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Adoric 0-6″ Digital Caliper Review

April 10, 2022April 10, 2022 by Brandon Fowler

Features

These digital calipers from Adoric feature your typical caliper measuring range of 0-6” or 0-150mm.

They have a claimed accuracy of +/- .010” or +/- 0.2mm. I tested this claim by measuring various gauge block sizes over their measuring range. I repeated this for inside, outside and depth measurements. In all measurements, the tool met its claimed accuracy.

Still, their accuracy isn’t great when compared to many other calipers but at the same time their cost reflects it. When you are buying a set of calipers in the neighborhood of ten bucks you can’t expect a lot.

For instance the packaging:

It screams kids toy more than it does precision measuring tool.

In fact, the packaging is so generic that the only mention of Adoric on it is on a sticker slapped on the backside. I’m pretty sure this means there are carbon copies of this same caliper being put out by other companies.

Carbon fiber copies might be more appropriate because that is what these calipers from Adoric are made of. They definitely don’t feel as rugged as metal calipers, but they don’t feel flimsy either.

The carbon fiber construction does have some benefits. Firstly, they are non magnetic which means measuring magnetic materials will be much simpler than with standard stainless steel calipers. It also means that these calipers are less likely to scrape or scratch your workpiece during measurement.

The nicest benefit of being made from carbon fiber is that they are extremely lightweight. I really thought these were going to be a cheapo tool, but the caliper has enough weight to make it feel strong while still being light enough to make it very easy to use one-handed and maneuver for all kinds of measurements.

Similar to most calipers, these Adoric digital calipers are capable of taking inside, outside, step and depth measurements.

These measurements can be taken in inch or metric readings. Unfortunately there is no fractional mode which in my opinion would be a nice addition considering their accuracy. A fractional mode that read to 1/64″ or 1/32″ would probably have worked well more many people.

Units are easily switched with the inch/mm button on the face of the caliper. A simple selection of buttons surround the easy to read display. Besides the inch/mm units button there is also an off/on and zero button.

Battery life is decent thanks to the tool’s ability to turn off automatically. When not in use, the caliper turns itself off after about 4.5 minutes.

The caliper also turns on automatically when it senses movement. So why even have an On/Off button? Use it or not, it’s there.

The Adoric caliper comes with an LR44 button cell battery already installed and a spare in the package.

One last note about the battery is that it is easily changed, possibly too easily. Many people have noted the battery cover accidentally coming off during use. I had not issues with the set I ordered for this review.

There is no ability to lock the caliper during measurement as seen on many other calipers. Additionally there is no protective case provided which is unfortunate but at this price point you can’t expect many extras.

Verdict

A nice alternative to your standard tape measure for shorter measurements. These calipers are a great tool for homeowners to take precise measurements.

Their accuracy is lacking but for many applications such as working with crafts or 3d printing, they will be sufficient. The most important thing will to know what type of tolerances you need to hold. Higher quality calipers will be usually be accurate to +/- 0.001″.

If you require more accuracy, but are on a tight budget check out the Neiko 01407A 0-6″ digital calipers. They make a decent alternative.

All-in-all for the price, these Adoric digital calipers are great to throw in a junk drawer or garage toolbox to keep handy for a quick and easy measurement.

For more information check out these related articles:

Mitutoyo 500-196-30 0-6″ Digital Caliper Review

March 28, 2022March 27, 2022 by Brandon Fowler

Features

Mitutoyo’s 500-196-30 0-6” digital caliper is a true quality measuring tool. Made in Japan, they have a measuring range of 0-6” or 0-150mm. These calipers are made of stainless steel and have a resolution of .0005” or .01mm.

They are advertised as having an accuracy of +/- .001” or .025mm. In my experience they are closer to +/- .0005”. This is a nice contrast to some of the cheaper alternatives that claim a better accuracy than they actually possess.

If you do require calibration documentation, you will most likely be performing the operation in house or through your normal calibration vendor. Long story short, if your using them for personal use then skip the extra cost and just check your zero when you go to use them.

They already come with an inspection certificate from Mitutoyo anyways.

Note: These calipers can be purchased with a calibration certificate if desired. Most people will get no added benefit from the extra calibration.

They already come with an inspection certificate from Mitutoyo anyways.

This 0-6” caliper is capable of taking inside, outside, step and depth measurements like many others. It has a large easy to read display. Buttons for on/off, zero/abs, in/mm and origin are present on the face. Units can be switched from inch to metric in an instant.

Unfortunately there is no option for fractional units but most will find their application doesn’t require them. The zero position can be changed making comparison measurements easier.

Battery life is very good with this model. Mitutoyo claims a 3.5 year battery life with normal use. That sounds too good to be true. In reality the battery lasts a very long time.

The calipers come with a battery and if needed the battery is easily changed with no tools required. The battery cover simply slides off.

One thing of note is that these calipers don’t turn off automatically like other models so make sure to hit the off button when you’re finished. A final note related to the battery is that these calipers feature a low battery indicator to let you know when it is time for a change.

Unlike many other digital calipers, these ones are resistant to dirt, oil and water. Mitutoyo claims they are coolant proof. I wouldn’t recommend submerging them in anything but a light splash shouldn’t hurt anything. They come with a nice plastic case which protects them while not in use.

Verdict

I can’t say enough good about them. The Mitutoyo 0-6” digital caliper is a step above most of their competitors.

Amazing accuracy, excellent battery life and resistance to contamination that might affect your measuring tool makes for a reliable, dependable measuring tool. They are perfect for reloading, engine work or every day use in a machine shop and will easily stand up to all of your measurement needs.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Mitutoyo tools made?

Mitutoyo are manufactured in Japan and rival the quality of many American made tools.

How long is the Mitutoyo warranty?

The warranty on these calipers is one year. If you register your tool with Mitutoyo you can extend this to a total of three years. Definitely something worth doing.

What type of battery does the Mitutoyo caliper use?

The Mitutoyo 500-196-30 digital caliper and many others by Mitutoyo use an SR44 battery. A 357 battery is the equivalent by various other manufacturers and can be used also.

How to reset the Mitutoyo digital caliper

If your caliper is ever flashing or needs to be reset because of something such as a dead battery, follow these simple steps.

First close the jaws so they are in the zero position. Now hold the origin button. This will reset the display. Verify your instrument is working by checking against a known standard such as a gage block.

How to calibrate Mitutoyo calipers

To learn how to calibrate your Mitutoyo caliper, follow the calibration instructions in our Beginner’s Guide to Calipers.

What does the error code on my Mitutoyo caliper mean?

Check out this thread for a great rundown of all the error codes you might run into using Mitutoyo digital calipers. I have never used a set that has thrown a code other than one for the battery but just in case.

For more information check out these related articles:

Best Beginner CNC Machines and Routers

March 8, 2022March 7, 2022 by Brandon Fowler

Whether you want to learn a new skill, work on a pet project, or start a small business there is a CNC machine or router for you. CNCs, which are generally thought of as being ridiculously expensive don’t have to be.

These beginner machines prove the assumption wrong. While you won’t be able to cut a giant chuck of hardened steel with them, they will cut through wood, plastic and other soft materials like butter. With the right machine and some tweaking you might even cut aluminum.

All of the CNC machines listed below are excellent machines. However, it is important to take note of some of features such as the work area of the machine. Feel free to skip to the end of this article to see our comprehensive list of things to consider when looking for your first CNC machine or router.

Budgets vary, but all of these machines should be considered affordable, entry level CNC machines that are extremely capable.

Now, let’s get to the meat and potatoes and find out which machines top our list.

