and move the object. The machine will rather adjust with the object, avoiding chances of collisions and damage due to mishandling.
Highly compatible to be used along with different routers.
Comes with all required components in the pack.
No assembling is required by the buyer.
Works equally well on single-plane projects.
Compact design with the tabletop setting.
High quality reinforced metal body
Sheathed wiring to protect from current hazards.
Runs on the low power supply as well.
Pros
Cons
✅ Compact 5-axis cnc machine
❌ Relatively heavier
✅ Tabletop setting
✅ Covered wiring
✅ High compatibility
✅ Fully manufactured
✅ Reinforced metal body
✅ Software programmed
Great Compatibility:
This product has a very extraordinarily wide range of compatibility with a variety of routers. From DeWalt 611 to Bosch HP1, it can work optimally with a good number of routers. It also works uninterrupted with a variety of software.
Compact Design & Fully Equipped:
The Next Wave Shark has a very compact design. It has been architected with a tabletop design in mind. The device is fully equipped and comes as a whole package from manufacturers, all assembled. The package also includes protective goggles that would be of great help to the operator.
Product Specifications:
This product is 20 ½ x 19 ½ x 18 in L x W x H in inches. It works on 120 Volts, 60 Hz with a single-phase electric supply. The surge protector needs to be 15 A on AC. This 5-axis cnc weighs 53 pounds. It is also equipped with Li-ion battery cells.
Comparison With Other Products:
The wiring of this product is exposed but has insulator sheathing on it to protect the user and other people around from hazards that may come with a short circuit. Many other products lack this feature. It is also whole-body aluminum, which makes it a better choice than others.
The precision and accuracy offered by this cnc machine are near to perfect. Its C-beam is considerably rigid and is driven by a leadscrew. Hence the accuracy is observed. The y-axis has a dual screw drive function, and the z-axis is driven on an optical axis, which helps the cutters stay stable even at high revolutions per min.
Aluminum Body:
Even though aluminum is known for making things lighter in weight, its advantage here is rigidity. The product is extremely strong and protected from damages that may be encountered upon falling or smashing. This also gives the frame good longevity along with the considerable reduction in weight to less than 60 pounds that could have been around 80 otherwise.
Product Specifications:
This product weighs 57.2 pounds and the dimensions are 32 inches in Length x 26.75 inches in Width x 12.75 inches in height. It doesn’t need a battery, works directly on current from the power supply. It also has a manual jog wheel and the frame is expandable. The spindle works on 300 Watts and is equipped with kills switches for every individual axis.
Comparison With Other Products:
This product is relatively heavier than other products. Otherwise, it is worth it. So, if your requirements can compromise no easy portability, this is your go-to cnc machine. It has a good range working area and is very easy to upgrade as compared to other products of this league.
This machine comes with safety baffles fixed at both sides of the machine. It is to protect the people around from debris and sharp cuttings flying from the machine. This baffle also protects important machine components and bars from forming clogs which would later affect the efficiency of the device and cost a fortune to repair, or probably change parts with new ones.
Amazingly high Accuracy:
This machine offers amazingly high efficiency along with accuracy in results. Company claims and users approve that this machine works very precisely with an accuracy of less than 0.2 mm. Along with this, this machine is also compatible with the laser to turn into a laser engraver.
Product Specifications:
this product weighs 21.5 pounds and its dimensions are 18.42 x 16.61 x 10.79 inches in Length, Width, and Height respectively when packaged. The body is made up of aluminum, hence the lightweight character. The control board is an LCD with physical buttons.
Comparison With Other Products:
This machine is equipped with a NEMA23 motor as compared with other 5 axis cnc machines of this league that use the NEMA17 motor. Moreover, it is completely made up of aluminum as compared to most others that are made up of either other metals or some parts are made up of aluminum. It is easily upgradable while others only work on the module they are manufactured on.
This amazing 5-axis CNC mill is unique in its league. It has a pen holder that enables it to write in however handwriting you desire and can draw perfect figures while moving the pen simultaneously along the x and y-axis. It can be used as an alternative to over-priced color printers as well as separate laser engravers.
