A curated list of CNC machines, firmware, software, learning resources and communities for hobbyists and professional machinists.
Routers, mills, lathes, plasma tables and lasers: the machines, the software that drives them, and the people who share what they know.
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- Desktop Machines
- Hobby & Small-Shop Routers
- DIY & Open-Source Machines
- Mills, Lathes & Plasma
- Firmware & Controllers
- Machine Control Software
- CAD
- CAM
- Simulation & G-code Viewers
- Feeds & Speeds
- CNC Project Files
- 3D & CAD Model Libraries
- Learning Resources
- YouTube Channels
- Communities
- Bantam Tools Desktop CNC - Enclosed, US-made desktop mill for machining aluminum prototypes and PCBs, with its own milling software.
- Makera - Desktop CNC machines with probing and quick or automatic tool changing: the Carvera, Carvera Air and Z1.
- Nomad 3 - Carbide 3D's fully enclosed desktop mill for metal, wood, wax and PCBs, with an 8x8x3 in cutting area.
- Penta Machine - Maker of the Pocket NC desktop 5-axis mill and the compact 5-axis Solo.
- AltMill - Sienci Labs linear-rail, ball-screw CNC router for production work in 2x4, 4x4 and 4x8 ft sizes.
- Avid CNC - Modular CNC router and plasma table kits ranging from benchtop to 5x10 ft formats.
- LongMill - Sienci Labs benchtop CNC router kit for hobbyists, supplied with the gSender control software.
- Onefinity CNC - Ball-screw hobby CNC routers; the Elite series adds closed-loop steppers and a MASSO controller.
- Shapeoko - Carbide 3D's line of hobby and small-shop CNC routers, including the ball-screw Shapeoko 5 Pro.
- X-Carve Pro - Inventables' steel-frame, ball-screw router for small shops.
- LowRider CNC - Mostly 3D-printed V1 Engineering router that scales from benchtop size up to full 4x8 ft sheets.
- Maslow CNC - Open-source large-format router; Maslow 4 moves a sled with four belts to cut full sheets.
- MPCNC Primo - Mostly Printed CNC from V1 Engineering, built from 3D-printed parts and steel tubing.
- PrintNC - Open-source steel-tube CNC router design that can cut aluminum and steel, documented in a community wiki.
- Langmuir Systems - Maker of the CrossFire CNC plasma tables and the MR-1 gantry mill for home and small fab shops.
- Tormach - Compact CNC mills, lathes and routers for small shops, run by the LinuxCNC-based PathPilot control.
- Buildbotics - Open-source enclosed CNC controller with built-in stepper drivers, a web interface and a G-code planner.
- Centroid Acorn - Ethernet DIY CNC control board paired with Centroid's CNC12 software in free and paid tiers.
- FluidNC - Open-source ESP32 motion control firmware, successor to Grbl_ESP32, configured by YAML with a built-in web UI.
- Grbl - Original open-source G-code motion control firmware for Arduino Uno-class boards; mature and feature-frozen.
- grblHAL - Open-source, hardware-abstracted 32-bit successor to Grbl with drivers for many MCUs and a plugin system.
- LinuxCNC - Open-source real-time Linux machine controller for mills, lathes, routers, plasma cutters, robot arms and more.
- Mach4 - Commercial Windows CNC control software from Newfangled Solutions with a plugin architecture for motion devices.
- Marlin - Widely used open-source 3D printer firmware with optional laser and spindle control for light CNC machines.
- MASSO - Standalone touchscreen CNC controllers for routers, mills, lathes, plasma and lasers that need no PC.
- PlanetCNC - TNG control software and Mk3-series motion controllers for mills, routers, lathes and plasma.
- RepRapFirmware - Open-source firmware for Duet3D controller boards with a dedicated CNC mode.
- Smoothieware - Open-source modular G-code interpreter and CNC firmware for the open-hardware Smoothieboard controllers.