Name	Awards	Work Area	Where to Buy
BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router Kit	Best Overall CNC, Best for Woodworking & Carving	24"x24"x3.3"	Check Price
SainSmart Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO	Best Budget CNC, Best CNC for Beginners	11.8"x7.0"x1.7"	Check Price
SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PROVer	Best Mini CNC, Best CNC under $1,000	11.8"x7.0"x1.7"	Check Price
MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018-PRO	Best Beginner CNC Router and Laser Engraver Combo	11.8"x7.0"x1.7"	Check Price

BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC Router Kit

Materials it will cut: Wood, plastic, soft aluminum, acrylic, PCB, leather, others possible with experimentation

Work area: 24” x 24” x 3.3” = 610 mm x 610 mm x 85 mm

Warranty: 60 Days

BobsCNC makes machines that are a pretty big step above other entry level CNC machines. Bobs makes machines that are aimed at users that want to machine wood, plastic and other soft materials. CNC wood routing is their specialty.

Size matters and the work area of the Evolution 4 (E4) is two to three times larger than other machines. This makes a huge difference in what you can make.

Many people use the E4 for making CNC routed signs or art. BobsCNC even has some “unofficial” plans that allow you to expand the machine even more. The work area can be expanded to 24”x48”x3”.

One downfall is that the E4 is not designed to be used with a laser. The company claims this is for safety reasons and honestly it makes a lot of sense. Lasers can be very dangerous.

Many of the beginner level laser engravers have a small work area. This makes it easier to build an enclosure for protection. The E4 is a much larger machine.

A key difference of the E4 when compared to other starter CNCs is that the setup is more involved.

While other machines often arrive mostly assembled, this is not the case with machines from BobsCNC. You will need to assemble everything yourself. It will likely take a day or two but you will develop a good understanding of the machine itself doing it.

Luckily, the included instructions are detailed and thorough. If there are any questions, there are plenty of good resources on YouTube and in Facebook groups.

Speaking of questions, if you have any issues BobsCNC has top notch support. Like ridiculously good support. By all accounts they are extremely fast to respond. It is not unheard of for Bob himself to respond and help to troubleshoot any issues by phone or email outside of normal working hours.

A couple things to know about the E4:

It’s louder than most entry level machines. The router/spindle is a real power tool, so it makes quite a bit of noise.

It’s messy. The E4 is capable of cutting a lot more than other entry level machines. This means it generates substantially more dust as a result. Think about getting a dust shoe and dust collection system to keep things tidy.

Overall, the Evolution 4 from BobsCNC is an extremely well designed and built product. It does exactly what it is meant to do, which is CNC routing of wood and other soft materials. Some light metal work might be possible but realize this is still a starter tool.

In the end, I think a picture is worth a thousand words so check out the gallery on BobsCNC to get an idea of the types of projects you can make.

SainSmart Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO

Materials it will cut: Wood, plastic, soft aluminum, acrylic, PCB, leather, others possible with experimentation

Work area: 30 cm x 18 cm x 4.5 cm = 300 mm x 180 mm x 45 mm = 11.8” x 7.0” x 1.7”

Warranty: 1 Year

The 3018 Pro is a great starter CNC machine. Primarily meant to be used for engraving, it is extremely well built for such a budget friendly machine.

The 3018 Pro will easily cut softer materials such as plastic and wood. Metals are a little more of a challenge.

Aluminum can be cut but it will require playing with the speeds and feeds to find something that works for your machine and cutting tools. Other soft metals may be possible but expect to experiment quite a bit.

This is a nicely built machine. The frame is rigid and assembly is easy.

The 3018 Pro can easily be switched to a laser engraver by purchasing a laser unit and swapping it in place of the router/spindle. The swap only takes 2-3 minutes on the machine.

The Genmitsu 3018 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone who is just starting out with CNC.

The one big downfall of the 3018 Pro is the work area. You simply won’t be able to work on large projects.

The manufacturer’s support and communities such as the dedicated Facebook group are a huge help to those trying to learn CNC. Because these 3018 CNCs are so common, chances are that any question you have has already been answered.

The Genmitsu 3018 Pro is a quality, versatile machine for beginner level CNC machining, routing and laser engraving.

SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PROVer

Materials it will cut: Wood, plastic, soft aluminum, acrylic, PCB, leather, others possible with experimentation

Work area: 30 cm x 18 cm x 4.5 cm = 300 mm x 180 mm x 45 mm = 11.8” x 7.0” x 1.7”

Warranty: 1 Year

Essentially the Genmitsu 3018-PROVer is the same as the Genmitsu 3018 with the exception that it comes with almost all of the upgrades that people normally add on to their machine.

Let’s get to the upgrades.

One area which is nicely improved is the body of the 3018-PROVer. It is now all aluminum. This improves the rigidity of the machine which increases cutting performance.

The drivers have been upgraded too. They are more powerful while also being much quieter. This is a nice change for anyone who might be operating the machine in close proximity to their neighbors.

Limit switches have been added which help to keep your machine from crashing. While these are a great addition, it should be noted that they actually decrease the work area by a small amount. Not a huge concern but plan on losing a little travel.

The biggest change is the addition of an offline controller display and emergency stop button. The emergency stop or e-stop button is a welcome addition.

The machine will crash. It’s inevitable. Being able to hit a big red stop button is fairly important. Emergency stop buttons are standard on anything bigger than an absolute beginner model and for good reason.

The offline controller allows you to run the machine without having a computer attached. For a good rundown of the offline controller check out this guide from the manufacturer.

The added side enclosures on the machine are just OK. They won’t contain all the noise or dust but they help a little. Not a big change over the other Genmitsu 3018 models. They feel kinda pointless because when it comes to dust, you need to go all out and get a full enclosure or just deal with the mess.

The last upgrade is the addition of a z-axis tool setting touch probe. This allows you to set the location of your part without messing with sheets of paper or something similar.

Place the probe on the workpiece and connect the clip to your cutting tool. Lower the tool until it touches the probe. The machine will automatically set the height of your workpiece and you are ready to cut.

The Genmitsu 3018-PROVer is an excellent all-around CNC for the beginner. It combines the already stellar 3018-PRO CNC machine with the most common and beneficial upgrades to make setup and use easy.

MYSWEETY DIY CNC 3018-PRO

Materials it will cut: Wood, plastic, soft aluminum, acrylic, PCB, leather, others possible with experimentation

Work area: 30 cm x 18 cm x 4.5 cm = 300 mm x 180 mm x 45 mm = 11.8” x 7.0” x 1.7”

Warranty: 90 Days

The MYSWEETY CNC 3018-PRO is a great starter CNC machine especially for those looking to get into laser engraving. Overall the build is very similar to other 3018 model CNC machines. What sets it apart is the included laser.

The MYSWEETY comes in 3 different versions:

Large = 3 watt laser
Extra Large = 5 watt laser
Full Size = 7 watt laser

It’s an odd naming structure but I guess with a name like MYSWEETY maybe that should be expected.

The machine comes in need of full assembly. The included instructions leave something to be desired, so seek out some YouTube videos to help you along. Assembly should take about an hour, possibly a little longer to watch instructional videos.

The build is sturdy and most of the components are aluminum. Let’s talk about the included laser.

The lasers available are passable. Don’t expect to do much cutting with them. They are primarily for engraving. Remember these are beginner machines and whether you are CNC routing or laser engraving, they often end up lacking somewhat in the power department.

That being said, the included blue laser is capable of cutting smaller pieces of wood such as 1/8” balsa wood. It might just take some experimenting to get right.

A frequent complaint about the laser module is that the focus lens fits rather loosely. This makes it too easy to turn accidently. A little bit of Teflon tape on the threads will go a long way towards remedying the problem. This will keep your laser focused where it needs to be on the workpiece. A correctly focused laser will increase its performance.

Also included in the package is a set of laser safety glasses. Read the instructions and make sure to use these when operating the laser. Lasers can be quite dangerous. Safety first! You don’t want to put an eye out with this thing.

An offline controller comes as part of the package. This is a welcome addition for those who don’t want to dedicate a computer to the use of their CNC machine.

