LUNYEE 4040 Nova
#2 in CompactFull review
A rigid small format machine for hobbyists who want to cut aluminum and brass as well as wood. Pick it over a bigger belt drive machine when accuracy matters more than bed size.
Amazon $999 LUNYEE $899$899
The LUNYEE 4040 Nova is the better CNC router overall, rated 3.3 to 2.9. The LUNYEE 4040 Nova leads on work area, motion and spindle. The LUNYEE 3018 Pro Max wins on price. The LUNYEE 3018 Pro Max costs $600 less ($299 vs $899).
LUNYEE 3018 Pro Max
#5 in CompactFull review
A low cost first CNC for small wood, plastic and PCB projects, with an offline controller and limit switches in the box. Buyers who plan to cut aluminum regularly should look at a machine with linear rails.
Amazon $379 LUNYEE $299$299
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the LUNYEE 4040 Nova for work area (246 sq in (15.7 x 15.7 in) vs 84 sq in (11.8 x 7.1 in)), motion (linear rails, screw or rack drive, limit switches vs screw or rack drive, limit switches) and spindle (710 W spindle vs 500 W spindle).
- Choose the LUNYEE 3018 Pro Max for price ($299 vs $899).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every compact CNC router; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | LUNYEE 4040 Nova | LUNYEE 3018 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Price 25% | 35 $899 | 83 $299 |
| Work area 15% | 98 246 sq in (15.7 x 15.7 in) | 2 84 sq in (11.8 x 7.1 in) |
| Spindle 15% | 77 710 W spindle | 66 500 W spindle |
| Motion 20% | 85 linear rails, screw or rack drive, limit switches | 45 screw or rack drive, limit switches |
| Warranty 25% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| LUNYEE 4040 Nova | LUNYEE 3018 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Work area | ||
| Travel (X x Y x Z) | 15.7 x 15.7 x 5.1 in | 11.8 x 7.1 x 3.1 in |
| Area | 246 sq in | 84 sq in |
| Spindle | ||
| Spindle | 710W 6 speed trim router, ER11 collet, 65 mm mount | 500W DC spindle, 52 mm mount |
| Power | 710 W | 500 W |
| Top speed | 30,000 rpm | 12,000 rpm |
| Motion and control | ||
| Frame | aluminum | aluminum and carbon steel |
| Linear rails | Yes | No |
| Drive | Ball screw | Lead screw |
| Closed-loop steppers | No | No |
| Limit switches | Yes | Yes |
| Controller | Grbl_ESP32 (GRBL 1.3a) | GRBL 1.1f (32-bit board) |
| Offline controller | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 88 lb | 29 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |