A 4×4 CNC router kit is a great option for those who want a large machine without sacrificing a lot of money or space. Although there aren’t a ton of options currently in the market, we were able to find a few quality machines.
There are a couple of 4×4 CNC routers that we thought were best and some we most likely would avoid.
Like looking for any other CNC machine, it is important to look for a few key characteristics before buying your machine.
For example, when having such a large frame, it is critical to have strong rails and gantries. The longer the rail, the less rigid it becomes due to its ability to flex.
So, before buying a 4×4 CNC router kit, you must find one with rigid construction. Otherwise, you may have just thrown your money down the drain.
To make all things fair, we divide these reviews into two separate categories.
The first being the best 4×4 CNC router kit, and the other being the best 4×4 CNC router. So, why the difference?
Well, because when looking at a kit, you are basically getting a DIY CNC router and some instructions. The price will be lower, and so will the overall quality.
A typical 4×4 CNC machine, on the other hand, will be pre-assembled, with advanced features and a higher-quality frame.
With all that being said, let’s get right into the reviews. Starting with the router kits.
Best 4×4 CNC Router Kits
STEPCRAFT Q.404 4×4 CNC Router
Courtesy of STEPCRAFT
STEPCRAFT is quickly becoming the go-to CNC Router brand in the maker community. With affordable prices and solid build quality, the company has seen their brand skyrocket in popularity.
And with its included heavy-duty stand and optional vacuum table, the Q.404 is one of their best options.
Included with this machine is a 1-year voucher for the industry-standard Autodesk Fusion 360 CAM Software. It’s made in the USA, so no need to worry about quality with this 4’ x 4’ CNC router. Additional options include an upgraded spindle and an automatic tool changer.
Also included is a free tool length sensor, saving you time when setting up your machine. In review, we believe this router is one you will need to keep an eye on as we continue. You can check the lastest price here.
Features & Specs
- XYZ Travel 49.8” x 49.8” x 5.7” (1223 x 1223 x 145mm)
- Precision Ball Screws
- All-Steel-Motion System®
- Accuracy +/- .0001”
- Overall Machine Footprint 63″ x 63″ x 68″
ZenbotCNC 4848 4×4 CNC Router
Courtesy of Zenbot CNC
One of the cheapest 4×4 CNC Router kit options available, the 4848 is constructed of HDPE with a baltic birch plywood top and steel supports. Due to the resourcefulness and creativity of this build, they were able to lower costs by using economical materials.
Equipped with Nema 23 Stepper Motors and homing switches for all 3-axises, this 4×4 will rival any CNC router in its price range.
The 4848 uses a MACH 3 control software, so make sure you have the correct PC requirements before ordering. Optional CAM software packages are available for purchase with your machine, including Vectric V-Carve and Aspire.
To ensure quality, each machine is assembled and tested, then broken down and packaged before being shipped.
Features & Specs
- XYZ Travel 49” x 49” x 5.25”
- Machine Footprint 60” x 60”
- Gecko G540 Control Box
- Mach 3 Control Software
- 1-Year Warranty and 30-day Satisfactory Guarantee
PRO4848 4’ x 4’ CNC Router Kit
The Avid CNC 4×4 is another terrific router kit option for those on a budget. Equipped with premium linear motion components, like their precision ball screws and smooth linear guides, the PRO4848 has a lot to offer.
Although not a true DIY CNC Router Kit, this 4×4 still requires assembly.
Built with a tough all-metal design, the aluminum and steel plate construction will be rigid enough for most CNC router projects.
Included with your DIY router kit is a complete step-by-step assembly guide. An optional leg kit is available for those who don’t have a benchtop at their disposal. After review, this system is best for woodworkers or hobbyists looking to buy their first CNC router.
Some recommendations to go along with this CNC router kit: NEMA 34 Stepper motors, MACH 4 Control Software, Router/Spindle Mount, and the leg kit.
Features & Specs
- XYZ Travel 49.5” x 49.5” x 8” (1257 x 1257 x 203mm)
- Pro Rack and Pinion System
- Expandable Liner Rail System in the future
- Easy to follow assembly instructions
LEAD CNC 1010
I know what you’re thinking, that’s not a 4×4 CNC router, and you would be right. However, because the LEAD CNC model is an open builds platform, the ability to expand and upgrade is completely up to you.
If you want to expand the linear rail system up to 4’ x 4’, then that option is available for you to do so. With the low price and ability to customize your build, we felt it deserved a spot on this list.
This DIY CNC Router kit has a lot of options, just like any other 4×4 on our list. With add-ons such as NEMA 23 stepper motors and software options from Vectric Vcarve or Aspire, the LEAD 1010 can compete with any in this price range.
Included with your machine is the open builds CAM & Control software, which is a perk you can’t beat when building your CNC DIY Kit.
Features & Specs
- XYZ Travel* 29” x 32” x 4” (Expandable)
- Overall Machine Footprint 40” x 40”
- Acme Lead Screw Driven
- Machine Accuracy +/- .001-.003”
- C-beam Aluminum Extrusion Rails
Best 4×4 CNC Routers
CAMaster Stinger II
When looking for an entry-level CNC router, it doesn’t get much better than the CAMaster Stinger II 4×4. Packed with features that are typically relegated to more expensive machines, the Stinger is loaded from top to bottom.
Made in the USA, this heavy-duty machine is equipped with a welded-steel frame to reduce vibration, noise, and increase accuracy.
Included with your 4’ x 4’ CNC router are the Vectric VCarve Pro Design software and Windows 10 Pro PC. Not only that, but you will also receive a 19” LED monitor, a mouse, and a keyboard.
The free tech support for the duration of the machine life is also an added bonus to those who purchase a machine.