The software that comes with the MYSWEETY CNC-3018 PRO is a mixed bag. Laser engraving works very well and in most cases the machine can be setup and engraving in no time.

It is enough to get you started but if you want to get serious with laser engraving then you will want to pick up a copy of Lightburn sooner rather than later. It is reasonably priced and works extremely well.

Unfortunately, the software for the milling aspect isn’t quite as user friendly as the included laser software. Expect to take a little time to learn some of the intricacies of the program before you get you used to it. Or jump straight to one of the other software packages out there. Easel by Inventables can be a good starter software to make your first projects more simple to get going.

All in all, the MYSWEETY CNC-3018 PRO is a good beginner laser/mill combo for someone who is looking to get their feet wet in CNC routing and laser engraving. The build is in line with other entry level machines such as the Gemnitsu. It comes with a nice set of extras and makes an excellent learning tool. Small scale laser engraving is this machines specialty.

Conclusion

BobsCNC Evolution 4 Router Kit is the clear winner with a much larger work area and improved cutting performance when compared to other beginner CNC machines.

The other CNC routers listed, such as the Genmitsus and MYSWEETY, can do most of the same tasks just on a much smaller scale. However, they do it at a budget friendly price.

The MYSWEETY machine makes a nice compromise between CNC routing and laser engraving if you aren’t sure which way you want to go yet and would like to try both out before stepping up to a more capable machine once you know which you like more.

Keep this in mind and check out the list of things to consider that follows to help you get started and if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.

Things to consider

Safety

While some of these entry level machines can be “cute”, don’t let them fool you. These are powerful tools that are capable of causing serious damage. Treat them like the dangerous power tools that they are.

Read your instructions.

Wear property safety equipment including eye and ear protection.

Be careful and if you aren’t sure about something, don’t be afraid to reach out to the manufacturers or other learning resources to make sure you are being safe.

Size of work area

The size of the work area is very important part of a CNC machine. Many hobbyist machines do not have a large envelope that they are capable of cutting, routing or engraving in.

The Z axis (up and down) is always the axis with the least amount of travel. This will determine how thick of a work piece you are able to cut. Keep in mind that this will be further reduced by your tooling. If you have a long end mill or router bit that you are using, then it will shorten the thickness of the part which you are able to cut.

Please note that the physical dimensions of the CNC are not the same as the work area.

For example, the Genmitsu CNC 3018-PRO has a physical size of 15.7” x 13.0” x 9.4”. The work area is only 11.8” x 7.1” x 1.8”. Clearly there is a significant difference between the two. So make sure that you know the two specs are different and how they relate to what you can cut and where you can physically place your machine.

Speeds and feeds

Speeds and feeds can be a fairly complicated subject but here are some resources to get you started:

Speeds and feeds calculator

As you work with more difficult materials such as metals, you will find that the window of speeds and feeds that will work will shrinks up drastically.

If you are sticking with soft stuff like wood or plastic, then your window for success will be more open and forgiving. For this reason, wood is a great material to practice with when you are first getting acquainted with your CNC.

CNC routers vs spindles

When it comes to beginner level CNC machines, the terms router and spindle are used almost interchangeably. Some machines, such as the ones from BobsCNC, use an actual router like you would buy at a hardware store. Others use spindles.

Practically, they are both simply motors that have a collet or chuck to hold a cutting tool such as a router bit or end mill. For the beginner level machines, an actual router such as one from Dewalt or Makita will be more powerful than the spindle included in similar machines.

Tooling

Tooling is your cutters. This includes router bits and end mills of all shapes and sizes. The right cutter will make all the difference when machining. Cutters can be purchased for many different types of materials.

Many CNC machines will come with some type of cutter right out of the box. They aren’t usually great. They will get you started however and as you gain experience you can look into adding additional tooling for your application.

The most important bits for getting started with you CNC are end mills (both flat bottom and ball nose), v bits and a surfacing bit. These are the first ones you will want to get and the first ones you will want to upgrade down the road. For a full guide check out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to CNC Router Bits.

Customer service

Pay attention to the level of customer service that the manufacturer provides. While the machines are not overly complex, they can pose some challenges for someone just starting.

Look for companies that are quick to reply and don’t be afraid to check their website for tutorials or additional information. While some of the foreign made machines might not have the best phone support, they often have support groups and communities that do an excellent job of helping you with any issues.

Software

There is a large variety of software that gets used on these machines. Covering them all would be a giant topic by itself. To get you started here is a quick rundown:

CAD or computer aided drafting is software that will allow you to create models to machine or engrave. This is only a drawing and needs further processing before your machine will know what to do with it. The most commonly used CAD software are Fusion 360 and Tinkercad
CAM or computer aided manufacturing is the software that takes your model and turns it into code that your CNC will understand. If you are familiar with 3D printers, CAM software is similar to slicing software. The most common CAM software are Fusion 360, CamBam, SheetCam and MeshCam.

A good starting point is to look into Fusion 360. It has an enormous number of tutorials on YouTube. You are likely to find help for any issue you run into and there are many guided courses on use of the software.

For more information check out these related articles:

Best Digital Calipers for the Money

June 12, 2022January 8, 2022 by Brandon Fowler

Precise projects call for precise tools. When measuring, often that tool is a quality set of digital calipers.

And when we’re talking about CNC machining, we’re talking fractions of inches, not yards.

Unfortunately, tools capable of ultra-accurate readings can run away in price, while the measurements given by cheaper models can be so far off that the tool itself is useless.

Fortunately for you, we’ve gone on the hunt and found the best value digital calipers on the market.

Name	Awards	Where to Buy
Starrett 798A-6 0-6" Digital Caliper	Best Digital Caliper < $200	Check Price
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 0-6" Digital Caliper	Best Digital Caliper < $150	Check Price
iGaging Absolute Origin 0-6" Digital Caliper	Best Digital Caliper < $50	Check Price
VINCA DCLA-0605 0-6" Digital Caliper	Best Digital Caliper < $25	Check Price

Best digital caliper under $200

Starrett 798A-6 0-6" Digital Caliper

Admittedly, this caliper from Starrett is not going to be for everybody. Mostly because it comes with a hefty price, but if you have the extra cash lying around, the 798A-6 is absolutely worth the money.

Starrett has been making tools of all types for decades and the level of quality they have been able to hold over that time is remarkable. While they have been able to produce heirloom quality tools for a variety of uses, their measuring tools stand out as easily some of the best stuff on the market.

Starrett micrometers have long been the gold standard of precision and their digital calipers are very much up to the task as well.

The 798A-6 has an accuracy of 0.001″, or 0.254 mm and a resolution 0.0005″ or 0.010 mm. More importantly, this isn’t a spec pulled out of left field somewhere. These calipers easily meet the specified accuracy. In fact, we have found that many exceed the listed accuracy and are accurate to 0.0005”. They don’t spec it, so there is no guarantee but likely you will find them more accurate than they claim.

In addition, this set of calipers holds its zero extremely well so you won’t find yourself resetting them often like you might with a budget tool.

The 798A-6 is made of high-quality stainless steel. The parts that are not stainless steel such as the LCD display feel well made as well. No cheap thin plastic here.

Speaking of the display, it is large and easy to read. A nice feature of the display is that it comes with a limited number of buttons to fiddle with. A button to switch from inches to millimeters and another to turn the unit off and on are the only two buttons present. The on/off button can be held to zero the caliper at any location for taking measurements relative to a standard. Keep it simple.

One feature that is so-so is the battery life. It is listed as one year which is good but not as long as some other high-end calipers such as the Mitutoyo 500-196-30 which lists a three-year battery life.

The battery life of this Starrett caliper is likely hampered by the auto off feature which takes 30 minutes to kick in. Something closer to 5 minutes would likely have been more than sufficient and kept the juice flowing longer. Making sure to turn the tool off after each use can help increase the life of your batteries.

