CNC 6040 Routers: The Complete Buyer’s Guide

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to CNC routers. There are many factors you need to consider, including the type of machine, size, speed, number of axes you want, applicable materials, and so on. One type of machine is a CNC 6040 router, but what exactly are these, and in what situation would a 6040 router be best for you?

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about CNC 6040 machines. We’ll explain what they are, how they work, what they’re used for, and their benefits. Then we’ll review the best 6040 CNC router machines on the market right now so you can easily pick the best model for you. 

What is a CNC 6040 Router? 

CNC machines come in all shapes and sizes, from small desktop machines to large industrial ones. Manufacturers often reference the size, and more specifically the working area, in the name of the machine.

For example, many CNC machines have the number 3018 in their name — called 3018 CNC routers — which simply means the working area is 300mm x 180mm. It’s the same with 6040 CNC routers. 

The 6040 simply means the machine has a working area of 600mm x 400mm. These 600 x 400 mm CNC routers have more than double the size of 3018 machines, which are generally considered the ideal size for easy desktop working. 6040 machines therefore give you a lot more space to work with, meaning you can work on a wider range of projects, and larger projects, much more efficiently.  

A 6040 CNC machine does essentially the same thing as any other machine in terms of operations – cutting, milling, engraving, and so on. However, there are some other key differences between these models and others, such as 3018 CNC routers.

For starters, 6040 CNC routers and mill machines are considerably more expensive than smaller models. While you can pick up a decent 3018 machine for under $200, you’re going to have to spend upwards of $1,000 if you want to buy a 6040 router. 

Secondly, 6040 CNC machines are few and far between, with only a handful of manufacturers currently offering them. In fact, Vevor is the only major CNC brand that has a 6040 machine on the market right now, with most others produced by smaller companies.

CNC 6040 Router Uses & Applications  

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, a CNC 6040 router can be used for a whole variety of different purposes.

Firstly, these machines can work with a huge range of materials. Woods, plastic, acrylic, aluminum, PVC, MDF, stone, ceramics — the list goes on.

The only commonly used materials you can’t use with a 6040 CNC router are hard metals like steel and gold, although some higher-powered machines can cut and mill these.

6040 CNC machines are most commonly used for engraving and cutting. These uses, along with the wide range of materials they can work with, make them useful for many different hobbyist and commercial uses.

These include carpentry, jewelry engraving, advertising signs, decorations, art, furniture, and molds. If you’re willing to go premium with a 5 axis CNC 6040 router or machine capable of working accurately with metal, you can even produce complex mechanical parts and more. 

Why Choose a CNC 6040 Machine? 

A CNC 6040 machine performs the same functions and can cut the same soft materials as many other machines, so why would you choose this type of machine over another? 

The main reason is, of course, because of the size. Simply put, the larger working area opens up more possibilities for projects you can make. For example, one common use of CNC engraving machines is for creating advertising signs, and with a 6040 you can work on larger signs far more effectively.

It’s also worth noting that 6040 CNC routers typically have at least 4 axes, whereas smaller machines, such as 3018 models, usually have just 3. This increased number of axes further increases the working possibilities of a CNC 6040 machine. 

With a 4th axis, there is rotation around the X-axis that provides more flexibility than 3 axis machines. For example, 4 axis machines can work on four sides of a workpiece from a single fixture and are better for drilling on cylindrical surfaces. This means you can work accurately and efficiently on a wider range of projects.

If you splash out more and go for a 5 axis 6040 CNC machine you’ll have even greater flexibility, greater efficiency, and the ability to work on more complex shapes. This is because a 5 axis machine has two rotational axes so that you work on projects that would otherwise require multiple machines. 

Overall, CNC 6040 routers are best suited to serious hobbyists and businesses, whereas beginners and casual hobbyists are probably best suited to smaller models.

The Best CNC 6040 Machines 

So you’re now filled in on what CNC 6040 machines are and how they’re used. If you think a 6040 model is what you need for your CNC manufacturing, check out our reviews of the top-rated machines below. 