A standard feature on this product is the included dust boot, which will work with any CNC router dust collection system.
Although considered one of their entry-level machines, the Stinger is built well enough for any machinist, craftsman, hobbyist, or woodworker.
After review, one of the best 4×4 CNC routers available today.
Features & Specs
- XYZ Travel 49” x 49” x 6”
- 3.5 hp Milwaukee Router Included
- Emergency Stop
- Z-zeroing touch off plate
- High-Torque NEMA 34 Stepper Motors
- Made in the USA
Laguna Swift CNC Router
Laguna, an industry staple, has done it again with the Swift 4×4 CNC router.
Equipped with the state-of-the-art features you expect to find with any Laguna machine, this one is loaded. With a liquid-cooled electro spindle, this one will certainly be an option to consider before your next purchase.
Also available in additional table sizes such as 4×8 and 5×10, there are plenty of options for whatever size fits your needs best.
The Swift is also available with a vacuum table option, making this one of the best CNC routers for furniture makers.
Priced at under $15,000, this 4×4 CNC router can be a great industrial-sized option for those with a budget. With an ER20 collet included, you will have the flexibility to use a wide range of CNC router bits.
Features & Specs
- XYZ Travel 48” x 48” x 7.5”
- Z-Axis Ball Screw
- X/Y-Axis Double Helical Rack Drive
- Dust Boot Included
- T-Slot Table for easy clamping
Axiom AR16 Elite Series Router
This 48”x48” CNC router is priced at that of a hobby machine but backed with the quality of an industrial grade.
The Axiom AR16 Elite is built with a vigorous steel frame and features an easy-to-use aluminum interlocking table. Attached to the aluminum table is the waste board made out of MDF.
Currently priced at an enticing and affordable cost, this Axiom machine is one you must consider before making a purchase. A nice bonus to go along with this router is the offline capability. Simply insert your USB drive, and it will load the program and you are off to the races.
Overall a terrific machine to consider because of its power, precision, and user-friendliness. You can check the latest price for the AXIOM AR16 here.
Features & Specs
- XYZ Travel 48” x 48” x 7.68”
- 3hp Electro-cooled spindle
- 320 IPM Rapid Feed Rate
- ER20 Collet included
- 4th Axis Ready
CANCAM B1-44 M CNC Router
The Canadian based company CANCAM, not to be confused with CAD/CAM, offers a 4×4 CNC router of their own. Designed with woodworkers and professionals in mind, the B1-44 offers a dynamic TBI ball screw drive for precision machining.
A NK105 DSP Controller is included to provide hand-held control when manually moving and touching off tools and workpieces. Built with a sturdy steel frame, this machine is able to handle materials such as wood, aluminum, plastic, and even brass when in combination with the right CNC router bits.
Some standard features included with this machine is the Delta Variable frequency drive that helps achieves constant torque throughout the machining process.
For precision cutting accuracy, the Hiwin linear guide rail system creates a smooth and efficient performance. Additional options are available to add-on with your purchase, including an upgraded spindle and a vacuum table.
Features & Specs
- XYZ Travel 49” x 49” x 8”
- 2.2 kW 3hp Spindle
- Yako Stepper Motor Drive
- Aluminum T-slot table
- Collapsible Table Legs
- Made in Canada
4×4 CNC Router Buying Guide
So now that it’s all laid out there, it’s pretty simple, right? As you can see, that’s not exactly the case. There are so many options to consider now that you have a good foundation of what machines are out there.
You can choose to go with a DIY router kit or go with an industrial-grade CNC router oozing with all the gadgets and gizmos. This decision is tough, so let’s walk you through some things to consider before establishing a clear favorite.
What do you plan to make?
There are a wide variety of projects, parts, and crafts you can make with your 4×4 CNC router. So, let’s narrow it down to what materials you plan to use and how quickly you want to produce those parts.
If you are looking to just do craft projects and see this as more of a hobby, then we would have to recommend you start with a DIY CNC router kit. There isn’t any need to spend a lot of money in this case because of the lack of return on investment. You will be in perfectly fine shape with a less rigid and expensive machine.
Now, that leaves us with the other side of the fence, let’s call it the business side of things. When talking about buying an industrial-grade machine, we are no longer talking about a hobby. This is now an investment, with real returns and income possible from this said investment.
So if you are looking to do large scale production, whether its furniture, signs, or custom products, then a CNC Router 4×4 is likely right for you. Otherwise, you may want to downgrade to a 2×4 kit, or upgrade to a 4×8 CNC router.
If that sounds like you, then we also recommend checking out our article on How to make money with your CNC router.
Our Recommendations
Now, this wasn’t easy. There were a lot of options that were intriguing. Ultimately, it will come down to preference, which is exactly how we established our favorites in this case.
Although cost is always a factor that plays into a decision, we decided to look at these machines as more of an investment.
When you look at things in this way, it fundamentally changes the way we evaluate these routers and companies. Instead of focusing on the dent our wallet will take, we decided to look at which CNC router offered the most value to us as a user.
This eventually led us to a couple of meticulous conclusions. Now that we’ve created our strategy for appraising these 4×4 CNC routers, let’s dive right into which ones we think are best.
Best CNC Router Kit 4×4
Although not the cheapest option by far, like we said before it came down to the quality and features provided by each machine. That led us to pick the STEPCRAFT Q.404 as our favorite CNC Router kit.
During the review process, we just couldn’t dismiss the quality and functionality this machine provided.
Summary
That was a lot to take in, so take a deep breath and relax. As you can see there are more 4×4 CNC Router options than you had probably originally thought.
Just to recap, make sure you establish what your plan of use is with your machine, then evaluate your options, and ultimately make a great decision! We hope you enjoyed this article and look forward to hearing from you!