Still, this battery life is very good and stacks up well above what you find with cheaper digital calipers, but it is one of the few areas where the 798A-6 isn’t the cream of the crop.

While they are noticeably well built, the included case is a welcome addition that will work to keep your caliper safe when it’s not in use. Way too often has a set of calipers been bumped off a bench only to hit a hard concrete floor. Stashing your prized calipers away when not in use will add an additional layer of protection.

The main reason for the high price tag of these calipers is the tools protection from the elements. In the electronics industry, there is a rating called an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which measures the amount of resistance a device has to dirt, water, and other contaminants that can mess with the device.

The Starrett 798A-6 digital caliper has an IP rating of 67. When reviewing other digital caliper models, you will find that most have no IP rating (no protection from water, coolant, dirt, etc.). The majority of digital calipers that are IP rated will have an IP rating of 54. We won’t get too far into the details here but be aware this is a large jump in protection even when compared to the IP54 rated calipers. If you want more info about IP ratings, jump to the IP Rating section of our Things to Consider list below.

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about accuracy. This is the main reason you need a digital caliper after all. This caliper from Starrett, like many others they make, is extremely accurate. Additionally, it holds its zero very well which means you won’t be constantly resetting it to maintain that accuracy.

To sum it up, you’re going to have to pay a pretty penny for this caliper, but due to its build quality, IP67 rating and most importantly, the excellent accuracy, it’ll likely be the last caliper you ever need.

Best digital caliper under $150

Mitutoyo 500-196-30 0-6" Digital Caliper

You may recall another article we wrote where we ranked this Mitutoyo as the best overall digital caliper on the market. Our opinion has not changed. While this caliper is on the pricier end, it’s cheaper than the Starrett yet still incredibly accurate and durable. We really think it’s worth the money, and that’s not the fumes from the wood finish talking. We mean it.

The 500-196-30 caliper is made of stainless steel and has an accuracy of 0.001”, or 0.254mm and a resolution of .0005” or .01mm. The accuracy is what is important here and this caliper is right in line with the best of the best when it comes to accuracy. Similar to the Starrett 798A-6, the accuracy that Mitutoyo is able to provide will exceed what they have specified the accuracy to.

Again, they aren’t guaranteeing this level of accuracy but it really goes to show the level of quality found in these calipers.

We also appreciate how well-marked this caliper is. The scale and large display are very easy to read and there’s no mistaking the on/off, zero/abs, or in/mm buttons.

Something that could be easily overlooked is just how fast the caliper is. The display updates very quickly when taking measurements. Switching from mm to inches is accurate and instant. Don’t blame the caliper if you accidentally take a metric reading, these bad boys are spot on.

While this caliper from Mitutoyo might not be IP rated, it is still well protected. It doesn’t have the same level of protection that the Starrett caliper has but it will hold up well to light dirt, dust, and coolant. I wouldn’t submerge them in anything or hit them directly with coolant, but besides that you should find they are pretty resilient. I suspect they don’t have an IP rating because the battery cover doesn’t seal well enough to meet spec. Speaking of batteries…

A truly standout feature of this digital caliper is the battery life. We’ve used a lot of digital calipers through the years and none have the battery life that this one has. Cheaper models generally run out of juice in a span of months. Higher quality tools like the Starrett will last longer, usually about a year, possibly more depending on use. This Mitutoyo caliper claims a 3.5 year long battery life! I don’t have time to check that claim, but I do know I can’t remember ever changing a battery in any of the Mitutoyo calipers I own or have worked with. These things are always ready to take a reading.

All in all, the Mitutoyo 500-196-30 is a top shelf tool. Most of the digital calipers from other high-quality manufacturers will be in this same price range and as a result they should be benchmarked against this caliper right here.

If money is no option, it makes sense to go with the Starrett 798A-6 to get a couple extra bells and whistles, but if not then this Mitutoyo is the best option. This caliper sets the standard for what you should expect from a digital caliper.

Best digital caliper under $50

iGaging Absolute Origin 0-6" Digital Caliper

The iGaging caliper finds a nice middle ground between the expensive, incredibly accurate and highly durable models above and cheaper models that start to have questionable accuracy.

Made of stainless steel, this caliper has an accuracy of +/- .001” or .02mm, and a resolution of .0005” or .01mm. This is in line with what you would expect from a good quality caliper.

Perhaps the best feature of this caliper is its IP54 rating. It isn’t as good as the IP67 rating of the Starrett caliper we noted above but it still amounts to a solid amount of protection from the elements, especially because this is a budget friendly tool.

Another plus that is unusual for lesser priced tools is that iGaging gives you a two-year warranty on the caliper. Most manufacturers (even the really good ones) only give a one-year warranty, if any at all.

The IP54 rating plus the two-year warranty means iGaging stands behind this caliper and it should be up to task for quite some time.

One downfall worth mentioning is that the iGaging caliper does lose accuracy as the battery power winds down. The problem here is that there’s no way to track the battery level.

We recommend checking your zero regularly to make sure you aren’t in need a new battery. The process is quick and easy. Also, remember to keep some spare batteries on hand for this reason as well.

While the battery issue isn’t ideal, we still think this iGaging caliper provides great value in terms of accuracy and overall build quality. The IP54 rating and two-year warranty are just the cherries on top.

Best digital caliper under $25

VINCA DCLA-0605 0-6" Digital Caliper

If you’re brand new to CNC machining, or if your budget is looking a little bit tight this year and you need to save on a caliper, one option would be to go with the VINCA DCLA-0605.

Though it’s a fairly cheap tool, it still provides a good amount of accuracy. The VINCA caliper has an accuracy of +/- 0.001″/.0254 mm and a resolution of 0.0005″/0.01mm. Remember, when picking a digital caliper, accuracy should be your main focus.

Additionally, this caliper comes with a case. For the price you’re paying, this isn’t a bad freebie, especially if you’re taking this caliper with you from site to site. Heck, even if you’re not travelling with your tool, it’s a good idea to protect it to ensure they remain accurate and protect them from the elements.

Another feature we like on this VINCA is the RS232 port. The port lets you plug the caliper straight into a computer to digitally transfer readings. Even just this slight bit of automation is a nice safeguard since inputting wrong measurements will cause your machine to make the wrong cuts, thereby ruining your project altogether.

It’s worth noting that one of the nice features of these calipers can also be a pain. They turn on automatically when you slide them. The display also turns off after not moving for a bit.

In theory this is great but even the slightest movement or vibration can cause the display to turn on which drains the battery quickly. Luckily this can easily be remedied by gently turning the lock screw when you put them away to keep them in place.

This set of calipers from VINCA isn’t perfect, but they are accurate and cheap. I wouldn’t plan on them lasting forever but at this price point, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Neiko 01407A 0-6" Digital Caliper

The Neiko 01407A is another solid option in the same price range as the VINCA.

When it comes to this end of the price range for digital calipers, you will find that many are the same Chinese manufactured tool with different branding slapped on top.

In this same vein, the VINCA and Neiko calipers have very similar displays which both read in inches, mm and fractions. This LCD is large which makes it easy to read but because they read in fractions (which aren’t that useful for most people) the last few numbers on the display are smaller which makes them a little awkward to read. It’s not a dealbreaker, but just something that takes a little getting used to.

So, let’s get down to brass tax with these super budget calipers from Neiko and VINCA.

To be honest, we don’t really see a whole lot of differences between these two models. They offer similar accuracy, and both come in at around the $25 mark with similar features.

Just remember that these aren’t the kind of tools you will pass down to your kids but they will get the job down for a fraction of the price of the higher end stuff.

For these two calipers, our recommendation would be to buy whichever model is cheapest at the time. Keep your eye out for sales on these two models, and just go for the lower price.

Can you find a cheaper digital caliper?

