New affordable desktop CNC with $400 launch discount promises precision milling to challenge 3D printing
The Makera Carvera and Carvera Air already aim to fill a "CNC from zero" niche, delivering impressive specs in a desktop CNC machine that is designed to be as easy to operate as a regular 3D printer, but both machines are quite pricey. Even the cut-down Carvera Air comes in at $2,897 on Amazon with a 4-axis kit. The Makera Z1 — Makera's latest desktop CNC — cuts the price in half while still delivering pretty decent specifications and even a new feature or two that should make it quite an attractive buy for those looking to dip their toes into the CNC space.
Makera pitches the Z1 CNC as an alternative to 3D printing with the capability to produce tougher parts that are usable in everyday applications — notably something that can be achieved with some of the best 3D printers we've reviewed. Makera hasn't fully launched it just yet, but it has opened reservations with a $39 refundable reservation fee that locks in a $400 early-bird discount, bringing the price down from MSRP $1,199 to $799. The Makera Z1 will supposedly start shipping in January 2025 for early backers.
Makera Z1 features and specs
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a CNC machine is the cutting area, and the Makera Z1 offers very nearly the same cutting area as the larger Carvera Air, at 200 × 200 mm and 100 mm tall. The Makera Z1 comes with a 150 W spindle with a 13,000 RPM spindle speed and a custom ⅛-inch collet that features optional ¼-inch, 6 mm, and 4 mm collets. The collet features the familiar quick tool change system that has proven to be quite advantageous in our in-progress review of the Carvera Air.
Where the Carvera Air has an external air supply and vacuum system for chip clearance and spindle cooling, the Makera Z1 has an integrated AeroDust collection system, which both air cools the spindle and evacuates and collects chips and dust. Unlike the Carvera Air, there is no air
Although the Z1's cutting area is somewhat smaller than an average 3D printer, it's still a decent work area for the price, considering the other convenience features on offer, like the cast aluminium frame, linear rails, and built-in compatibility with a variety of CAM suites. It also features an enclosed lid, which helps cut down on noise and dust dramatically, making it more suitable for apartment-dwelling makers.
The Makera Z1 is designed to cut materials like hard and soft woods and MDF, all manner of plastics, FR4 and fibreglass composites, and metals, including aluminium, brass, bronze, copper, and other non-ferrous metals. However, it should be noted that Makera advises cutting metals very slowly and cautiously.
The Z1 will also be available with an optional 4th-axis kit and 5 W module, both of which are the same systems used in the Carvera Air and the full-fat Carvera CNC, allowing prospective makers to invest in upgrades to their machines that will expand its capabilities. Likewise, the Z1 is compatible with the updated in-house Makera CAM software, which will now apparently become Makera Studio, and the machine can be controlled via the Makera App (formerly Makera Controller) running on Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, or Android.
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