If you have a home workshop and want to add a CNC mill to make your work more precise, you're in luck because there are a number of machines that you can use in the home environment, including some professional-grade machines. But choosing the right one can be a bit confusing. Sometimes it's not the machine that drives the decision but the environment it's in and the type of work you'll be doing.

Space

Space is the most straightforward issue. Obviously, the bigger the machine, the more space it will take up. However, you also have to take into account additional tools, room to set materials aside, room for shavings to accumulate, and so on. If you plan to work on large items that you'll have to rotate and move around, for example, a professional-grade CNC machine might take up too much room, and you wouldn't be able to manipulate the item you're working on.

Mess

All CNC machines are going to produce a mess, of course, because the bits of material that get cut off don't just disappear. You need to find a machine that will let the mess drop away from the item being carved or shaped, or you need to match your projects to the mill. For example, on a mini-desktop mill, the item you're working on can quickly become engulfed in shavings because the item is often placed on a relatively wide and level perch. The shavings usually land right on that perch, surrounding the item. You have to either find a way to elevate the item slightly or be prepared to brush shavings away constantly. Or, you can get a machine that has a step or pedestal already built in so the shavings drop away.

Rigidity

Knee mills may be what you want if you need a machine with a lot of flexibility. Look for more joints that allow the machine and the item being worked on to move around, as opposed to just having the item sit on a table. More flexibility will also allow you to use larger items on the machine. In other words, a mill that isn't very flexible may not be able to travel over a large item because the mill just won't move up or out enough to clear the item.

Power

As with most machines, bigger machines will likely need more power. A professional CNC machine could need power beyond what you can get in a home, but for bed-, knee-, and mini desktop-CNC machines, you should be able to use your home's supply (always double-check that on the non-desktop machines, of course). If you're concerned about power usage, a smaller mini desktop may be the right one to get.

Finding the right home CNC mill can take some doing. Talk to manufacturers about the materials you prefer to use and the objects you're hoping to make.