Sure, you can find calipers out there for dirt cheap. But you’re going to get what you pay for, so if you’re only willing to drop $10 on a caliper, just know that it’s not going to be very accurate.

We think it’s always going to be worth it to spend an extra ten spot on a nicer caliper. The two missed trips to Starbucks will be worth it for a tool that is both more accurate and more reliable.

Things to consider when looking for a digital caliper

Battery life

You might have noticed some of these calipers have a tendency to drain batteries, while others will last years on a single cell. Though most batteries aren’t incredibly expensive, they do add to the cost of the tool and it can be pretty darn inconvenient to have a dead tool and no backup batteries.

If you don’t go with a digital caliper with a long battery life, make sure to pick up some backup batteries to make sure your tool is always ready to go.

Measuring accuracy

After reading this review, you might’ve noticed that every caliper on here claimed the same measuring accuracy: +/- 0.001”. For Starrett or Mitutoyo, you can take them at their word for just about any spec.

If you are thinking about a tool on the bottom of the price range, then keep in mind that it might not actually meet the accuracy listed by the manufacturer. For this reason, we have prioritized accuracy in our budget friendly options above all other features.

If you need highly precise measurements that can be trusted without question, you better think about purchasing a more expensive caliper especially if you plan to use it for your day job.

Measuring accuracy vs resolution

Accuracy is how close a reported measurement is to the true value being measured. Resolution is the smallest change that can be measured.

Think about your car’s speedometer: Accuracy is how closely your speedometer measures the car’s true speed. Resolution is all of the little hashes on your speedometer, which indicate the speedometer can only measure in whole miles per hour (i.e. the speedometer reads “20 mph,” not “21.38 mph.”).

Be careful you don’t confuse the two. A digital caliper may give a reading (have a resolution) out to half a thousandth (0.0005”) but only be accurate to a thousandth (0.001”).

Measuring range

Every caliper we listed here measures 0-6”. This is by far the most common measuring range of calipers. You’re generally not going to need to measure sizes over 6”, especially as a beginner or hobbyist. If you are working in a machine shop, then likely the shop will have larger range calipers that can be used when needed.

0-6” calipers strike a great balance between measuring range and ease of measurement. Using a large caliper to measure smaller features can be very awkward. Use a 0-24” caliper to measure a 1” hole diameter, and you’ll quickly see what we mean.

IP ratings

As we mentioned earlier, an IP rating is the amount of resistance a device has to dirt, dust, water, and the like.

A lot of digital calipers – especially cheaper ones – have no resistance at all. If a caliper is IP rated, the average rating is IP54, which provides limited protection from dust and splashes of water. Honestly, for most people, IP54 is really all you’ll need for a caliper.

But some may want a more rugged caliper, and in that case there are some digital calipers which are rated IP67. This means they are virtually impervious to everyday dust and water.

With that being said, IP ratings don’t account for clumsiness, so if you drop your caliper on a concrete floor, it won’t matter what your IP rating is.

Below is a useful chart we made to help you navigate IP ratings. The first digit in a rating is protection from solids, while the second digit denotes protection from liquids.

Cases

Speaking of protection, some calipers will come with a case. These are precise measuring tools, which means they can be a bit delicate at times. It’s definitely not a bad idea to either buy a caliper that comes with a case or purchase your own.

Cases protect your investment and make locating your tool easier.

Materials

A good rule for calipers is to find one made from stainless steel. Though you may find models made from carbon fiber composites or plastics.

Again, we recommend a stainless-steel model, but the other kinds do have their benefits. A carbon fiber caliper is much less likely to scratch up wood, for example. They’re also non-magnetic, if that would be an issue for you.

Keep in mind the materials that you plan to work with but for most people, we recommend stainless steel calipers.

Best Deburring Tools [Based on Materials & Budget]

December 11, 2021 by Brandon Fowler

For your project to be truly complete, you have to smooth down any rough cuts and remove the burrs from any raw edges or holes. This is not only going to make your projects look better, but it’s going to make them safer as well; there won’t be any jagged edges that can cut your skin or tear your clothes.

This is where a deburring tool is comes in handy. While there are countless deburring tools on the market, we’ve made picking a tool easy for you.

That’s because we’ve scoured the internet, read all the reviews, and have some experience ourselves, and we’ve found the five best deburring tools on the available.

Name	Awards	Where to Buy
AFA Tooling Deburring Tool Kit	Best Overall Deburring Tool	Check Price
YXGOOD Hand Deburring Tool Kit	Best Value Deburring Tool	Check Price
Vastools Deburring Tool	Best Ultra Cheap Deburring Tool	Check Price
Mavast Aluminum Deburring Tool	Best Deburring Tool for Metal	Check Price
ORX Plus Tools External Deburring Tool	Best External Deburring Tool	Check Price

Best Overall Deburring Tool

AFA Tooling Deburring Tool Kit

One thing we really love about this deburring tool is just how versatile it is.

This thing will help you deburr all kinds of materials from brass and steel to aluminum, copper, PVC pipe, wood and more. It also works well on plastics without melting them and does a good resin art too.

With so many different applications and coming in at such a reasonable price, it’s easy to make this our best overall deburring tool.

The kit, which is really just the tool and extra blades, comes with 15 blades. This includes 5 each of 3 different types. Each type works well with different materials.

One set of blades is for softer materials such as copper, wood, and plastic. The next set is for medium harness materials including aluminum, brass, and steel. The last set, which is designed for more difficult materials works well with stainless steel, tungsten, and other similar metals.

When you pick the right blade for your material, it will improve the finish of your break edge or chamfer that you are applying to the part.

Beyond its versatility, this deburring tool is also going to last you a long time.

The knurled aluminum handle provides superior grip and lends an overall solid build quality to the tool. This deburring tool can take a beating and still get the job done. Plus, with the extra replacement blades, you won’t need to worry about purchasing anything else, even if you do roll it off your workbench onto the concrete.

This tool from AFA Tooling comes with a swivel head which comes in handy for a number of different reasons. For any of you lefties out there, you can purchase this tool without having to worry about how you’ll hold it or risking using it with your right hand. The swivel head also means you can deburr your project, even if it has some weird angles or hard to reach places.

Lastly, when you buy this AFA deburring tool, you get a one-year warranty. Given the number of materials this tool can work with, the replacement parts, the swivel head, the warranty, and the price, we think this is the best overall tool on the list.

Best Value Deburring Tool

YXGOOD Hand Deburring Tool Kit

If you’re looking for a mix of utility and price, you can’t go wrong getting this YXGOOD deburring tool kit set.

For one, it can be used on a fair amount of materials, including plastic, copper, aluminum, silver, and wood. While this list may leave out some of the harder metals, given what you’re going to pay for the tool, that’s more than fair. Additionally, you can pick up some replacement blades that are meant for harder materials if you find you need them down the road.

Speaking of replacement blades, the tool comes with 10 of them, all of which are HSS (high speed steel). This means that the blades will work on a good number of metals without dulling too quickly.

Also, like many of the nicer deburring tools, this one has an aluminum handle, so you know it’s going to be a nice and sturdy tool.

No one wants to bust a plastic handle while zipping along, deburring the edges of their parts.

Also similar to nicer models, this tool has a 360-degree swivel head, so you can use it whether you’re a righty or a lefty and it can be used in all kinds of strange angles and in the nooks and crannies that might be hard to reach with a tool that doesn’t have a swivel head.

All in all, this YXGOOD hand deburring tool is a really nice addition to your toolkit.

The only negative here is that the deburring tool can’t cut through quite as many materials as the tool above, but, again, given the price of this tool, that makes sense. Remember, you can always get some more robust replacement blades if you find you end up needing them.

If you want to get the most value out of your dollar, we recommend this deburring tool.

Best Ultra Cheap Deburring Tool

VASTOOLS Deburring Tool

If can swing a few extra bucks, I definitely recommend going with one of our other recommendations. Let’s face it, these aren’t the most expensive tools under the sun.

While 50% more expensive may sound like a lot, when some of the tools can be had for under 10 bucks, it really isn’t that bad.

With that said, maybe you do need to pinch every penny. Maybe your significant other is a little cranky because you just laid out a decent chunk of cash for that new 3d printer. Every situation is different. I get it.

If this sounds like you then this deburring tool from VASTOOLS will likely get the job done well for you. In fact, working with 3d printed plastic and similar soft materials.

Where this tool will start to struggle is if you start trying to work with anything much harder than aluminum.

The fact that it can work with metals at all is excellent for a deburring tool on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

It also features a swivel head like our other recommendations as well as an aluminum body. When you start looking at tools in the ultra-budget category, you’re going to quickly see that most aren’t built as well and can be pretty limited in the materials that they can work.

Above all, we recommend making sure to get a deburring tool with a swivel head. It makes deburring in tight spots much easier and this tool is about as cheap as you can go and still get this feature.

Best Deburring Tool For Metal

MAVAST Aluminum Deburring Tool

If you already know that you’re going to be doing a lot of projects with metals, you should really consider purchasing this deburring tool from MAVAST.

While it is more than capable of cutting wood, it can also easily deburr stainless steel, steel, copper, aluminum, plastic, PVC, and tin. And this is not just the manufacturer hyping up their own product, numerous other reviewers have testified that this tool can cut through hard metals without leaving behind any chatter and or gouging of their project.

Harder materials will dull up your blades quicker which is why this kit is great for metals. It comes with a whopping 21 different blades. This includes 11 standard HSS blades,5 BK3010 black HSS blades, and 5 BS1018 silver HSS blades, suitable for cutting stainless steel and other hard metals.

With this much versatility and toughness, you absolutely need to buy this deburring tool if you plan on mainly using metals. You’ll be glad you have ample replacement blades and the right blade for your material as well.

This tool also comes with many standard features you would expect, such as the swiveling head so that both right-handed and left-handed users can operate with the tool without a problem.

Another nice thing about purchasing a MAVAST tool is their customer service. The company has a great reputation for helping customers with any questions that come up. If things aren’t working like you planned with your project, it is always nice to get some quick support.

Best External Deburring Tool

ORX PLUS TOOLS Deburring External Tool

While these external chamfer/deburring tools have a little bit more of a limited use, that does not mean it’s not worth keeping one in your toolbox.

If you’re unfamiliar with these tools, they’re ideal for repairing damaged bolts and tightening nuts in their place. This means you don’t have to replace expensive or hard to find bolts, which can save you some cash – and some frustration – in the future.

To use this tool, you simply place it on the end of your drill. But be sure that you use an extremely low speed while you’re using it, or you could make the damage worse.

This particular ORX tool only works if you use it in a clockwise direction. Further, it works on a really wide range of materials, including stainless steel, hardened steel, mild steel, copper, brass, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and plastic.

There is one downside to the tool, and that is the edges cannot be sharpened. With that said, because it isn’t an everyday use tool for most people, you’ll likely find that the tool never needs to be sharpened anyways.

All things considered, we like this deburring tool because even though it has a limited range of uses, it does exactly what it is supposed to and does it well.

Things to consider when purchasing a deburring tool

Left hand vs. right hand

If you’re right-handed, you’re a bit luckier as far as this goes. Most machines and tools are made with right-handers in mind, so it’s the lefties that have to do the extra research.

Luckily, all of the tools in this article come with a swivel head, so you can adjust the deburring blade to fit whichever hand is dominant.

However, this may not be the case for all tools, so be sure to check the specs. If you’re a lefty and you don’t see a swivel head, you should probably reconsider buying the tool.

Spare parts

Even if you’re just a hobbyist, you’re eventually going to wear out the blade on your deburring tool. So while you may save money upfront by not buying a tool with replacement blades, eventually, you’ll be out of luck.

Many deburring tools online will come with extra blades, and it may be worth the extra investment.

Customer service

As always, don’t discount customer service. You may need to return an order, or you may have questions about how to use a tool, and when a manufacturer answers your questions promptly and respectfully, that’s always nice.

You can also usually tell the level of customer care by how well a package is wrapped when it arrives at your door. The shipping process can take a beating on your tools, and if they aren’t well wrapped, this can significantly lower the lifespan of your tool.

A well-packaged tool tells you that the manufacturer really cares about quality service.

Final thoughts

Deburring tools are fairly straightforward, but that doesn’t mean you should go with any old tool. As we noted above, all tools are certainly not created equal.

Our best overall choice from AFA Tooling does a wonderful job working with a good range of materials and packaging that capability up in a solid body that is built to last.

One last note, keep in mind the types of materials you plan on working with and how much use you plan to give it. The blades you get will make a big difference in the success of any of your projects or builds.

Pick a high quality deburring tool and you won’t be disappointed. Not only does it add a nice, professional finish to your project, but it can help with safety too. No one wants to get cut or tear a piece of clothing on a jagged edge. Deburr it!

Best CNC Routers For Every Budget and Application

December 2, 2021November 19, 2021 by Brandon Fowler

Big to small, metal to wood, kits vs pre-built. There are CNC routers of all types available, but which one is right for your application?

We pick the best CNCs in a variety of categories to help you choose a quality tool that is built to last and provide the accuracy you expect. Get machining quickly with our guides.

Best Beginner CNC Routers

Just starting out?

Then keep things simple with our guide to the best starter CNCs for anyone testing the waters of CNC routing.

Best Woodworking CNCs

Want to make your own signs? Or maybe you want to be able to create some unique wooden wall art. Either way we got you covered with the best CNC routers for working with woods of all kinds.

Best CNCs for Small Spaces

Not everyone has a giant workshop. Some of us are just trying to get by machining widgets in our closet. If this is you then check our list of the best CNCs with small footprints.

Best Budget CNC Routers

Limited budget? No problem.

If you are working on a budget then we got the best value for money machines picked for you.

Learn More About CNC Coding

Guides to G codes. We got’em

More about M codes. Got that too.

Check out our list of CNC codes for guidance on every code you will need.

Best 3018 Series CNC Upgrades

Got one of the 3018 series CNCs?

Well then check out our list of awesome upgrades to make your machines more capable and your setups so much simpler.

Best CNC and Machining Books

Expand your knowledge with these essential references for anyone working with a CNC.

Includes books for everyone from beginner level to advanced.

BobsCNC Evolution 4 Review

November 5, 2021October 27, 2021 by Brandon Fowler

If you’re looking to impress some folks at the next tailgate or house party with a sleek homemade cornhole set, then Bob’s Evolution 4 CNC Router might be right for you.

A favorite among hobbyists and woodworkers who are looking for a machine with a bit more torque than other entry-level CNC machines. BobsCNC Evolution 4 CNC router is a solid choice for getting started in CNC woodworking or stepping up from smaller CNCs such as the 3018 series of CNC routers.

Check out all the nitty gritty details that make this machine so good below.

Machine specs

Feature	Spec
Work Area (Inches)	24" x 24" x 3.3"
Work Area (MM)	610mm x 610mm x 85mm
Machine Size (Inches)	32" x 39" x 21"
Machine Size (MM)	812mm x 990mm x 530mm
Weight	47 Pounds
Warranty	60 Days
Materials It Will Cut	Wood, Plastic, Aluminum, Acrylic, PCB, Leather & More

Review

Power and capabilities

The Evolution 4 is fairly heavy-duty. The added power means it is capable of cutting a wider range of materials, including soft aluminum, leather, and of course, wood. Some of the less capable machines struggle with harder woods and are outright incapable of working with aluminum. More power in your CNC router will always be a good thing.

