3020 vs 4040 Cnc Router: Which One Should You Buy?

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3020 vs 4040 cnc router: what the four listings state

The four machines are the Twotrees TTC3018 Pro, the Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2, the Genmitsu 3030-PROVer Ultra, and the RATTMMOTOR CNC-3018-PRO MAX. Three listings state a working area: the Twotrees at 300x180x40mm, the Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 at 11.8 by 8.1 by 3.1 inches, and the RATTMMOTOR at 300x180x45mm. The Genmitsu 3030-PROVer Ultra states no working area. The only 4040 figure anywhere in the data is the Genmitsu 3020’s 4040 Y-axis profile, a frame detail, not a machine class.

Spindle specs differ. The Twotrees includes a 775 spindle motor rated 7000 to 9000 RPM, with a 9000 rpm maximum rotational speed in its spec table. The Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 lists 12000 rpm maximum and Toshiba TB6S109 drivers. The Genmitsu 3030-PROVer Ultra lists a 710W digital spindle, which the listing calls 2.4 times stronger than old 300W spindles. The RATTMMOTOR lists a 775 spindle motor at 12 to 24V with 10000 r/min at 24V, and a control board that supports spindles up to 20000 RPM; its spec table also lists 20000 rpm as the maximum rotational speed. For spindle context, see our spindle vs router for CNC comparison.

Footprint, weight and what ships with the machine

The Twotrees states a 420x355x280mm footprint at 15 pounds, with 10 standard cutters and an ER11 collet spanning 0.5 to 7mm included. The RATTMMOTOR lists its frame as 42x35x27CM with the 16.53 by 13.78 by 10.63 inch figures alongside. The Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 states an item weight of 14.86 kg, a one-piece aluminum spoilboard with measurement scale, and a pre-assembled XZ gantry. The Genmitsu 3030-PROVer Ultra states 23 kg with dust-protected X and Y axes and hidden cables.

Gear: four 30xx-class routers, ranked

Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2

The most complete listing here: working area 11.8 by 8.1 by 3.1 inches, a 4040 Y-axis profile, dual steel X-axis guide rail, Toshiba TB6S109 drivers and 12000 rpm maximum. The listing names an offline controller, 6 XYZ axis limit switches, emergency stop switches, a photoelectric Z-probe, a 3-pin laser port, an air assistance pump port and an MPG port. Stated for Metal, Wood, Acrylic, PCB and MDF. It ranks first on breadth of stated specs with no internal contradictions.

Genmitsu 3030-PROVer Ultra

A 710W digital spindle machine with stated plus or minus 0.03mm precision, HG15 dual linear rails and 1204 ball screws on every axis, 230 volts and 23 kg. The listing names the Genmitsu app plus Candle, UGS and Easel compatibility, ships as 2 pre-assembled modules with 80 percent less assembly claimed, and a large side-mounted emergency stop. It ranks second on stated build specs, but the listing states no working area, so check the listing before buying for a sized project.

Twotrees TTC3018 Pro

A 3018-class kit with a stated 300x180x40mm working area, 420x355x280mm footprint, 15 pounds, 0.1mm positioning accuracy and a 775 spindle motor rated 7000 to 9000 RPM. The listing includes 10 standard cutters and an ER11 collet spanning 0.5 to 7mm, and states a 32 GRBL control board with USB wired connection only: no TF card slot, no Bluetooth, no WiFi. Stated for Wood, Acrylic, MDF and Nylon, with aluminum and brass sheet processing supported. Compatible with GRBL, ArtCam, Fusion360 and Windows or Mac OS.

RATTMMOTOR CNC-3018-PRO MAX

A 3018-class kit whose title states a 300x180x45mm working area, but whose bullets list 18x10x4.5CM alongside 11.8 by 7.1 by 1.8 in, and the inch figures match the title. Trust the title: 300x180x45mm. The listing states a 775 spindle motor at 12 to 24V, 10000 r/min at 24V, a GRBL 1.1 control board with emergency stop and limit-switch support, and states no warranty term. It ranks last on the strength of the working-area contradiction.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

Can a 3018-class router cut aluminum?

Per the listings: the Twotrees supports aluminum and brass sheet processing, the RATTMMOTOR states soft metals like copper and aluminum, and the Genmitsu 3020 is stated for Metal. The RATTMMOTOR adds that harder materials such as glass, hard metal and jade cannot be engraved. Match the machine to the material the listing states.

What spindle speeds do the listings state?

The Twotrees states 7000 to 9000 RPM, the Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 states 12000 rpm maximum, and the RATTMMOTOR states 10000 r/min at 24V with board support up to 20000 RPM. The Genmitsu 3030-PROVer Ultra states 710W instead of an RPM figure.

Do any of these machines list safety features?

The Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 lists 6 XYZ axis limit switches, emergency stop switches and a photoelectric Z-probe. The Genmitsu 3030-PROVer Ultra lists a large side-mounted emergency stop. The RATTMMOTOR lists a control board with emergency stop and limit-switch support. The Twotrees states no safety features.

What software do the listings mention?

The Twotrees states GRBL, ArtCam and Fusion360 on Windows or Mac OS. The Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 states Grbl V1.1. The Genmitsu 3030-PROVer Ultra states the Genmitsu app plus Candle, UGS and Easel. The RATTMMOTOR states a GRBL 1.1 control board.

Which bits should I get for a 3018?

The Twotrees listing includes 10 standard cutters; for the others, the best CNC bits for 3018 CNC guide compares bit options. Match the bit to the material and operation the listing states.

Related: the best stepper driver for CNC guide covers the electronics side of a CNC build.