Software and computer compatibility:
This device is compatible with all computers including windows as well as MacBook. This ranges from windows XP to the latest Windows 11. It works great and optimally with the Bachin Draw software to make amazingly accurate figures and highly precise writings.
Product Specifications:
This product is surprisingly lightweight. The assembled unit weighs merely 13.22 pounds. The dimensions are compact; 16.14 inches in Length x 15.75 inches in Width x 8.27 inches in Height. This overall measurement makes this device highly portable and compact for use as a tabletop cnc. it works on Alternating current as well as direct current. The voltage optimal for its working is 12 Volts.
Comparison With Other Products:
The biggest difference that this cnc bears from other products of the same category is the functionality. This product not only works as a cnc or a laser engraver but also as a printer, and drawer. When fed into the Bachin Draw software, it does great handwriting as well as draws perfect figures. It has a pen holder that moves the pen on the x-axis and y-axis simultaneously.
Carves and cuts an extensive variety of constituents.
Convenient control board
Compatible with a wide range of computers
Pros
Cons
✅ Easy assembling
❌ Not very precise
✅ Clearly labeled wires
❌ Unextendible work board
✅ Protective case
✅ Spacious work board
✅ User-friendly GBRL software
Safe Design:
The design of this 5-axis milling machine is based on considering the safety of the user and the people around in mind. The sides of this machine are secured with safety barrier baffles that not only prevent the chippings and cutting to fly around but also keep the hands of the user and people around considerably safe from being touched accidentally by the machine.
Wide Range of Usability:
The practicality and functionality of this cnc machine are top-notch. It not only acts as a cnc machine but also as a laser engraver. It has a large working board and relatively large-sized objects can be beautifully carved and cut on this cnc machine. It is also compatible with work on a varied choice of material choices. This feature makes this product the most optimal for those who have just adapted it as a hobby, and/or keep trying new DIY ideas at home for 5-axis milling centers.
Product Specifications:
The machine has dimensions of 17.8 inches in Length x 15.16 inches in Width x 12.44 inches in Height. It has a huge ground area when associated with its extent. The design is compact. It has a NEMA17 motor and weighs only 25.8 pounds. The motor works on 12 Volts and the spindle needs 60 Watts power to operate optimally.
Comparison With Other Products:
As compared to most other partially assembled products, this machine is quite easier. It can be assembled and put to cnc 5-axis machining within 15 to 20 minutes. It also features limit switches and the z-axis can accommodate 300 watts modules instead of the standard 600 watts, while most of the other machines in this league have fixed spindle. It also features a set of safety barriers that others don’t.
The manufacture of this machine has been carried out with both functions considered. Now you can work on a project that requires engraving alongside cutting. That too, with only one machine. It has a holder that tightly fixes the spindle or laser in place for accurate working and maintaining the balance of the machine even at high speeds of revolution. It also has metallic clamps that are great for laser engravers. It also helps find mini 5 axis cnc machining centers.
Offline Controller:
Even though this machine works on pretty much every computer, and is compatible with much user-friendly software, it has been programmed and designed so that in case of non-availability of these two, the machine can work equally fine. Such cnc multi axis machine tools are more user-friendly. Though the offline controller has all the necessary control options on it, it would require an expert rather than a beginner to carry out the project perfectly. This could be the quality of the best 5 axis cnc machine.
Product Specifications:
Despite the high functionality, this device has been made to come out as a compact and portable machine. It is also considerably lightweight with only 15.82 pounds on it. It has dimensions of 17.25 L x 9.75 W x 6.75 H.
Comparison With Other Products:
To compare this device with the other cnc machines in the same price range, it is safe to say that this device outperforms them. It is because the dual function saves a fortune. This machine has all the abilities of a good laser engraver as well as a very efficient cnc cutter. This cnc milling 5 axis can also be operated equally well with an offline controller without a computer and software.
This small 5 axis cnc machine comes essentially pre-assembled and requires little effort to put up, requiring just under half an hour from start to finish. Reap the benefits of the extra strength for grinding a broader variety of items while also enabling easier cleaning afterward even quicker with plastic protection slats that assist trap dust and offer a safety barrier for fast 5 axis machining.
