The Fox Alien CNC Review: Is This the Best Kit For Your Next DIY Project?
The Fox Alien CNC is a good machine for those just getting into 3D printing and who want to jump right in with a big printer that will print larger prints than most other machines on the market.
Fox Alien CNC is a one-stop-shop for all your 3D printer needs. They have a wide variety of printers and parts to choose from, as well as some great customer service. Primarily intended as a kit, Foxlabs has released fully assembled versions, so you don’t need to build one yourself.
This is a review of the Fox Alien CNC and a few different machines.
I will give you an overview of what they can do, how to use it and share some reviews from users.
The Fox Alien CNC router is the newest generation for home DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals alike. It has many features that make this one of the most advanced machines on the market today.
But before we get into the specifics, let’s go over a few of the basics.
Page Content Navigation
What are CNC machines anyway?
CNC machines can be programmed to cut or mill materials like plastic, metal, and wood. They are controlled by computers that send the instructions for the cuts or mills to the machine. This results in very precise cuts or mills with little human interaction.
Before we go to the list of reviews of each Fox Alien CNC, let’s discuss first what you need to consider before buying the CNC.
The cost of a CNC router can vary depending on the amount you want to spend and your needs for it. Most people don’t think about buying one unless they have an idea in mind, but once that becomes clear, choosing which type is easy enough!
- When choosing the CNC of your dreams, you must keep in mind its work area. That way, it will limit what projects are possible for you, so choose wisely and make sure that the machine can accommodate all materials needed daily or buy another one! Additionally, consider router machines as they tend to be voluminous and sturdy, making them perfect additions if space isn’t an issue but just something worth considering before buying anything blindly off Amazon.
- It’s important to make sure the router you choose can work with your material before purchasing. Most affordable CNCs are great for softer materials such as wood or plastic, but if it’s harder metals that will be needed, then there may not always be enough power on hand without upgrading – which could set one back by quite a bit! For people who want something more powerful than what they find at their local hardware store, though, we recommend saving up, so instead of getting a crappier model just because its name sounds fancy goes ahead and invest in a high-quality and heavy-duty one that you can be sure to use for a long time.
- It is important to know if the CNC router you consider has a laser add-on or can be upgraded with one yourself. This would provide new functionality and potential for your projects, so make sure it’s something both parties agree on before moving forward!
- The CNC machine is a complex and precise device that requires assembly either by hand or with the help of special tools. Depending on how experienced you are in working with such equipment, it can take hours or days! The preassembled models only require minor adjustments before they’re ready for use. In contrast, those who purchase kits must put everything together themselves, which will demand more expertise and provide greater accuracy and performance.
What is FoxAlien?
Fox Alien, a small business out of Colorado, aims to help people create their own projects and products using cutting-edge technology. They are dedicated to making the world a better place by supplying high-quality products for DIYers, CNC router owners, and enthusiasts.
Their team members are passionate about creating something new for customers who want more control over how they do things–from design through production!
The Fox Alien CNC Router Review
FoxAlien CNC Router Machine Vasto
The FoxAlien Vasto CNC is like a toy for adults. It has industrial-grade components and comes preassembled, so all you have to do is 30-45 minutes of assembly time followed by hours (likely) spent exploring its capabilities with your newfound skills.
There are tons of resources on YouTube for GRBL control, and it has a rigid structure, so there are no more lost steps. Even though your engraving settings might not be perfect in this program (as they can’t read depths or curves), you’ll still see nicely carved grooves with this gamepad!
Click here for the lowest prices.
FoxAlien CNC Router Machine 4040-XE
CNC Router Machine 4040-XE is a desktop 3D printer that can print in two colours and has a printing volume of 120x120x120mm.
It prints at a layer height of 0.1-0.4mm, has an XY accuracy of 0.0125mm, and positioning precision of 0.025mm. It comes with an auto-levelling feature to ensure accurate printing, and it supports both STL and G-code formats.
CNC Router Machine 4040-XE is perfect for whatever your projects may be. Whether you need to make something small or are in the market on an extensive remodelling job, this power tool will come at just right and help get the project done quickly with little effort. It can cut and engrave many different materials, including wood or metal. It’s perfect for home use as well as business!
Assembly is easy, as the main parts are preassembled. You will only need 15 – 30 minutes to fully assemble this device and wire everything into your desired configuration for fast connection management.
Click here for the lowest price.
FoxAlien CNC router machine 4040-XE Amazon Customer Reviews
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021
Having just dropped $1000 on this thing, I wanted to love it, but I can’t fully trust it. First, I am not a mechanical newb – I won’t pat myself on the back here telling you how much stuff I’ve built, but I thought it would be important context to at least mention I am not new to this kind of thing. Assembly was a breeze, actually. Kudos to them for the packaging layout, labels on all the pieces, etc., which makes it obvious where everything should be connected. The instructions were very clear and very visual. No complaints there. Z-probe works well, and it is generally well constructed. But the devil is in the details.