- UCCNC - Control software for CNCdrive's UC-series USB and Ethernet motion controllers, licensed per controller.
- bCNC - Open-source Python GRBL sender with autoleveling, a G-code editor and basic CAM functions.
- Candle - Open-source Qt-based GRBL control application with a G-code visualizer and height-map support.
- Carbide Motion - Free machine control software for Carbide 3D's Shapeoko and Nomad machines.
- Carvera Community Controller - Community-developed, open-source controller software for Makera Carvera machines.
- CNCjs - Open-source web interface for Grbl, Marlin, Smoothieware and TinyG controllers, often run on a Raspberry Pi.
- gSender - Sienci Labs' open-source sender for grbl and grblHAL machines with 3D preview and probing tools.
- ioSender - Open-source Windows G-code sender for Grbl and grblHAL that exposes grblHAL's extended features.
- LaserGRBL - Open-source Windows GRBL sender optimized for laser engraving and cutting, with image and vector import.
- Probe Basic - Open-source, touchscreen-oriented LinuxCNC user interface with built-in probing routines.
- Universal Gcode Sender - Open-source, cross-platform Java G-code sender for GRBL, Smoothieware, TinyG and g2core with a 3D visualizer.
- Autodesk Fusion - Commercial cloud-based CAD/CAM/CAE platform; the free personal-use license includes limited CAM.
- build123d - Open-source Python BREP CAD framework on OpenCascade that evolves CadQuery's ideas with context managers.
- CADProps - Commercial browser-based STEP viewer for checking dimensions and sections before CNC quoting; viewing requires no account.
- CadQuery - Open-source Python library for building parametric CAD models on the OpenCascade kernel.
- FreeCAD - Open-source parametric 3D modeler with sketcher, part design, assembly and an integrated CAM workbench.
- Inkscape - Open-source SVG vector editor often used to prepare 2D artwork for routers, lasers and plasma.
- LibreCAD - Open-source, cross-platform 2D CAD application that reads and writes DXF and DWG files.
- Onshape - Commercial browser-based parametric CAD; the free plan is for non-commercial work in public documents.
- OpenSCAD - Open-source, script-based solid modeler that builds 3D models from code using CSG operations.
- Pic2SVG - Freemium web tool that traces raster images into editable SVG paths and exports DXF for CNC artwork preparation.
- QCAD - Open-source, cross-platform 2D CAD; paid Professional and QCAD/CAM editions add DWG support and G-code.
- SolveSpace - Open-source, lightweight constraint-based 2D/3D modeler that exports DXF, STEP and STL.
- Carbide Create - Free design and 2.5D CAM software for routers with V-carving; the paid Pro version adds 3D tools.
- dxf2gcode - Open-source Python tool that converts 2D DXF, PDF and PS drawings into G-code with configurable postprocessors.
- Easel - Browser-based CAD/CAM and machine control from Inventables; the Pro tier is a paid upgrade.
- Estlcam - Commercial Windows CAM and machine control program for 2.5D, V-carving and STL machining with a one-time license.
- Fabex - Open-source Blender CAM extension, formerly BlenderCAM, for 3-axis and multi-axis toolpaths and simulation.
- F-Engrave - Open-source text and image engraving and V-carving G-code generator with inlay support.
- FreeCAD CAM Workbench - FreeCAD's built-in toolpath generator, named the Path workbench before FreeCAD 1.0.
- Fusion CAM - CAM inside Autodesk Fusion covering 2.5D to 5-axis milling, turning and editable post-processors.
- G-Code Ripper - Open-source G-code tool for scaling, rotary wrapping, auto-probing and splitting programs.
- Kiri:Moto - Open-source browser-based slicer and CAM that generates 2.5D milling, laser and 3D printing toolpaths locally.
- LightBurn - Commercial layout, editing and machine control software for laser cutters and engravers.
- Makera CAM - CAM for Makera Carvera machines, free for owners; its successor Makera Studio is in public beta.