Safe Manufacturing:
The 5 millimeters thick acrylic barriers may prevent ‘floating’ chunks of cutaway objects from flying around, allowing you to securely supervise the etching operation. It also has lesser chances of pounding and falling from the top of the table as the base of the machine is made quite heavy lowering its center of gravity.
Product Specifications:
This product weighs only 20.2 pounds, almost the lowest weight in its category. It is also considerably compact as its dimensions are 15.7 inches in Length x 13 inches in Width x 9.4 inches in Height. It can work on 60 watts and can go much as 120 watts. This best 5 axis cnc machine works on 12 volts supply. The step motor requires 1.3 Amps.
Comparison With Other Products:
As compared with other products in the same price category, this device has a very low weight. It although compromises on the working area. Yet, it is highly portable while others can be a mess when you intend to move it from home to workshop, or vice versa.
We have tried to sum up the maximum possible amount of information about the best 5 axis CNC machines. We’re sure that now you’re well aware of things you didn’t know before reading this article. Furthermore, the following is a buyers’ guide is in accordance with your need for 5 axis CNC machine. It’d help you to choose the best possible machine from our list:
Your Budget For The Project:
As it is clear that the price range of CNC machines, and especially the fast 5 axis machining CNC machines is very wide. They cost from very low cost to surprisingly expensive. They serve pretty much similar functions except for a few variations. Yet, you need to consider the budget you have fixed for your project. Some machines’ costs can exceed the budget for your whole project. So, choose the one that stays well within the price well within your budget limits. We have added machines in this article that are relatively lighter on your pocket.
The Type Of Project You Want To Do:
It is very important to keep into consideration the kind of project that you want to do with the best 5 axis CNC machine. It is quite possible that your project needs a heavy-duty professional model and you rather buy one that is good for only DIY projects. And the total opposite can also happen. So, consider the technicalities of your project before you go buy the wrong machine. Otherwise, you could need multi-axis CNC machines and end up buying a single axis and ruin your project.
Dimensions And Capacities:
The performance of a CNC milling 5 axis device is distinguished by the dimensions and complications of the project. If you’re a beginner, your tasks will be very dissimilar from those of a seasoned carpenter. A CNC machine with a 48-inch working surface often serves a variety of applications for newbies, and micro-enterprises. Likewise, a Small CNC router is better suited to small firms, whilst bigger enterprises need top-tier industrial CNC versions. Therefore, you need to consider the dimensions you’d need and the power you require from your CNC machine. Also, consider 5 axis precision centers.
The Durability Of The CNC Machine:
A 5 axis milling machine is a robust machine in usual circumstances. Although abrasive wear is inevitable, equipment longevity is frequently a source of anxiety. To start with, it is a sign of exceptional worth. You don’t want to utilize dull machine tools or a poor collet chuck that allows the workpiece to slip. Durability is also a result of the scheduled maintenance that must be performed for the equipment to work well.
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some commonly asked Questions:
Q. How much does a 5 axis machine cost?
Ans: 5 axis cnc machines cost in the range of 3000 dollars to 50,000 dollars.
Q. How do I choose a 5 axis CNC machine?
Ans: To get help in choosing a 5 axis cnc machine, refer to our buying guide to choose from 7 top-notch products listed in this article.
Q. What is the most advanced CNC machine?
Ans: the most advanced cnc machines in our listing are Next Wave Shark and Genmitsu.
Q. What is the most popular CNC machine?
Ans: the most popular cnc machine for professionals as well as beginners is Next Wave Shark. It is also listed on no. 1 in our listing.
Doug is a passionate woodworking enthusiast and the founding editor of the popular woodworking blog WoodyManReviews. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a love for working with wood, Doug has dedicated his career to sharing knowledge and expertise with fellow woodworking enthusiasts. To this day, he still leads writing efforts on the blog, supervising the team of talented writers at his disposal.
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heavy lowering its center of gravity.