Now that the machine is fully assembled and I’ve been using it for a few days, there are some pretty significant issues.
- The Z-axis stop switches do not contact the bracket that is supposed to activate them. See photo. This appears to be a design flaw, and this was not part of the home assembly process – in other words, it came from the factory that way.
- [UPDATE] – This is not an issue anymore. The Y1 spindle set screws were loose. Make sure you check all your motor collar set screws! Lesson learned.
- [UPDATE] – this has not happened again since running it back and forth a few times. The track for the Y-axis had a few sticking spots. Not sure how else to describe it, but a little past the midpoint of the table to the rear of the table, there were a couple of spots that seemed to stick, causing a jitter. I stepped the Y-axis forward and back across the whole table several times, and this seems to have gotten better.
Would I buy it again? Yes. Just make sure you run tests before working with larger pieces of stock or any expensive materials. Check everything three times, including the screws that came preassembled from the factory.
Reviewed in Canada on July 16, 2021
This is my first CNC Routing machine & I’m still getting the hang of it, but I absolutely love the machine so far. Also, the FoxAlien customer service has been excellent. I realize we are in different time zones, but if I go to bed with a question, I know the response will be waiting for me in my email first thing in the morning! As a whole, great product at a great price point.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2021
I wanted to submit a review on this router, to help people make a good buying decision. I purchased a Fox Alien 3018 engraving machine first. It was a good machine and performed well. I did several projects on the machine and was very happy with it. I thought it would be nice to have a larger machine, and when Fox Alien came out with the 4040, I purchased it. I figured it was a good choice to purchase another one with the good luck I had with my first Fox Alien machine. While the machine is larger, it isn’t a machine to do things other than engraving. If you want a machine that can only handle 1/8″ or smaller router bits and only wants to take.040″ (1mm) depth of cuts, the machine is fine. If you want a machine to do more than that, look for another machine. I would like to have my $1000 back and purchase a machine with the ability to actually do projects. I hope the review will help you make a better buying decision than I did.
FoxAlien CNC Router Machine Masuter
The 4040 is a cost-effective CNC router with a 400 x 380x55mm (15.75″ x 1496 inches). It uses a 60W spindle and NEMA17 stepper motors that can move up to 2000 mm per minute, giving it a high maximum speed for cutting tough material like steel or aluminum alloys in one go! The control board has been upgraded 32-bit chip, which makes this device more efficient than ever before while at the same time ensuring stability so you get perfect results every single time – no matter how big your project may be!
The machine comes with many features that make it a versatile and popular choice for any shop. Depending on what material you want to work on, it can be used as either an engraver, cutter, or drill press; there’s no need to waste time switching between modes because they all operate in much the same way! The 4040 also has some great benefits over other similar models, such as keeping cool while operating. It also takes about 20-30mins to fully assemble. The machine is compatible with Grbl software. It supports Windows XP/7/10, Linux, and Mac OS.
Click here for the lowest price.
Fox Alien Mauster Amazon Customer Reviews
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2021
Recently received the Mauster! Upon opening the box, everything was well packaged in multiple layers of foam. No worries about anything making contact with other parts, so nothing was bumped, damaged, or warped. I was very pleased! This unit comes partially assembled. You should expect to spend a little bit putting things together, but it’s mostly just hex screws and washers. All the “tricky” stuff is already assembled, such as the belts and wheels. The user manual takes you to step by step on putting the unit together. The pictures were very clear. I didn’t feel lost/confused. All the wires have labels on them too, so it’s really easy to make sure you’re plugging stuff into the right areas!
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
After assembly, I could not get the machine to engrave. Brand new to the CNC world, so I figured it was me skipping a step. Although it wasn’t, I emailed the company for help. I sent them a quick 10-second video of what the machine was doing, and within 24hrs the machine was working as it should. The customer service has been top-notch since day one. They emailed very detailed instructions on fixing the problem and were very quick to respond. If you are a beginner and looking for an introductory machine, this is it! Took about an hour to assemble. There were very detailed instructions. Everything was labelled, easy to find, and easy to wire. Literally, plug the USB that comes with the machine, install the driver and open the candle. You have to use an easel or another program like that to generate gcode. If you have trouble emailing, the company has videos to watch and learn how to do everything. Overall, 5 stars for everything.
Fox Alien CNC Router 3018-SE Review
This FoxAlien CNC router is perfect for cutting and engraving non-metal materials such as wood, MDF acrylic plastic board resin aluminum brass. It can keep dust from flying around during operation with its transparent case providing an easy view of what’s happening inside without having to open up your machine! The noise level has also been greatly reduced thanks to sound-absorbing material on the outside, which reduces that annoying clanking when working at high speeds or making deep cuts through things like metal sheeting.
This CNC router can support Fox Alien 5W and 20 W blue laser modules. The 3018-SE is a great choice for those looking to use it as an engraver!
Check out the lowest price here.
