The Makera Z1 is another new benchtop CNC milling machine, this time from an established company that has previously launched other CNC machines.
At the time of this posting, Makera is holding a fundraising campaign for the Z1 CNC on Kickstarter, with an early bird pledge price of $899. Makera implies that the retail price will be $1199.
Update 12/2: Makera activated limited time rewards if you back their Z1 campaign right now.
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The Makera Z1 is described as being a desktop CNC for first-time users with pro-level power and precision. They say that it features intuitive setup and smart workflows, and that it can cut materials such as wood, acrylic plastic, non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and brass, and even perform light milling in steel and titanium.
It will have a 150W spindle. Makera says this will bring industrial-grade power to your desktop.
Notable features include an auto-probing and leveling system, AeroDust collection system and high pressure blower for clearing “chips and fine particles,” a built-in camera for realtime monitoring, and enclosed frame.
Makera will also have a separate cyclone dust collector, which they say is “a crucial component of the AeroDust collection system.”
The Z1 is said to be “4-axis ready,” and there will also be an optional 5W laser module for engraving your workpieces.
As for the software, Makera says they will be “introducing the first one-click CAM software made for everyone.”
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There’s also mention of an AI-powered workflow, AI gallery, and AI modeling where you can “turn any idea into a detailed 3D model in seconds.”
The spindle features a “custom collet” with 1/8″ compatibility. 1/4″, 4mm, and 6mm collets will be optional.
At this time, the minimum pledge amount is $899, and shipping will be charged separately. Add-ons such as the laser, 4th rotary axis, and Cyclone Dust Collector Lite, will also be discounted for Kickstarter backers.
Shipping for the Z1 will be $80 to the continental USA. The pledge price is said to include customs fees.
Makera is offering incentives for backers to place their fundraising pledges early. As part of “Black Friday Fest,” the earlier you pledge, the more gifts you will receive on top of the rewards for your pledge level.
At the time of this posting, Makera says the shipping ETA is January 2026.
Can you trust them? As a rule, Kickstarter pledges are never guaranteed. From what I have seen, Makera seems to have a proven track record – this is their 3rd CNC machine, following the Carvera in 2021 and Carvera Air in 2024.
I think this campaign has lower risks than in other campaigns we’ve seen, such as the Nestworks C500 machine, but Kickstarter campaigns are never risk-free.
For the Makera Z1 CNC, there’s a $300 price difference between early bird pricing and the crossed-out MSRP price.
If you don’t want to wait, the Makera Carvera Air benchtop CNC is shipping now. The new Z1 is considerably less expensive, and is positioned as a beginner’s machine.
It will be interesting to see how things work out. Given everything I am seeing, the Z1 looks to be a compact machine that aims to be beginner-friendly. It’s advertised as being suitable for cutting metals, but expect it to work slowly with shallow passes.
In case you missed it, there’s also an ongoing campaign right now for the Nestworks C500 desktop machine, which looks to have considerably more features and capabilities than the Z1.
Personally, I am far more interested in the Nestworks C500, especially given the technological enhancements (such as the automatic tool changer) that are not typically available in desktop CNC machines.
I am risk-averse and wouldn’t back either. That said, I think the Makera Z1 is a safer (not completely safe) bet given the company’s prior successes.
Dana
I have backed the Z1. I was very interested in the C500 but as you mentioned, the previous success for Makera sold me, even if it’s a lesser machine on paper.
Robert
While much sounded enticing and feasible, the claim I find dubious is for the software:
“introducing the first one-click CAM software made for everyone.”
In practicality, what can that possibly mean? Only one level of menu, all commands are activated with one click at the top level? Or instead not a spreadsheet size one-click command tree, but a few set projects you click once to launch? Or most commands are voice activated? Hard to visualize what they are really promising for software.
Stuart
Here’s my understanding of what they mean. You know how a microwave has lots of buttons? You can manually set the time and power level. But there might also be a “reheat” button that allows “one-button” reheating.
Consider Photoshop. There’s a one-click “remove background” button that works kind of okay. The results usually need fine-tuning, but it helps with some of the steps.
One-click CAM doesn’t mean there’s just one command in the entire app. It’s going to be a one-click CAM setup so that you have less to do, presumably after one-time initial setup.
They go over this in some detail on the Kickstarter page, with animations and descriptions.
Robert
Thanks, that helps understand it. I wasn’t keen on going to their Kickstarter page.
Saulac
I looked into these table top CNC machines before but end up looking at mini manual lathe. The later will never be obsoleted. Want to hear from those that have used both.
Stuart
Those are two very different types of tools with completely different strengths and applications.