You build the base and vertical supports out of strong aluminum and vinyl girders, using easy hex-head screws for everything (the Allen wrenches are included, just like Ikea, as well!). With that warning in place, I have to admit that assembling the Genmitsu 3018 PRO was actually pretty straightforward, and I felt like I understood the instructions and knew what I was doing the whole way through. If you want more hand-holding, or a ready-to-use tool, consider spending the money for a fully-assembled device. If you do great with Ikea building jobs, you’ll do great here. The device comes unassembled, and you have to put it together using instructions that are only slightly better than what comes with an Ikea bookcase. I’ll also mention up front that this is an experience for a hobbiest and a tinkerer. There are some folks who believe that CNC routers are far more useful tools than their trendy counterparts, the 3D printer. A router is a rotary device (like a Dremel) used for cutting materials like wood into useful and decorative shapes.

But this post is about CNC routers, and specifically my journey assembling and starting to use the SainSmart Genmitsu 3018 PRO (provided to me by SainSmart for this purpose). First things first: what does CNC actually stand for? It’s “computer numerical control,” and while it’s usually the way many people refer to one specific device, the CNC router, it actually covers the whole class of computer-controlled tools, like lathes, drills, laser cutters, and even 3D printers.

Genmitsu cnc router