Fox Alien CNC Router 3018-SE Amazon Customer Reviews
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021
This machine is of great quality and is practically ready to use out of the box! You don’t need to be a tech genius, an engineer, or a graphic designer to use this machine. It’s very easy to assemble and even easier to use. The user manual is beautifully illustrated, easy to follow, and written in perfect English! There are tons of extra’s available for this machine, such as the off-line controller, the CNC bench vice, and the flip jig. You can literally create anything!
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021
This machine is of great quality and is practically ready to use out of the box! You don’t need to be a tech genius, an engineer, or a graphic designer to use this machine. It’s very easy to assemble and even easier to use. The user manual is beautifully illustrated, easy to follow, and written in perfect English! There are tons of extra’s available for this machine, such as the off-line controller, the CNC bench vice, and the flip jig. You can literally create anything!
Frequently Asked Questions:
The following are some questions that people also ask; check it to answer some of your questions regarding CNC.
What software does Fox alien CNC use?
The control board is based on open-sourced grbl software, and it supports Windows XP/7/8/10, Linux, or Mac OS. The machine comes with a 1-year warranty which can be extended to 3 for an extra fee if needed!
How do I download GRBL software?
It can be done by following the three steps:
- Download and install GRBL,
- Configure the Arduino environment, and
- upload to Arduino. This should not be difficult for someone with moderate technical know-how.
How to adjust the voltage for CNC router 4040-XE?
You can do a few things to adjust the voltage on your CNC Router 4040-XE. Here are a few tips:
- Check the power supply. Make sure that you are using a power supply that is compatible with the voltage requirements of your machine.
- Change the spindle speed. If you need to adjust the voltage, try changing the spindle speed to see if that will get you to the desired voltage level.
- Use a step up or step down transformer. If you are having trouble reaching the desired voltage level with your machine, consider using a step up or step down transformer to boost or reduce the power supplied to your machine.
The machine loses steps, or the stepper motors stutter. How can I fix it?
If the machine misses steps during engraving or the Y motors move unevenly, please make the following adjustments:
- Check the tightness of the belts. Check that the belts are not too loose but not too tight.
- Please see https://www.foxalien.com/blogs/news/how-to-adjust-the-belts-on-cnc-machine-4040-xe for belt adjustment instructions.
- Check the synchronous wheels’ screw. Ensure that the set screw is securely fastened.
- Make sure that all of the screws on the Y-motor portion are snug. The wheels may not attach to the rail and belt securely enough to move the machine if certain screws are loose.
What is the best diy wood engraver on the market today?
There are a lot of great CNC wood engravers on the market, but the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Some of the factors you’ll want to consider are the size and complexity of the designs you’ll be working with, the materials you’ll be using, and how often you’ll be using them.
That said, some of our favourite CNC wood engravers include the X-Carve by Inventables, the Nomad 883 Pro by Carbide 3D, and the CNC Router by Shapeoko. All three of these machines are high quality, durable, and capable of producing beautiful results. So whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong.
What can I do with my cnc machine?
Several different things can be done with a CNC machine, including (but not limited to):
- Cutting and drilling metal and other materials
- Carving wood, plastic, and other materials
- Engraving designs or text into various materials
- Producing precision parts for machines or other objects
What is the price of cnc machine?
CNC machines can vary in price depending on their size, features, and brand. In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars on a CNC machine.
What is cnc milling machine used for?
CNC milling machines are used for various purposes, the most popular of which is to create 3D objects by removing material from a block of stock.
CNC milling machines can also be used for engraving, die-cutting, and drilling. They can be equipped with various cutting tools to allow them to perform these tasks with great precision. CNC milling machines can be programmed to produce a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them a versatile tool for any workshop.
What is a good dust collection system for a cnc router?
There are a few factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a dust collection system for your CNC router. First, you’ll need to decide what type of dust collector you want to use – a bagged or a cyclone system. Bag collectors are cheaper and easier to install, but they can be messy and don’t work as well with fine particles. Cyclone collectors are more expensive, but they’re more effective at catching smaller particles.
You’ll also need to decide how big your dust collector should be. You’ll need enough suction power to collect the dust from your router, but you don’t want it to be too large or too heavy that it becomes difficult to store or move about.
What is the best engraving CNC kit for my next woodworking project?
I recommend the X-Carve Kit from Inventables. It’s great for everyone, regardless of experience.
The CNC is the state-of-the-art tool for creative work in wood, plastics and metals. Especially when it comes to complex curves or multiple cuts, no other technology offers so much freedom and produces such high precision results. And finally, you can cut almost infinitely intricate shapes out of acrylic glass! Assemble your idea with this complete CNC kit containing everything your creative heart desires! The X Carve has an 11 “x11” working area, making this machine perfect for use at home crafting projects or in any workspace looking to increase productivity by adding a second machine.
Is there a coupon code or promo coupons available for these tools?
The best thing to do is visit Cachang.com or Amazon to find discounted products.