CNC Machine FAQs

We don't build our reputation by tearing others down. We let our technology, innovation and results speak for themselves.Our focus is, and always has been, on delivering reliable, high-performance CNC systems built with pride right here in Australia. From our in-house software and controller systems to our own machine designs, we take full ownership of every aspect of our product line. This allows us to maintain an uncompromising standard of quality, from design to finished job.We know there are vendors in the market who take a different approach, often marketing themselves primarily as the "cheapest" option while making pointed and negative comparisons whenever it suits them. We're not interested in that. We don't build for the lowest bidder, and we certainly don't believe being "cheap" is a badge of honour.If your top priority is price, we may not be the right fit, and that's okay. But if you value precision, durability and long-term performance over cut corners and empty claims, we're here to build you a CNC solution that lasts.We don't need to tell you we have the best support in the business. We would rather let our users tell that story, so have a read of our Google reviews and Facebook reviews.What truly sets us apart is that we don't just assemble machines, we engineer the entire ecosystem. The machine, the controller that runs it, the software that drives it and the program you design in are all built in-house to work together. That means:Our machines, designed and built here on the Gold CoastThe Nighthawk CNC Controller and Nighthawk SCRIBE, our own control hardwareCNC3D Commander, our free control software with TurboCut tool libraries built inCNC3D Design Suite, our free CAD/CAM programEndmillCalc, our feeds and speeds calculatorTurboCut tooling and post processors for the major CAM programsCNC3D TV, plus support pages and downloads for everything we make This integration gives us, and our users, unmatched control, reliability and performance. By owning every part of the process we're not limited by third-party compromises or generic components. We optimise every step of the workflow, from design through to final cut, so what you get is more than just a machine. It's a complete, purpose-built CNC solution, and when you need a hand you're talking to the people who designed the part you're asking about.

Deciding to get a CNC router or laser for home hobby or business purposes doesn't need to be a daunting process. Let's take a close comparative look at our machines to work out the best solution for you.​You can find our machine comparison page HERE

Every machine price on our site includes GST, so what you see is what you pay before shipping. Price depends on the size of the machine and the options you choose, such as the spindle and VFD, laser module or probes. Each listing shows its current price and lead time.Our fully assembled machines arrive ready to run. Our machine kits cost less and you assemble them yourself.A flat rate shipping charge applies at checkout. For our fully assembled machines we highly recommend completing the quote form instead, so you get an accurate total including the actual shipping cost to your door.

Yes. The QB2 and Metal Storm are certified Australian Made, designed and built here on the Gold Coast.Our Commander control software and Design Suite are written in-house too, so the machine, the electronics and the software all come from the same team. CNC3D Pty Ltd is Australian owned and operated.The Nighthawk CNC Controller that runs them is ours as well. Our Nighthawk CNC Controller has been over-engineered electronically for optimal robust performance with custom circuit boards designed by CNC3D, and paired with genuine Toshiba drives gives a super simple and clean look but still with enough power to run even our most demanding machines.The Nighthawk V1 is certified Australian Made and complies with RCM/R-NZ, CE, UKCA, RoHS, FCC and ICED.

All of our CNC routers will cut and engrave timbers and plastics. Any of our machines can be used for hobby purposes but the QB2 and Metal storm machines are recommended for commercial use. To get an idea on maximum cutting depth for each machine type, you can check out our machine comparison page HERE

Our engineering team spend many hours on researching and developing our products and machines so they perform the best they possibly can. As such, we do not offer customized sizes as the time taken in R&D to ensure a machine is made to our standards can take a very long time.

Through user feedback and experience a lot of our machine listings on our 3D store have common optional extras that can be chosen to suit your needs. We try to offer the most complete solutions we can so our users can get productive very quickly. For our fully built plug and play machines the only extras needed are generally some additional cutters to suit the materials you are planning on working on. Also, the addition of T-tracks, clamps and MDF planks (for going in between the T-tracks) can be added separately.​If you are considering a Ultimate Bee CNC kit, The machine requires full assembly. Depending on the options you select, we can supply the power supply, wiring and motors and Spindle & VFD. The power supply, Spindle and VFD require wiring by a licensed electrician under Australian law. This is an important factor to consider.

