Thinking of Buying the NBS-6040? A Quick Guide Before You Buy

Introduction: Find Your Answer Between Creativity and Precision

Before deciding whether the NBS-6040 mid-size CNC router deserves a place in your workshop, take a few minutes to explore the key questions below to clarify your real needs. This guide will help you determine whether it is the “creative partner” you’ve been waiting for.

Decision Guide: 5 Questions You Must Be Clear About Before Buying the NBS-6040

  • Question 1: What Materials Do I Mainly Work With? — Define the Machine’s “Capability Boundary”

Different types of CNC routers excel with different material ranges. As a versatile mid-sized machine, the NBS-6040 is capable of handling:

Wood: Can easily carve various softwoods and hardwoods.

Plastics:Acrylic, PVC, PE, PP, PC, Nylon (PA), POM, etc.

Metals:Easily handles soft metals like aluminum and copper; machining harder metals such as steel requires specialized tooling and proper cutting strategies.

It can also handle various composite materials, such as carbon fiber, wood composites (MDF, plywood, bamboo), and resin materials (epoxy resin, UV resin blocks).

  • Question 2: What Level of Machining Accuracy Do I Need? — It Affects the “Quality of Your Work”

How critical are fine details for your projects? The NBS-6040 demonstrates the following typical accuracy:

Dimensions ≤ 100 mm: ±0.02 mm

Dimensions > 100 mm: ±0.03 mm

These values are measured on materials such as wood, acrylic, aluminum, and copper. Actual accuracy may be affected by material properties, clamping methods, and environmental factors. For harder metals, machining is possible, but the achievable accuracy may not fully match that of softer materials. Please consider your core requirements when evaluating.

  • Question 3: Is My Workspace Ready? — Ensuring “Practical Feasibility”

CNC machining requires a stable operating environment and generates both noise and dust. Please plan ahead:

Space: Make sure there’s enough room to place the machine safely and operate it comfortably.

Environment: Maintain good ventilation and consider a dust collection system (e.g., a vacuum or extractor).

Noise: The machine produces significant noise during operation; take protective or noise-reduction measures if needed.

  • Question 4: Beyond the machine, what are the “hidden costs”? — This affects your overall budget

Materials & Cutting Tools

You’ll need to purchase different materials such as wood, acrylic, or metal. Different projects may require different types of cutting tools, which wear out over time and need replacement.

Accessories & Upgrades

For more convenient and efficient CNC machining, you could invest in larger offline controllers, dust shoes, MPG handwheels, a 4th axis, or other accessories. Increasing spindle power or adding a laser module may also involve extra costs.

These aren’t part of the initial machine cost, but they can really add up once you start using the CNC.

  • Question 5: What is my technical background? Am I willing to learn and get hands-on? — This determines your “hands-on experience.”

If you’re new to CNC, you may still be learning about the machine structure, different types of end mills, and how to use the control software.
In the beginning, it’s completely normal to run into situations like:

  • l Not sure which end mills to use for different materials. (wood, acrylic, metal, etc.)
  • l Unsure how to dial in spindle speed, feed rate, and cutting depth.
  • l Not being familiar with software like Fusion 360, Easel, or Candle

All of this takes a bit of time to understand.
Experienced CNC users can usually pick things up faster, optimize their settings more easily, and enjoy a smoother workflow.

But whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, the NBS-6040 gives you plenty of flexibility and room to grow, helping you improve step by step through real practice.

Unboxing & First Impressions: Your First Steps with the NBS-6040

1. Inspect the package and accessories

Start by making sure the outer box is intact and undamaged.
Once opened, check the machine and all accessories against the included manual to confirm everything is complete and in good condition.

2. Assemble the machine

The NBS-6040 comes partially pre-assembled, which helps shorten the setup time.
Simply follow the instructions in the user manual—most users can finish the assembly in under 30 minutes and get the machine ready for operation.

3. Post-installation checks

  • l Make sure all screws are tightened.
  • l Verify that the cables are connected correctly and securely.
  • l Test the movement of each axis and ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • l Check that all accessories function as expected.

After final checks, your NBS-6040 is ready to take on its first tasks.

Control Options: Offline vs. PC Control

Offline Control: Work More Flexibly — No PC Required

  • Standard 2.8-inch controller：Handles all basic offline operations.
  •  Optional 7-inch controller：Offers a larger, more intuitive interface and better overall usability.

Why choose offline control?
No need to keep a PC connected—you can run G-code files directly from the controller. This is ideal for long or repeated jobs where stable, continuous machining is needed.

PC Control: Unlock Advanced Features and Creative Freedom

Controlling the machine through a computer gives you access to more powerful features and far greater flexibility.
Here are some CAM and control software options commonly used with NymoLans CNC machines:

CAM Software

 

Easel

A beginner-friendly, browser-based design and engraving tool for simple 2D/3D projects.

