The NestWorks C500 is the latest desktop CNC machine that I’ve seen a bazillion ads for on social media. They’re running a Kickstarter campaign, and I decided to finally take a look.
NestWorks makes some bold claims about the C500, which definitely colored my views, and not in a good way as I’ve heard it all before.
They say that the new desktop C500 CNC is a “next-gen smartest CNC with industrial power.” “Industrial power, true automation.” “What if CNC machining felt effortless – no setups, no guesswork?”
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NestWorks says that the C500 delivers “superior all-material machining power,” and can cut wood, plastics, non-ferrous metals like aluminum and brass, steel including stainless and tool steel, and even titanium alloy.
“10X higher machining productivity compared to typical desktop CNCs,” “industrial-grade power,” “cutting through… even tougher materials like titanium alloys and mild steel with ease.”
“high precision and a professional-grade surface finish.”
In my experience, that’s all incredibly optimistic for a desktop machine, especially given that the machine features an 800W spindle.
They also claim travel speeds of up to 5000mm/min, which comes out to around 197 inches per minute, which seems very fast for a machine this size.
For comparison, the newest iteration of the Carbide3D Nomad (I regret buying mine), has a 130W motor.
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A lot of that is just HYPE so far. NestWorks makes a lot of bold claims about the C500. What exactly does it offer? This is where I am amazed.
Core features include an aluminum alloy cast frame, steel work table, high-precision ball screws, and linear guides.
To start, it has an integrated ATC (automatic tool changer) with “RFID-enabled holders” for tool management.
Given the ER11 spindle, I would say that 1/4″ and 1/8″ will likely be the most-used end mill sizes.
It has a built-in MQL (minimum quantity lubrication) system with high-efficiency air cooling. That’s a must for machining many types of metal.
And also built-in air circulation.
And a quick-cleaning removable chip tray. I’m liking this already.
You can add a 4th axis for rotary cutting.
The bundle comes with an electric vise.
The NestWorks C500 CNC also features automatic height detection and leveling, and assisted probing.
The bundle also comes with an MPG (manual pulse generator) hand wheel for manual adjustments and control.
There’s also a laser 5W laser diode module for engraving your projects.
The smartphone app will allow for real-time monitoring.
Oh, and the Smart CAM software can auto-detect 2D and 3D files and “generate toolpaths and machining parameters in one click.” They say it’s cross-platform ready with Fusion360, MasterCam, and NX CAM.
Okay, I am definitely impressed and extremely enthusiastic, and I hope they can deliver on all of their claims.
NestWorks says that their Kickstarter all-in-one bundle reward package saves you 40% off compared to MSRP. At this time it’s priced at $3,999, plus shipping.
The standard package pledge reward is priced at $2,799 plus shipping, and lacks the add-in inclusions such as the laser, hand wheel, vise, and vacuum kit.
There are a couple of other pledge packages in between. Shipping to the USA is listed as $159. They also say the prices include customs fees.
At this time the delivery estimate is April 2026.
Can you trust them? As a rule, Kickstarter pledges are never guaranteed. NestWorks says the C500 isn’t a hobby project, and that they spent many months developing these products and software, with a team of 50 engineers, 3 industrial veterans, and 2 full-time CAM specialists.
I started watching this project with extreme interest, but I am cautious and will likely wait for the production models before deciding whether to open my wallet.
On the other hand, while $3,999 is a lot of money, the MSRP on the package is estimated to be $6,644. For the more basic package, the MSRP for the $2,799 machine is estimated to be $4,699.
It’s always safer to wait, but that could mean spending a lot more money later on.
NestWorks says the C500 “is not jut a desktop machine, it’s a true desktop machining center.” Do you think they’ve got something special here?
Here’s the launch video:
Nathan
Do they actively make anything currently? It sounds good but I’d think the cast al frame limits some of what you can do. Ie hard metal feed rates have to be low to keep the pressure on the frame down. That’s ok by me. How replaceable will the parts be is a concern of mine. Ie year 2 when the z axis drive dies can I get a replacement
Finally where is it made? Sounds good but like you I’m dubuous
Stuart
After digging around a bit I saw they are “incubated” by an educational robotics company.
They seem to be a relative newcomer to the field, with the goal of being like the Bambu of CNC desktop machining.