- Mastercam - Commercial industrial CAD/CAM suite for mill, lathe, mill-turn, Swiss, wire EDM and router programming.
- MeshCAM - Commercial three-axis CAM that generates toolpaths directly from STL and DXF files with minimal setup.
- Nestbolt - Open-source browser nesting of SVG/DXF parts on fixed sheets for laser, CNC and plasma, with CLI and MCP server. (Source code)
- OpenCAMLib - Open-source C++ library with Python bindings for drop-cutter and waterline toolpath algorithms.
- SheetCAM - Commercial sheet-cutting CAM for plasma, waterjet, laser, oxy-fuel and routing with nesting and lead-in control.
- svg2gcode - Open-source Rust tool and web app that converts SVG vector graphics into G-code for plotters, lasers and CNC.
- Vectric - Commercial Windows router CAD/CAM: Cut2D for 2D, VCarve for 2.5D and V-carving, and Aspire for 3D reliefs.
- CAMotics - Open-source three-axis G-code simulator that renders toolpaths and the resulting cut workpiece in 3D.
- NC Viewer - Free browser-based G-code viewer and machine simulator that processes files locally.
- FSWizard - Free online and mobile feeds and speeds calculator from Zero-Divide, the developer of HSMAdvisor.
- G-Wizard - Commercial feeds and speeds calculator from CNCCookbook for mills, routers and lathes, with a hobby Lite edition.
- HSMAdvisor - Commercial Windows feeds and speeds calculator with a tool database and cutting force estimates.
- 3axis.co - Free DXF, SVG, CDR and STL files for CNC routers, laser cutters and plasma tables.
- Bantam Tools CNC Projects - Free desktop-milling projects in aluminum, brass and PCB stock, with G-code and Fusion files under a CC BY-NC-SA license.
- Clickspring - Commercial and free metric PDF drawings for the clock parts and shop-made tools built in the Clickspring machining videos.
- CutRocket - Carbide 3D's free project-sharing site for Carbide Create, Vectric and Fusion projects, open to any machine.
- Design & Make - Commercial library of CNC-ready 2D and 3D relief clipart in V3M, STL and RLF formats for Vectric software.
- Easel Project Gallery - Community projects made in Easel that can be opened, customized and carved on your own machine.
- FireShare - Langmuir Systems' library of plasma, laser and MR-1 milling projects in DXF, STEP and Fusion formats; mostly free, some paid.
- Hemingway Kits - Commercial model-engineering and workshop-tool projects, such as the Quorn tool and cutter grinder, sold as kits or drawings.
- Home Model Engine Machinist Plans - Forum board where members share model engine plans, many free, for steam, IC and Stirling engines, often with CAD files.
- Little Machine Shop Projects - Free beginner machining plans, such as an oscillating engine, a knurling tool and vise clamps.
- Makerables - Makera's project-sharing platform with free CNC project files, filterable by machine.
- Tormach Project Library - Free machining projects with CAD and CAM files, G-code, materials lists and step-by-step directions, made for Tormach machines.
- Vectric Free Projects - Over 300 free CNC and laser projects with files, materials lists and step-by-step videos.
- 3Dfindit - Free CADENAS search engine for manufacturer-certified CAD models with shape and sketch search; successor to PARTcommunity.
- FreeCAD Parts Library - Community-maintained, CC BY-licensed parametric FreeCAD parts with STEP exports, including fasteners, bearings and profiles.
- GrabCAD Library - Millions of free CAD models shared by engineers, with STEP and native files for fixtures and machined parts.
- MakerWorld - Bambu Lab's model community, with many free printable jigs, fixtures, vise jaws and shop accessories.
- McMaster-Carr - Industrial supply catalog whose product pages offer free 2D and 3D CAD downloads of fasteners, clamps, dowel pins and other hardware.
- MISUMI inCAD Library - Free downloadable CAD assemblies of 200+ machine mechanisms such as clamps, indexing tables and positioning units.