Speaking of capabilities, another area in which the Evolution 4 stands out from the competition is the size of the work area. This determines the size of the project you can machine. To get to that larger work area is going to take some assembly though and it might take a little while.

Assembly

One thing worth noting if you’re considering the Evolution 4 is that it takes some time to get set up. Unlike many other CNC router kits, the Evolution 4 does not come pre-assembled at all. As a result, you’ll want to carve out a solid day to complete the build.

For many people though, assembly is part of the fun. Putting everything together yourself will get you intimately familiar with the machine itself, the parts and how they all work together. Understanding how your machine moves and is setup will benefit you in the long run. You will have a better idea of what might have gone wrong when your machine crashes. Trust me, it’s gonna happen eventually.

The last thing to note about the assembly is that while it may be time consuming, the instruction manual is extremely thorough. Still, if you run into any trouble, there are a ton of great YouTube videos that can help guide you through the process.

Work area

Once you finally get the Evolution 4 together you’ll notice just how much bigger this machine is than most other entry level machines. A few inches in each direction can make a large difference in the projects you are capable of working with. While the two may not be all that much different when we’re talking about technical specs, the work area of the Evolution 3 is only 16″ x 18″ (still larger than most entry CNCs), while the Evolution 4 is 24″ x 24″.

Let’s do some quick math. 16 x 18 = 288 square inches. 24 x 24 = 576 square inches. That’s twice the surface area that the Evolution 4 is capable of machining. Compared to the 3018 series CNC which are very common entry level machines, the Evolution 4 has almost ten times the work area.

Noise and mess

The Evolution 4 has more power and more work area. Once you get the machine up and running, you’ll notice that there is a bit more noise than many other entry-level machines. The included Makita RT0701C router is a quality power tool and it sounds like one. You probably don’t want to buy the Evolution 4 if you are working in an apartment or if you have to worry at all about the machine’s noise while it’s working.

Also, that noisy router is going to make a large mess. You can imagine the dust it creates while working. Having a vacuum or other kind of dust collection system is a must if you go with the Evolution 4. None of this is really a criticism of the Evolution 4; this is just what happens when you start working with bigger, more powerful CNC machines. Dust and chip collection will become a necessity to get good surface finishes on your projects.

Software

When it comes to software, the Evolution 4 uses an Arduino microprocessor to connect the machine to your computer. Grbl firmware comes preinstalled on the microprocessor and uses a USB port to receive information from the software on your computer.

The USB works with Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi and OSX operating systems. Free software can be found on the BobsCNC website. There are multiple paid software packages available, but for those just starting out it is best to work with the free stuff in the beginning.

Customer service

The last, and likely most important aspect about purchasing any one of Bob’s machines is that they have an extremely high level of customer service. People rave about how prompt, friendly, and helpful the people at Bob’s are. It’s also not uncommon to have Bob himself reply to any question or comment you have!

Many of us, like to figure out things on our own but it’s great to know that you have experienced, knowledgeable support available should you decide to throw in the towel and beg for help. Ok, maybe sometimes it is just nice to save yourself some headache by asking a quick question over the phone or via email.

Conclusion

Overall, the Evolution 4 from BobsCNC is a heavy-duty, well-built beginner’s machine and is an excellent way to get started with CNC woodworking, and machine work in general.

The Evolution 4 is at the top of its class for value and capabilities.

Things to consider when purchasing a CNC router

Safety

Safety is by far the most important consideration when it comes to working with a CNC machine.

Safety glasses are an absolute must. Read your instruction manual to ensure you are staying safe working with your particular machine. In many cases, hearing protection as well as dust collection will be a necessity.

Above all, remember that these are dangerous cutting tools and you should treat the with the utmost respect.

Work area size

As noted above, the Evolution 4 has a work area much larger than many other similarly priced machines. The width of the work area will be the primary limiting factor when it comes to your projects. An extension kit can also be added to the Evolution 4 to give you a full 2’ x 4’ (24” x 48”) work area. Just make sure you have room for the machine and the extension kit in your work space.

Machining different materials

The Evolution 3 can work with and cut a large variety of materials including wood, plastic, soft aluminum, acrylic, PCB, and leather. The machine has ample power for most hobbyist projects. The biggest material that the Evolution 3 can not work with is steel. To work with steel, you will need a much more expensive machine. Industrial grade CNCs can quickly climb in price.

BobsCNC Evolution 3 vs Evolution 4

Specs	Evolution 3	Evolution 4
Work Area (Inches)	18" x 16" x 3.3"	24" x 24" x 3.3"
Work Area (MM)	406mm x 457mm x 85mm	610mm x 610mm x 85mm
Machine Size (Inches)	26" x 31" x 21"	32" x 39" x 21"
Machine Size (MM)	660mm x 787mm x 530mm	812mm x 990mm x 530mm
Weight	32 Pounds	47 Pounds
Warranty	60 Days	60 Days
Materials It Will Cut	Wood, Plastic, Aluminum, Acrylic, PCB, Leather & More	Wood, Plastic, Aluminum, Acrylic, PCB, Leather & More

In terms of overall capabilities, the two machines are relatively similar. They both have a torque of 75 in-oz and an AC power source of 600 watts. They also both use a Makita RT0701C router.

However, the Evolution 4 does provide you with a much larger workspace, and it’s quite a bit heavier than the Evolution 3. Really, if you’re trying to decide which machine is for you, just try to figure out the size of projects you’re working on or will want to work on in the future.

Also, think about the size of the space you’re going to keep the machine in. Almost everyone has some limits on what they can fit in their workshop or garage.

Assembly

Assembly can be a frustrating process and it will go easier with some machines more than others. Partially pre-assembled CNC router kits will come together much quicker than kits that require a full assembly such as the Evolution 4.

Almost all of the 3018 and 6040 series CNCs that are available from various manufacturers will come assembled to some extent which significantly reduces the setup time.

If you have any concerns about the assembly process then focus on machines that have great resources available to help such as guides or YouTube videos online.

Customer service

BobsCNC’s customer service is about as good as it gets. They have a proven track record of being responsive and helpful.

CNC machining can be complicated and overwhelming, so it is nice to know that there is a resource available to provide some guidance when you really need it. BobsCNC is definitely that resource.

Tooling

The router for these machines come with 1/8″ and 1/4″ spindle bits. You can use any straight, vee and rounded bits or buy them from various local and online retailers as long as they have shaft sizes of 1/8″ or 1/4″.

One add-on that is almost a must have, is some form of dust/chip collection. For many, this means using their shop vac along with a “dust boot” to clean up debris while the machine cuts.

Removing the chips will also help you obtain better finishes because chips can mar the surface as they are “recut” by the router.

CNC software

Bob’s recommends using a Universal Gcode Sender (UGS) software platform. This software can be found for free on Bob’s website. The UGS can communicate with the gbrl software that actually runs the machine.

The workflow will be to create your project in a software such as Fusion360 (also free!). The Fusion360 output will be put into UGS and then communicated to your CNC machine.

Final thoughts

The Evolution 4 from BobsCNC is right in line with their other CNC router kits. They are well made, versatile and capable.

To top it off, they come with excellent tutorials and customer support that is second to none. Add the ability to expand the work area to double the size and the machine is pretty much future proofed for most users.

Overall, BobsCNC has done a remarkable job of putting all the right stuff into their flagship CNC router. It truly is a best in class machine.

For more information check out these related articles:

BobsCNC Evolution 3 Review

January 25, 2022October 27, 2021 by Brandon Fowler

BobsCNC makes excellent CNC router kits all around. Unfortunately, while the Evolution 3 checks almost all of the necessary boxes you would hope for in a quality CNC router, it falls short in a couple key areas that ultimately end up holding it back compared to the competition.

However, if you have limited space and are looking for something with more power and capabilities than other entry level CNCs, the Evolution 3 may be the perfect fit. Read on to find out more.

