SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro
~$300
Pricing last checked February 2026
Our Take
The gateway drug of CNC routers. At ~$300, this is where thousands of makers get their first taste of CNC. It's small, limited, and won't cut hardwood well, but that's not the point, it's about learning. The 3018 Pro teaches you G-code, toolpaths, speeds & feeds, and whether you actually want to invest in a bigger machine. Extremely beginner-friendly with tons of YouTube tutorials. Not a production machine, but an educational one that happens to make cool stuff.
SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro Specs
- Price
- ~$300
- Status
- Active
- Work Area
- 300 x 180 x 45 mm (11.8" x 7.1" x 1.8")
- Frame
- Aluminum frame
- Drive System
- Lead screw
- Linear Motion
- V-wheels
- Motors
- NEMA 17 stepper motors
- Controller
- GRBL 1.1, Arduino-based, Toshiba TB6S109 drivers with optocouplers
- Spindle
- 775 motor spindle, 10,000 RPM, 120W max power
- Collet
- ER-11
- Max RPM
- 10,000
- Enclosure
- None (optional acrylic panels available)
- Assembly
- Kit, approximately 2 hours assembly time
- Software
- GRBL 1.1; includes 3-month Carveco Maker subscription; compatible with Candle, bCNC, others
What Stands Out
- • Entry-level desktop CNC at accessible price point
- • Very easily upgradeable (spindle, work area, laser module add-on)
- • Offline controller option available
- • Compatible with PVC, PCB, acrylics, MDF, Bakelite, leather, carbon fiber, graphite, vinyl, plexiglass, bamboo
- • Large community and extensive documentation
- • Laser engraving module can be added
What the Community Says
Overwhelmingly positive for the price. "Best $300 I ever spent" is a common refrain. People love the upgradeability and how forgiving it is for learning. Complaints center on the weak spindle (true) and small work area (expected). Often recommended as "buy this first, then decide if you want to go bigger."
Free SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro Feeds & Speeds Calculator
Skip the guesswork. Open our calculator with the SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro's specs pre-loaded and get safe starting RPM, feed rate, and depth of cut for your bit and material.
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Guides for New Buyers
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