Best desktop CNC engraving machines for wood and metal

Top pick: SainSmart 4040-PRO MAX. It's the most complete desktop machine here for both wood and metal — a 710W spindle with a wide speed range, a 400 × 400 mm bed and enough Z clearance to work thicker stock. Rigid enough for aluminum and brass engraving, and it's the one I'd buy if I wanted one machine to do real work rather than tinkering.

Who the others suit:

• Genmitsu 4040-PRO — the friendliest step up for a beginner who mostly cuts wood and wants a proven, well-supported platform.
• Genmitsu PROVerXL 4030 — a sturdier, larger Genmitsu for people who want more rigidity and room without going to a big frame.
• WizMaker Artisan 01 — a good all-rounder if you want a bigger working area and a closed-ish, tidier setup.
• VEVOR 500W / KFFKFF 300W — budget wood-and-soft-metal engraving for learning the ropes.
• VEVOR 3018 / KFFKFF 3018 — tiny, cheap starter machines for small plaques and light engraving only; don't expect much on metal.
• Genmitsu PROVerXL 2X2 — for someone with space and ambition who wants a near-pro bench machine.

Rule of thumb: for metal, spindle power and frame rigidity matter more than bed size.