We do not guarantee our lasers will cut anything but we have had some good success at cutting a variety of materials with our 30w air-assisted lasers. Our 15w and lower powered lasers will likely not be suitable for cutting but will work great for engraving on timbers, plastics and some coated surfaces. You can follow this video guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Syf86xmeZs&t

Plenty of our customers do, from occasional one-off custom jobs through to full-time fabrication businesses. It is why we built CNC3D Business.CNC3D Business is our platform for running a CNC business. It handles the whole business side: clients, jobs, billable time, stock and materials, and invoicing that reconciles back to the job that earned it. It is built into CNC3D Commander and the Design Suite, so you can request quotes from inside the design tool and a timer you start in the Design Suite becomes a line item on the invoice.It also includes a fabrication marketplace. Customers post the parts they need and CNC shops bid with a price and a lead time, with jobs matched to the machines and processes you actually run. Payment is held in escrow until the buyer confirms the parts arrived, and sensitive designs can be gated behind an NDA.A My CNC3D account is free, and posting a job is free. Bidding on marketplace jobs is part of a CNC3D Business subscription.Explore CNC3D Business

Included with the QB2 machine is:​1 x 22mm 2F straight cut surfacing bit, (timber)1 x 4mm 2F Straight cut, (timber)1 x 60° or 90° ‘V’ Carving bit. (timber)ER11 Collet Set Included with the Metal Storm machine is: ​ER20 Collet set8mm 1 flute upcut for alloys endmill for surfacing your alloy bed (only when ordered with a Alloy bed)​**Please note these bits are only supplied if the spindle / router option is ordered with the machine. You may wish to add other endmills to your order - these can be sent out with your machine. You can view our entire endmill range here: https://www.cnc3d.com.au/endmills

Our machines include our in-house designed Nighthawk controller and our own CNC3D Commander software. This is the recommended software for use with our machines. You can learn more about how a general job takes place HERE

You can run your CNC machine using the Web interface built in the Nighthawk but Ideally using our Commander software is the best option. It is limited to Windows computers (Windows 7 or greater) but can be run via parallels or Boot Camp on a Mac.

There are a lot of options regarding software, and the two you need come free with every machine.Design Suite is our own free CAD/CAM program. You design your job and generate your toolpaths in it, and it is built to suit our machines from the start.Commander is our free control software that runs the machine. It also holds our TurboCut tool libraries, so feeds and speeds are ready to go under the My Tools menu.If you would rather use something else:For entry level and rapid production, Easel is a free web based program. Our Getting Started tutorials are based on it because it is simple and straightforward to use.For more advanced work, CarveCo, Vectric and Fusion360 all work well. We have post processors that suit the Nighthawk for these programs.You can use just about any design software you like, including SolidWorks. Just choose an appropriate post processor so it outputs G-code the Nighthawk can interpret.For more on using Design Suite, Easel or CarveCo for 3D carving, check out the CNC Basics channel on CNC3D TV

At this stage we do not have an ATC option with our machines. This is however in our pipeline to introduce in the future!

At present our current machine range does not include a vacuum bed system but as our technology progresses we will be offering a vacuum system with our machines in future!

Each machine has the expected lead time shown within the listing, Whilst we always aim to be on time or early, please note that lead times are approximate and can change without notice, based on build volume & stock availability.​Whilst we endeavor to stick to these timelines, as in any well-intentioned plan, unexpected situations can arise. In such cases where we anticipate a delay beyond the specified lead time, we promise to promptly communicate with you and provide an updated timeline. Lead times do NOT include the shipping transit time - once your machine has been shipped you will receive a tracking confirmation email and the freight company will contact you direct to arrange a delivery day and time.​View our full shipping terms HERE

Depending on size and options, our machines weigh roughly 60 to 80kg.Tail lift service is available if you need it, but let us know when you order so we can make sure the delivery truck is equipped for it. The driver should then be able to place the machine in your workshop with a pallet jack.Two reasonably fit people can usually move it into position, though it is worth having a third on hand.Full dimensions are listed on each machine's product page.

Yes, we sell CNC3D eGift Vouchers. You can purchase one online HERE​eGift Vouchers are valid for 3 years from date of purchase and cannot be redeemed or replaced after this date.​CNC3D Pty Ltd is not responsible for lost / stolen vouchers, and is not responsible for replacing a voucher that has been lost / stolen.​eGift Vouchers are strictly non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash. eGift Vouchers are not valid with any other offer and / or special at CNC3D Pty Ltd.​CNC3D Voucher's can be used for ONLINE purchases only.