NestWorks is based in Hong Kong.
Justin
Put me in the dubious club as well. I had the same thought about the aluminum frame, but as you say I really don’t mind needing to lower feed rates to do hard metals – were I to put money down for one of these I’d be doing mostly aluminum anyway.
I didn’t find any information anywhere to give me an idea of the sizes of parts you could do with this machine – maybe its in one of the videos.
I’ve worked for small engineering companies doing low-volume production who hire out their CNC work – at the moment they often 3D print plastic prototypes to get an idea of fit an function before ordering a part in metal – a machine like this would be the next step up and would allow fully functional prototypes… IF it is as advertised.
EBT
Same here. I am still stung out of $500 for Kapsul (changed to Noria’s Quiet Cool) AC units. Its been years since the kickstarter screwed buyers by the company deciding on selling off stock that arrived to pay off debt, rather than fulfill stale orders. Company went under in 2023
Kickstarter is AT YOUR OWN RISK. You have $4K to burn… its fine. Everything is fine.
Caveat-, I follow gun-jesus and his books are through Kickstarter. They are solid and worthy of backing historic information of weapons.
Matt
I’d join into the skepticism. I’ve used several “mills” in this class and I think that it could work okay. The nomad and machines in this class are routers and while tooling has come a long way, there are inherent limitations to this type of design, mainly rigidity and secondarily the spindle power/torque curve. They have their place in small r&d and education applications, but CNC will never be as simple as 3D printing, tool choice alone as a factor being the main one. The best machines in this class would be the pocket nc and nomad, but that is because they each fill a gap for K-12 and university level R&D, where you want something with decent software and some capabilities, but it’s not sink or swim for your company. They have a fairly high price point for a desktop machine, so it may not all be BS, but I’d guess it won’t be as seamless as they claim. Just my 2¢
paul gibbel
This post reminds me you were working on converting a bench top mill to CNC, anything happening on getting that going? I have been looking at doing that myself or finding something used that is on the small size, like a desktop mill.
Stuart
That and other projects have been on hold.
I finally replaced the spindle https://toolguyd.com/precision-matthews-mill-venting/ but still haven’t tested it to ensure nothing broke.
John
Buying expensive items on Kickstarter is a full stop for me. If you really want a hobby/small manufacturing type CNC, they already exist with track records. Langmuir comes to mind, but CNC machining is not a field I follow. If these are for prototyping, then 3D printing is better money spent and once something works to your liking have an appropriate CNC metal machine or get an existing company to run a small batch. These machines require a human babysitting, these are not appliances where you just set it and walk away. I’ve watched Clough42 on youtube machining parts and while you can get some decent stuff that way, the mistakes, machine quirks and so much will be a daily hassle.
Whatever the Kickstarter price is, you’ll somehow pay double for all the odds and ends. That’s what always happens. Don’t be dazzled by an intro price and little to no company history.
CNC machining has been around for over 40 years. This company is not going to uproot the industry the way Bambu Lab did for 3D printing. Very different tools.
Aram
Seconded.
…and, honestly, if their CAM is as good as they claim, they could be a profitable company just selling the dang software, which makes me even more skeptical.
I’ve got VERY strong SwissMak vibes off this project (search that name and you’ll find yet another Kickstarter machine-tool disaster).
That_Guy
I just watched a video by strange parts on youtube (his other channel stranger parts had the video ) …he does a lot of factory tours and got “famous” when he made an iphone out of parts he sourced in china a few years ago I don’t know if it will let me share the link but here it is….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZs8PP6lG9k
The TLDW is the company like you said makes robotic arms but could not find a quality CNC machine to make parts so they built one themselves …I think the idea especially with that electronic vice is to have desktop automated lights out mfg.
what strikes me about this is the weight of the machine, by all accounts its a super heavy duty frame.
S
What advantage is the electric vise?
Because I’m coming up with nearly all disadvantages and over complexities to a simple mechanical vise that would be far easier to set up.
Stuart
I’m guessing less cranking when changing between smaller and larger workpieces.
Jasper
I am also semi skeptical as they have a lot of work to make it “just work”. It is a bold idea to try and make CNC as easy as 3D printing. If you have not see yet there is a good tour and interview by Stranger Parts YouTube channel https://youtu.be/NZs8PP6lG9k