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Vevor CNC 6040 Router – Overall Best 6040 CNC Router on the Market 

• Price: $1,499 — Available on Amazon here
• Accuracy: ≤0.03mm
• Spindle Speed: 24,000 RPM
• Engraving Speed: 2000mm/Min
• Weight: 130lbs

The Vevor CNC 6040 router is, without doubt, the option that will suit most buyers best. For starters, it’s the only CNC 6040 machine that’s produced by a large, reputable brand, so it gives you the peace of mind you may not get if purchasing from a lesser-known manufacturer. 

This machine has the same quality that you’d expect from Vevor. For starters, it’s a 4 axis machine with a working travel of 395(X) x 600(Y) x (70)(Z)mm on the fourth axis. This means the machine can be used for 3D stereo engraving. 

That is just one of many uses you can make of this 6040 CNC mill. It’s compatible with a wide range of soft materials, such as wood, plastic, acrylic, PVC, and PCB, so the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to use it for creating artwork and crafts or for more practical uses like advertising signs and jewelry, this machine offers quality cutting and engraving. 

One of this machine’s most impressive features is the 57mm two-phase stepper motors on each of the three axes. These provide easy movement and are connected by reliable external couplings for high torque transfer. You can use the knobs on the motors for easy positioning adjustment. 

This 6040 CNC router kit also has an 800W water-cooled spindle motor on the Z-axis capable of reaching speeds up to 24,000 RPM. The two chrome plate hard shafts and aluminum support optical axis shaft are the sliding units, while the 1605 ball screws are the driving units. Overall, these features result in high precision, high efficiency, and low noise. 

Constructed with 6061 aluminum alloy and 6063 industrial aluminum, this machine is incredibly robust, sturdy, and durable. It has an aluminum backing plate and a dust-proof plate to help prevent chips from splashing onto the screw and optical axis, making for easy cleaning and a longer working life. 

Another nice feature of this machine is the intuitive controller that has a simple interface and an emergy stop button for improved safety. The controller has a built-in transformer that provides stable power over long-term continuous use.  

Finally, this 6040 CNC mill has a USB port so you can easily connect it to your computer and operate it using the included Mach3 software, which is simple to use yet offers high performance. 

JFT 6040 CNC Router – 5 Axis CNC 6040 Router for Industrial Use 

• Price: from $4,099 — Available on Amazon here
• Accuracy: 0.02-0.03mm
• Spindle Speed: 24,000 RPM
• Engraving Speed: 8,000mm/m
• Weight: 160lbs

The Vevor CNC 6040 machine is definitely the one that will suit most users, particularly hobbyists and small business owners. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone. 

One alternative is a JFT 6040 CNC router. The biggest advantage of going with this option is that there are a wide range of options to choose from, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. In fact, there are seven different models to choose from in total. They’re all 6040 CNC machines, but they have different numbers of axes and different wattages.  

First of all, there are three different 3 axis variations – 1.5Kw, 2.2Kw, and 800W. There are also three 4 axis models to choose from, with the same wattage variations. What we really like about the JFT CNC 6040 machines, however, is that there’s also a 5 axis version. 

This is the most expensive at over $5,000, but it offers the increased capabilities that you can only get with a 5 axis CNC machine. As we touched on earlier in this guide, 5 axis CNC machines offer even more flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency than 4 axis ones, and they can be used for highly complex projects, such as aerospace parts and even artificial bones used in medicine. 

These JFT routers are extremely accurate, stable, and robust machines capable of reaching speeds of up to 8,000mm/m and with high-strength TBI SFU1605 ball screws. They are designed for industrial use, so they’re ideal for professional manufacturers and business owners. 

Like the Vevor 6040 CNC mill, the JFT models all have USB ports and are operated using the Mach3 CNC software, so they’re intuitive and easy to use, even if you’re not an expert.