We recommend using our machines in a workshop/garage/shed environment. All of our machines with the exception of our Metal Storm can be used on a normal 10A plug outlet. Our Metal Storm CNC does require a 15A outlet to be available as it can and will exceed 10A.

A shop vac is perfectly fine to use with the dust shoe option. We use a $49 Aldi wet/dry shop vac at our factory and it has been going strong for 3 years. If you want to use a larger extraction system you absolutely can, you will just need a hose adapter.

Each of our machine listings does have a critical dimensions section at the bottom of each listing. We recommend making a bench that is at least 300mm longer front to back than the overall size of the machine. This leaves some space for your spindle spanners, probe, collets and endmills.​We recommend making the top of the bench from Formply as it has a resin layer preventing moisture ingress and is generally very flat and consistent.  ​Ensure your bench is quite strong and made of either steel or timber with angled gussets to stop any trapezoidal flex. The stronger your bench is, the better your performance will be.

There are many choices for securing your workpiece, Some users opt to use a T-track and clamp system, other choose to screw their stock directly into your spoilboard. Both of these methods require you to use tabs in your job when cutting out parts to full depth in order to keep your job in place. While the clamp and T-track system is a handy and simple way to hold your jobs the caveat is that you must be diligent when working with them to ensure your Z axis or spindle does not collide with the clamps. It is also not suited to jobs where stock size is small in relation to the actual job being cut out of it.​If choosing the T-track and clamp method we recommend mounting the tracks directly onto your spoilboard and having MDF planks in between each track. For best results, ensure that the thickness of MDF used for the planks is at least 16mm so you can still surface the spoilboard without cutting into the T-tracks.​We stock T-Tracks and matching clamps on our website, they can be found here:T-Tracks - https://www.cnc3d.com.au/t-track-easy-clamp-mitre-extrusion-1000mmClamps - https://www.cnc3d.com.au/solid-nylon-cnc-clamp​Another handy method is to use blue painters tape and superglue to adhere your job to the spoilboard. This allows you to cut parts out at full depth without needing to any tabs that need to be removed later. We have setup a video tutorial on our YouTube channel for doing this HERE

Our helpful support team are available via Phone, Email, Facebook or via our Website chat to assist you with products you have purchased from us. Calling via phone is limited to our standard business hours and is the best way to get support. The details of our business hours can be found on our Contact Us page.​Our Facebook Page can be found HERE Please keep in mind our team donate their spare time on weekends, and after hours for support via Facebook and our website. Response time may not be immediate, and will vary.​We have set up an FAQ page to answer the most common support questions we get asked. If you have a support question this is a great place to look as your question may have already been answered!​Visit our Support FAQ's Forum HERE​Join our friendly CNC3D user community!We have a great community on Facebook with over a thousand like minded CNC people just like you!​You can access our CNC /  3D Playground group on Facebook HERE  ​For more information on our contact details and hours of operation please visit our Contact Us page.​​Please note: We do not guarantee or provide any "in-home" or "call out" options for support.

We always try our best to make things as simple as possible. Making rich content and tutorials is all part of that process. We have a CNC Basics channel on our CNC3DTV! page that covers getting your first job out of the way and then moving onto more complex carvings like 3D carvings.​You can find our CNC3DTV! page HERE

We offer a standard 12 month warranty on all products in our range with the following exceptions:​VFDSAll VFDs have a 6 month warranty.​Invertek VFD warranties and repairs will be handled with Invertek directly. CNC3D do not keep any stock on hand of the Invertek Drives. You can contact Invertek at 1300 183 702 for support.​**Please note: If you do not have experience setting up VFD's, we do not recommend changing any settings yourself and to seek advice from your licensed electrician that is installing your VFD for you. Failing to configure your VFD correctly may result in catastrophic events occurring such as the VFD physically exploding if settings are not configured correctly prior to powering on any VFD - this may void your warranty!​SpindlesAll Spindles have a 6 month warranty but there is no warranty on the shaft bearings as they are considered a consumable.​Consumables The following consumable items have no warranties associated.End mills & router bitsColletsBristle stripsOramaskBearings - sold individually or as part of an existing assemblyV-wheels and Mini V-wheels.Bearing blocks and profile railsPlasma consumables including ceramic cups, electrodes and nozzles​View our full warranty terms HERE