Ranked in our buying guides:#7 in Best Under $500
Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 REX

Image: Sainsmart

budget

Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 REX

Sainsmart

Best for: Beginners and supervised teaching projects needing a small CNC with homing switches and an emergency stop

Typical starting price

$249

Editorial baseline for this machine

Overall score

54

Buyer-fit score

out of 100

Scoring method

Best current buying path

Where to buy

SainSmart: $249 · checked Oct 23

Official store
Primary pick SainSmart Official store from $249 In stock · checked Oct 23 Direct from the maker: full warranty and support
  • Shipping varies by retailer
  • Check manufacturer site for availability

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Quick verdict

The 3018 REX updates the small 3018 format with pre-assembled modules, an X-axis linear guide, Wi-Fi and limit switches. The manual identifies the included spindle as a 775 DC motor rated at 9000 RPM, although its wattage is not stated. Its quoted maximum motion speed should not be read as a tested cutting feed. Assembly still includes spindle installation and wiring. Material capability depends on tooling, setup and cutting conditions.

Who this fits best

Beginners and supervised teaching projects needing a small CNC with homing switches and an emergency stop

Buy this if

Beginners and supervised teaching projects needing a small CNC with homing switches and an emergency stop. Pre-assembled base and gantry modules; spindle installation and wiring still required.

Skip this if

Spindle wattage is unstated; the manual specifies a 775 motor at 9000 RPM, and x-Z carriage is still plastic, which caps how hard you can push any spindle.

What else you still need

Add cutters for the intended job and dust extraction. Four clamps, a carving-bit set and a Z-probe are listed in the manual. The Y-axis rail kit, offline controller, laser and rotary accessories are separate options.

Material reality check

Sainsmart markets the machine for wood, acrylic and PCB work. Metal-cutting rates and hardwood capacity need a documented setup and test; the published spindle information does not establish them.

Better alternative if...

compare the 3020-PRO Ultra if you need a different spindle and gantry configuration; check actual cutting tests for your intended material. See Sainsmart Genmitsu 3020-PRO Ultra

Where it wins

  • Pre-assembled base and gantry modules; spindle installation and wiring still required
  • HGH15 linear guide on the X axis is a real step up from the rod-only gantry of older 3018s
  • 60 mm Z travel and a stated 91 mm gantry clearance
  • Limit switches, homing and an E-stop are fitted from the factory
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and ports for optional rotary and laser accessories

Where it falls short

  • Spindle wattage is unstated; the manual specifies a 775 motor at 9000 RPM
  • The X-Z carriage includes plastic parts
  • Y axis stays on round shafts unless you buy the separate linear rail kit
  • Small 300 x 180 mm working area
  • The anniversary edition is limited to 300 units; confirm regional availability

Specifications

Work Area

300 × 180 mm

540 cm²

Spindle

n/a

Included 775 DC spindle motor, 12-24 V; motor power not stated

Controller

32-bit GRBL 1.1h controller with Wi-Fi, laser/rotary expansion, limit switches and emergency stop

Weight

5 kg

Price

$249

budget

Full specification table
Work Area 300 × 180 × 60 mm
Spindle Included 775 DC spindle motor, 12-24 V; motor power not stated
Power not published
Speed 9000 RPM (manual specification)
Weight 5 kg
Frame Pre-assembled frame (spec table lists both sheet metal and all aluminum), HGH15 linear guide plus 10mm shafts on X, round shafts and lead screw on Y, plastic X-Z carriage
Controller 32-bit GRBL 1.1h controller with Wi-Fi, laser/rotary expansion, limit switches and emergency stop
Software Genmitsu App, Universal Gcode Sender, Easel, VCarve, Fusion 360, LightBurn (with compatible optional laser module) (with compatible optional laser module)

Relative to database

Spindle power
n/a
Work area
540 cm²
Weight
5 kg
Price
$249

Benchmark Scores

54 /100

Overall Score

Composite across 5 dimensions

≥80 excellent ≥60 good ≥40 fair
Value for money
80 /100
Rigidity
26 /100
Precision
42 /100
Ease of use
88 /100
Capability
18 /100

Community Sentiment

We have not summarised owner feedback for the Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 REX yet, so this section is intentionally left without claims. Check the sources for current owner discussions.

Community sentiment is aggregated from forums, Reddit, Discord, and manufacturer communities. Individual experiences may vary.

Compare with

SainSmart: $249 · checked Oct 23

Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 REX

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