Machine Specs

Feature	Spec
Work Area (Inches)	16" x 18" x 3.3"
Work Area (MM)	406mm x 457mm x 85mm
Machine Size (Inches)	26" x 31" x 21"
Machine Size (MM)	660mm x 787mm x 530mm
Weight	32 Pounds
Warranty	60 Days
Materials It Will Cut	Wood, Plastic, Aluminum, Acrylic, PCB, Leather & More

Review

Power and cutting capability

Let’s start with some of the best bits (CNC router humor, I’ll be here all day folks).

When it comes to build quality, BobsCNC has built a sturdy, rigid frame for this machine which makes it highly accurate. Combining its accuracy with the power of the included Makita RT0701C variable speed router means it can outpace the vast majority of entry level CNC routers.

While you shouldn’t expect an industrial grade machine, you will be able to drastically elevate the complexity of projects you are capable of creating, which is great for making better products to sell with your CNC.

All that power means that with some tweaking and experimenting, it is likely that you will be able to work with soft aluminum. This is not something that many machines are capable of handling. Still, if your new, make sure to work your way up to more difficult materials such as aluminum.

Assembly

Don’t expect to be cutting aluminum right out of the box. Actually, don’t expect to cut anything right out of the box. This is because the Evolution 3 is going to take you several hours to assemble.

You will need to assemble the machine entirely on your own. Fortunately, this shouldn’t be a problem because Bob’s machines are known for having extremely detailed and thorough instruction manuals.

A great benefit of the extensive assembly process is that you will become intimately familiar with all the workings of your new CNC. On a side note, if you do find yourself stuck, you can always hop on over to YouTube – there a many video tutorials available to help you put the E3 together.

YouTube is great for help but it is always great to be able to fall back to something more reliable. And, as always with BobsCNC, if you have any issues that you can’t resolve on your own, you can reach out to their customer service department.

Customer service

BobsCNC is well-known for being extremely helpful and responsive when it comes to technical issues. This includes initial setup and assembly as well as any operation issues you might run into down the road. Bob himself is even known to frequently return emails and phone calls to help customers who have questions.

Build quality

Now, you may be worried about buying a machine made out of wood to… cut wood. But there really is no need to fret. The Evolution 3 is made of baltic birch which is oftentimes used to make furniture because of its strength.

The Evolution 3’s components and frame are durable, and you’ll be able to repeat the same cuts and engravings over time with a high degree of precision.

Speaking of durability, the Makita router that comes with the Evolution 3 is a workhorse that will keep you cutting chips for quite some time.

Work area

Everything is great right? Well, up until this point at least. While the Evolution 3 is a solid machine, it does have some downfalls.

First is the work area. The Evolution 3 has a work area that is about 4.5 times larger than many other entry-level CNC routers such as the 3018 series of CNCs that are made by many manufacturers. Unfortunately, many will still find the size of the project they can complete a touch too small. Many CNC routing software packages are capable of tiling work so that you can work on longer projects, but you will still be limited by the width your router is capable of working with.

Compared to other CNC routers

The second and frankly, only other downside is the cost. The price point is about 2.5 times those 3018 CNCs we talked about and while this sounds fair when you think about the added capabilities, it bumps the Evolution 3 up into a slightly higher tier of machines.

At the Evolution 3’s price point it is competing with 6040 series CNCs as well as those from other well-known models such as the Shapeoko. In a strange decision, the stiffest competition is from BobsCNC’s next model up which is the Evolution 4.

The Evolution 4 has a significantly larger work area (24” x 24”) which allows a much bigger work piece to be cut. The machines are very similar otherwise and in all instances I would recommend going with the larger machine to allow you more versatility in what the machine is capable of.

Operation

Some may find the smaller size is easier to fit into their garage or workshop. The smaller machine isn’t quite portable like some of the 3018 CNCs but it is still fairly easy to move around. CNC machines – especially quality ones like the Evolution 3 – aren’t typically made to be moved around a lot, but if CNC is just a hobby and you’re working out of your garage or work shed, you may find it helpful to be able to easily move this CNC out of your way if you need to.

As far as actually running the machine goes, the Evolution 3 has an Arduino microprocessor that allows your computer and CNC to communicate. The grbl firmware, which comes preinstalled on the microprocessor, uses a USB port to receive information from the software on your computer.

The Evolution 3 is compatible with Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi and OSX operating systems.

Conclusion

As an entry-level machine, the Evolution 3 is great CNC router.

Unfortunately, it stands in the shadow of its big brother machine, the Evolution 4. Both machines are well made and extremely capable.

You can save a few bucks if you know you won’t use the added machine work area but for most, I recommend stepping up in size to future proof your purchase.

Things to consider when purchasing a CNC router

Safety

While it may be fun to operate, this is a serious power tool. Treat it with the same respect you would give a table saw or something similar.

Wear eye and hearing protection. Dust collection is a great idea. Remember, that some materials can produce hazardous dust so be aware of the materials you should and should not work with.

Read your instruction manuals! They might save you a finger.

Work area size

Work area size is one of the most important features of any CNC router because it determines how large of a part you will be able to machine.

In most cases it will be best to go with the largest machine you can afford because many often find that they want the ability to make larger signs, engravings, etc. and can’t because their router physically cannot accommodate the item they want to work with.

CNC routers vs spindles

Practically, they are both motors which have a collet or chuck to hold a cutting tool such as a router bit or end mill.

BobsCNC Evolution 3 vs Evolution 4

Specs	Evolution 3	Evolution 4
Work Area (Inches)	18" x 16" x 3.3"	24" x 24" x 3.3"
Work Area (MM)	406mm x 457mm x 85mm	610mm x 610mm x 85mm
Machine Size (Inches)	26" x 31" x 21"	32" x 39" x 21"
Machine Size (MM)	660mm x 787mm x 530mm	812mm x 990mm x 530mm
Weight	32 Pounds	47 Pounds
Warranty	60 Days	60 Days
Materials It Will Cut	Wood, Plastic, Aluminum, Acrylic, PCB, Leather & More	Wood, Plastic, Aluminum, Acrylic, PCB, Leather & More

In terms of overall capabilities, the two machines are relatively similar. They both have a torque of 75 in-oz and an AC power source of 600 watts. They also both use a Makita RT0701C router.

Also, think about the size of the space you’re going to keep the machine. Almost everyone has some limits on what they can fit in their workshop or garage.

Machining different materials

Assembly

As was discussed in the review, you have to completely assemble the machine yourself. Expect this process to take several hours, but don’t expect it to be too difficult. Though it’s time-consuming, the instruction manuals are highly detailed, and the YouTube tutorials and videos are extremely helpful.

Some other CNC router kits come partially pre-assemble which can be helpful but because many have awful instructions written in something between Chinese and English, they can end up taking almost as long to assemble.

Customer service

I touched on it above, but BobsCNC’s customer service is the best in the business.

If you have any problems at all – or even if you just want to run a project idea by them to get some input, don’t hesitate to send an email. In almost all instances, they will get back to you very quickly and give you a detailed answer. Bob himself might even give you a call or drop you an email!

Tooling

One add-on that is almost a must have, is some form of dust/chip collection. For many, this means using their shop vac along with a “dust boot” to clean up debris while the machine cuts.

Removing the chips will also help you obtain better finishes because chips can mar the surface as they are “recut” by the router.

CNC software

The workflow will be to create your project in a software such as Fusion360 (also free!). The Fusion360 output will be put into UGS and then communicated to your CNC machine.

Final thoughts

BobsCNC produces some of the best CNC router kits available and the Evolution 3 certainly fits the bill.

It does lack a little in the work area category, which somewhat limits the projects you will be able to work on. While I do recommend going with the largest machine you can afford and also fit in your space, if the Evolution 3 is as big as you can go, you won’t be disappointed by it’s capabilities.

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