Zen Toolworks™ CNC 7x12 3D Printer/Milling Kit

I spend a lot of time reading up on different do-it-yourself CNC machines and kits. The Zen Toolworks machine looked like the best fit for me. Since I had checked things out prior to getting it, I knew that it wasn't an easy or quick project to build. I was correct! However, the wiki and forum site for Zen Toolworks have had almost every answer I have needed when I got stuck building or testing the machine. As another review said, this is not a complete kit to make a fully operating machine. You have to buy the electronics separately, which allows you to customize the machine to your perfered configuration. In addition you must buy a spindle motor (motor the bits are attached to).After roughly 15 hours of assembly and basic testing, I was able to get the machine to perform all the movements and actions it was supposed to. However, it took several evenings of testing and troubleshooting to learn how to go from a CAD image to a completed piece made by the CNC machine. The software is complex, but very powerful once you begin to understand it. Though some software is free, probably the best know industry standard software is an additional expense. The demo versions of the software (free) may suit your needs for smaller projects.I've really enjoyed the challenge of building the machine, learning the software, and making the parts I want for robotics and other projects.As a side note, one of the biggest initial issues I had was using the wrong bit for cutting plastic. I could have saved days of trial and error by purchasing one from Zen Toolworks or another vendor.

It's a great machine and very simple to put together. I had it assembled in less than one day.

Works well as designed.

First, let me tell you why I like this CNC machine:It's the cheapest CNC machine on the market that has a decent size working area. This is even cheaper than the Chinese machines on eBay that ship from Hong Kong, and you're taking a big risk by ordering those. For the price, you absolutely cannot do better. You'd have to spend twice as much to do better. All of the parts are well made, and physical assembly is pretty easy. And, it's very precise when working with the right materials.Now, let me tell you things you should be aware before you order:1. If you order this kit, you will need additional items to make it work (I'll get to that later).2. It's really not suitable for metals. You might be able to mill soft aluminum, but that's about it. The frame is made of PVC, and the design itself means the machine has a tiny bit of flex to it that can translate to poor precision on hard metals.3. You have to assemble it yourself! It comes as a box of parts. Assembly isn't that hard if you're paying attention, but it can take a while. It took me about 5 hours, but I was taking it slow to be extra careful.4. Setting up the software can be difficult, but that's really the case with any CNC machine that does come with software.Now, if none of that deters you, then this machine should work well for you. If you order, keep in mind that you'll need these things to go with it:1. Stepper Control board (I ordered a 3 axis TB6560)2. 12-24V Power Supply (mine is 24V, try searching for "cnc power supply")3. Dremel or spindle (and you'll probably need to make a mount to attach it)4. Endmills (a basic 3mm or 1/8" flat end mill will get you started)5. A computer with a parallel port. USB to Parallel converters don't work! (I just bought a used PC for $40 at a local computer shop, and it works well)6. CAD software7. CAM software8. CNC control software (I use LinuxCNC, which is free)If you have questions before or after purchasing, check out the Zen Toolworks forum, there are some really helpful people on there who should be able to point you in the right direction.

This is my second Zen CNC machine. I also have have their 7 x 7 milling machine which I've owned for about 3 years now. It was time for a larger more capable faster machine.At the moment I'll be using it only for milling (mostly hardwoods) but it's good to know it's 3D printing capable with the needed attachments and software, etc. I will be trying that out in the future.I'm already familiar with the company's machines so this was a big upgrade in performance from the 7 x 7. Aside from having the capability to work on larger items width wise you can also work on much thicker objects. The speed of the f20 screws is a revelation. The machine can comfortably move much faster than you will ever be able to if milling harder materials. As a another reviewer mentioned this is not for milling harder metals. The rule of thumb I believe is not to mill materials that are harder than the material the machine is built from. A small job is possible if you take care to mill at very small depths and lower speeds to reduce the effort as much as possible. Let the end mill do the work. But not on a regular basis.After several tests using everything from dremels and other rotary tools I recommend going with a regular spindle. The excessive vibration of the rotary tools will in time affect the machine, not to mention your ears. The spindle is so quiet you can barely tell it's running. Depending on the degree of accuracy you need the runout on the rotarys plus the vibration of the tool will have a considerable effect on accuracy.I use the CNC for work not as a hobby, and here is where the great service is so important to me. Aside from their forums and good online instructions, anytime I've ever needed any help with a problem I couldn't find a solution to on their forums they are prompt with replies to emails. I've needed to replace parts in the past and they have always been quick to ship them out. For me at least this is priceless. I did research other machines on the market and the only competitive ones available are shipped directly from China. From past experience buying other products this way for the sake of price there was no way I would take the risk with this for the small difference in price if any.Not to mention waiting a month to receive it or anything else you may need in the future.I rated it 5 stars since it works great for what it's designed to do at a great price, and for the service.