- Printables - Prusa's model library, including many printable CNC jigs, fixtures, dust shoes and accessories.
- Thangs - Geometric search engine that finds 3D models across many sharing sites.
- Thingiverse - Large 3D model repository that also hosts CNC router designs, jigs and machine upgrades.
- TraceParts - Free library of supplier catalog parts in STEP, native CAD and 2D formats, with plugins for major CAD tools.
- Carbide 3D Getting Started with CNC - Free introductory course on CNC terminology, tooling, software and workflow.
- CNCCookbook Free CNC Training - Self-paced guides on G-code, feeds and speeds, CAD/CAM and CNC fundamentals.
- Haas Learning Resources - Hub for Haas Tip of the Day videos and training on CNC setup and programming.
- LinuxCNC G-code Reference - Detailed reference for RS274/NGC G-codes as implemented in LinuxCNC.
- Machinery's Handbook - Standard reference for mechanical engineering and machining, now in its 32nd edition.
- RepRap G-code Wiki - G-code and M-code reference across RepRap-family firmwares such as Marlin and RepRapFirmware.
- Titans of CNC Academy - Free CAD, CAM and CNC machining courses built around projects, with downloadable prints, models and setup sheets for each part.
- Abom79 - Job-shop machining and repair work from a third-generation machinist.
- Blondihacks - Hobby machine-shop projects, lathe work and beginner-friendly machining lessons.
- Carbide 3D - Tutorials and live shows on Shapeoko and Nomad machines, Carbide Create and Carbide Motion.
- Clough42 - Lathe, CNC and electronics projects, including the electronic leadscrew build series.
- Cutting Edge Engineering - Heavy machining, line boring and repair of mining and earthmoving components.
- Haas Automation - Official Haas channel with Tip of the Day lessons on CNC setup and programming.
- Inheritance Machining - Restoring a family machine shop and documenting detailed machining projects.
- NYC CNC - John Saunders' channel on Fusion CAD/CAM, CNC machining and running a machine shop.
- Sienci Labs - LongMill and AltMill tutorials, gSender guides and hobby CNC project videos.
- Stefan Gotteswinter - Precision manual and CNC machining, scraping and shop-made tooling.
- This Old Tony - Home-shop machining projects and tool builds explained with dry humor.
- Titans of CNC - Titan Gilroy's channel on production CNC machining, multi-axis work and free training.
- Winston Moy - Desktop CNC projects, Shapeoko builds and digital fabrication experiments.
- Carbide 3D Community - Forum for Shapeoko and Nomad owners and Carbide Create and Carbide Motion users.
- CNCArena - IndustryArena's manufacturing forum and the successor to CNCzone.
- The Hobby-Machinist - Forum for home-shop machinists with beginner sections and machine-specific boards.
- Langmuir Systems Forum - Owner forum for CrossFire plasma tables and the MR-1 mill.
- LinuxCNC Forum - Official user forum for LinuxCNC configuration, HAL, GUIs and machine builds.
- Maslow CNC Forums - Community forum for Maslow builds, calibration, firmware and projects.
- Onefinity CNC Forum - Owner forum for Onefinity machines, upgrades and MASSO controller questions.
- Practical Machinist - Large forum for professional machinists covering CNC, CAM, tooling and shop management.
- r/CNC - Subreddit for CNC machining discussion across hobby and industrial machines.
- r/hobbycnc - Subreddit for hobby CNC routers, mills and lasers.
- r/Machinists - Subreddit for manual and CNC machinists, programmers and apprentices.
- Sienci Community Forum - Forum for LongMill, AltMill and gSender users.
- V1 Engineering Forum - Community forum for LowRider and MPCNC builds, troubleshooting and projects.
- Awesome 3D Printing - Printers, slicers, CAD and resources for 3D printing.
- Awesome Electronics - Resources for electronic engineers and hobbyists.
- Awesome Makera - Resources for Makera desktop CNC machines, including the Carvera, Carvera Air and Z1.
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