SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Machines: Under $1000

James Dean Designs
July 28, 2025
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When you’re looking to get your hands dirty with CNC without breaking the bank, the under-$1000 category is where most hobbyists start. These machines are fantastic entry points, offering a taste of what CNC can do without a massive financial commitment. There is also a part 2 taking a look at machine over $1000 here.

What CNC machine is best for you?

Below is a comparison chart with all the key details comparing the CNC machines followed by some additional commentary to help make your decision.

Feature	Genmitsu CNC Router 3018-PRO	Genmitsu CNC 3018-PROVer V2	Genmitsu 4040-RENO	Genmitsu 4040-PRO	Genmitsu 4040-PRO MAX	Genmitsu PROVerXL 4030
Photo / Description
Work Area (Inches)	11.8″ x 7.1″ x 1.8″	11.4″ x 7.1″ x 1.6″	15.75″ x 15.75″ x 3.0″	15.75″ x 15.75″ x 3.07″	15.75″ x 15.75″ x 3.07″	15.75″ x 11.81″ x 4.33″
Work Area (Millimeters)	300 x 180 x 45mm	290 x 180 x 40mm	400 x 400 x 76mm	400 x 400 x 78mm	400 x 400 x 78mm	400 x 300 x 110mm
Overall Size (Inches)	Approx. 15.75″ x 11.8″ x 9.4″	Approx. 16.5″ x 11.4″ x 13.8″	Approx. 26.85″ x 24.41″ x 13.50″	Approx. 25.6″ x 26.6″ x 12.8″	Approx. 26.98″ x 26.22″ x 15.35″	Approx. 30.6″ x 25.2″ x 22.8″
Overall Size (Millimeters)	Approx. 400 x 300 x 240mm	Approx. 420 x 290 x 350mm	Approx. 682 x 620 x 343mm	Approx. 650 x 675 x 325mm	Approx. 660 x 666 x 390mm	Approx. 776 x 641 x 580mm
Drive Mechanism	Lead screws (all axes)	Lead screws (all axes)	Belt (X, Y) + Lead Screw (Z)	Lead Screws (X & Y: ACME T10; Z: ACME T8)	Lead Screws (Y-axis), Linear Optical Axis Rail (X-axis), Linear Guide Rail (Z-axis)	ACME Leadscrew (T10), Y-axis Dual screw drive
Drive Frame	Steel tubes and bearings	Steel tubes and bearings	Extrusion and V wheels	15mm Steel tubes and bearings	Y = 15mm Steel tubes and bearings X and Z are linear rails	C Beam extrusion and V wheels
Spindle Power	Typically 75w DC motor	75w DC (upgradable, also supports 300W/500W upgrades)	75w DC, 24V, 9000 RPM (upgradable to 65mm router)	300w DC, 24V, 9000 RPM (upgradable to 65mm router)	710W Compact Router (65mm mount)	300W DC, 12,000 RPM (supports DeWalt DWP611 upgrade)
Stepper Motor Size	NEMA 17 (42mm)	NEMA 17 (42mm)	NEMA 17 (1.68A, 0.45Nm torque)	NEMA 17 (1.68A, 0.45Nm torque)	NEMA 17 (1.68A, 0.45Nm torque)	NEMA 23 57mm, Open-loop
Top Speed	1500 mm/min (default)	2000 mm/min (default)	2000 mm/min (default)	2000 mm/min (default)	2000 mm/min (default)	2000 mm/min (default)
Extension kits	Yes to a 300×360	Yes to a 300×360	Yes to a 400 x 800	Yes to a 600 x600	Yes to a 600 x 600	Yes to a 600 x 600
Estimated Price (USD)	$199	$270	$450	$600	$900	$950

The Entry-Level machines: 3018-PRO & 3018-PROVer V2 At the very bottom of the price spectrum, we have the venerable Genmitsu 3018-PRO and its slightly more refined sibling, the 3018-PROVer V2. Think of these as your gateway into the world of CNC routering. With work areas around 11-12 inches by 7 inches, they’re perfectly suited for smaller projects, engraving, and light carving. The 3018-PRO is a classic DIY kit, requiring a bit more assembly, using a mix of aluminum and plastic for its Z-axis. It runs on lead screws for all axes, giving you decent precision for its price.

The 3018-PROVer V2 steps things up a notch with more pre-assembled components, an all-aluminum frame for better rigidity, and a more robust 32-bit control board. Both typically come with a 75W DC motor, which is adequate for softer materials like wood, plastics, and acrylics. You can even dabble in light aluminum engraving if you’re patient and take shallow passes. For anyone looking to learn the ropes, these machines offer incredible value and a vast online community for support and upgrades.

Stepping Up the Mid-Range: 4040-RENO, 4040-PRO, & 4040-PRO MAX

Moving slightly up the scale, but still comfortably under the $1000 mark, we encounter the 4040 series. These machines offer a significantly larger work area (around 15.75″ x 15.75″) compared to the 3018s, which opens up more possibilities for medium-sized projects.

The Genmitsu 4040-RENO defining feature is its belt-driven X and Y axes. What does this mean for you? It’s generally faster for rapid movements and excels at light woodworking and laser engraving (especially when paired with an optional laser module). Belts are also simpler and contribute to its more budget-friendly price point. If speed for lighter materials is your game, the Reno is a strong choice. However, keep in mind that belts can introduce a tiny bit of stretch, potentially affecting ultimate precision on very hard materials or heavy cuts.

Then there’s the Genmitsu 4040-PRO. This machine goes with a full lead screw drive system across all axes, providing a more direct and rigid connection for better accuracy and holding power compared to the belt-driven Reno. It’s an all-metal frame, making it a very solid option for hobbyists who want more consistent results and might tackle slightly more demanding projects in wood, plastics, and even softer metals.

And finally, the Genmitsu 4040-PRO MAX is essentially the 4040-PRO but on steroids. It boasts enhanced linear guide rails on its X and Z axes for superior rigidity and precision, coupled with a powerful 710W compact router right out of the box. This means you get increased Z-axis clearance and a much more capable spindle for deeper, faster cuts in a wider range of materials, including harder woods and more confident aluminum milling. If you’re serious about your hobby and want the best performance under $1000, the 4040-PRO MAX is designed to deliver.

The Genmitsu PROVerXL 4030 marks a significant leap with power and strength. Its larger work area (15.75″ x 11.81″) and a robust C-Beam structure, it functions with linear rail-like precision. It’s powered by NEMA 23 stepper motors, which offer more torque than the NEMA 17s found in the smaller machines, and comes with a 300W spindle but can be upgraded to a 69mm Dewalt router. This machine is a solid workhorse, capable of handling a variety of materials more efficiently and with greater stability. It’s a great stepping stone for those transitioning from smaller desktop machines to more capable setups.

If your budget can stretch a little further, there is the newer version of this machine which is the PROVerXL 4030 V2 with some significant upgrades.