 Fusion 360

Advanced CAD/CAM platform for full 3D modeling, toolpath generation, simulation, and manufacturing workflows.

VCarve Desktop Trial

Popular software for 2D/2.5D/3D toolpaths and project simulation, ideal for detailed engraving work.

Aspire

Professional software for artistic reliefs, 3D sculpting, and high-precision engraving.

Carbide Create V6

Simple 2D design software with basic 3D features, good for quickly creating toolpaths.

FreeCAD

Open-source 3D modeling tool that can generate basic CNC toolpaths.

SOLIDWORKS

Industry-grade CAD/CAE software for detailed mechanical parts and professional CAM outputs.

 

 Control Software
Candle Simple, reliable GRBL sender for beginners who prefer a clean interface and essential controls.
gSender A highly intuitive, modern GRBL controller suited for both beginners and intermediate users.
Universal Gcode Sender Feature-rich, customizable G-code sender favored by advanced users.
OpenBuilds CONTROL Designed for the OpenBuilds ecosystem, ideal for users running compatible hardware.

 

Laser Software
LaserGRBL Free laser-engraving control software that sends G-code directly to your machine.
LightBurn

A professional all-in-one design, layout, and laser control suite.

 

If you’re new to CNC, Easel and VCarve Desktop (Trial) are great CAM tools—they’re simple to learn and let you quickly create engraving toolpaths.
For controlling the machine, Candle and gSender are beginner-friendly, with easy-to-use interfaces that help you get started fast.

Whether you’re using an offline controller or PC software, you can find tutorials and setup guides on our website under “Downloads & Tutorials”

Material Tests: What Materials Can NBS-6040 Handle?

Customer Engraving Showcase：
(If you'd like to see the full project details, feel free to join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nymolabs.)

Wood

With the right end mills, the NBS-6040 can handle hardwood and softwood, producing results from coarse cuts to fine, detailed engraving.
User Creations:

Acrylic

Using suitable end mills prevents melting and produces clear, polished edges and intricate patterns.
User Creations:

Metal

The NBS-6040 can handle metal materials too. Choose the right end mills and set spindle speed, feed rate, and cutting depth for each metal. This will help you get clean cuts and prolong tool life.

User Creations:



NBX-5040 and NBS-6040 CNC Router Machine — What’s the Difference?

NBX-5040 CNC Router Machine

The NBX-5040 features a work area of 500 × 400 × 95 mm and is compact and lightweight at 45 kg, making it easy to operate. Despite its smaller size, it is equipped with stable X/Y/Z ball screws and linear rails:

  1. Ball screws: X/Y axes use 1605 standard ball screws, Z axis uses a 1204 standard ball screw.
  2. Linear rails: X/Z axes feature HG15 high-precision linear rails, Y axis uses dual 20mm steel tube rails, ensuring accurate engraving.
  3. Supported features: Offline controller, MPG handwheel, 4th axis expansion, and Z probe/laser modules.

Whether engraving wood, acrylic, or machining soft metals, the NBX-5040 provides reliable performance and is an affordable choice for home users, hobbyists, and beginners.

NBS-6040 CNC Router Machine

The NBS-6040 comes with a larger work area of 600 × 400 × 115 mm and a heavier, more stable frame at 60 kg. Building on the NBX-5040, it offers extended travel and improved structural rigidity with upgraded rails and standard ball screws:

  1. Linear rails: X axis has two HG15 high-precision rails, Z axis uses a  HG15 rail, Y axis uses heavy-duty HG20 rails.
  2. Ball screws: X/Y axes use 1605 standard ball screws, Z axis uses a 1204 standard ball screw, ensuring high precision and stability during machining.
  3. Supported features: Offline controller, MPG handwheel, 4th axis expansion, and Z probe/laser modules.

The NBS-6040 is designed for users who require higher machining rigidity and can handle harder materials like hardwood, aluminum, and brass. It is ideal for projects that demand more precision and performance.

Before we dive into a detailed comparison, it’s worth mentioning that both machines share NymoLabs’ key strengths: solid structural rigidity, stable control systems, and reliable after-sales support. Both come with high-precision ground ball screws and strong technical backing, so you can count on consistent performance and timely help whenever you need it.

Quick Comparison: NBX-5040 vs NBS-6040                     

Key Points for Your Purchase Decision

Material compatibility: Best suited for wood, acrylic, and softer metals like aluminum and brass.

Precision expectations:

l For parts ≤100 mm: ±0.02 mm

l For parts >100 mm: ±0.03 mm

Environment readiness: Make sure you have enough workspace and have accounted for noise and dust.

Budget considerations: Beyond the machine itself, plan for consumables, end mills, and optional accessories.

Personal commitment: Be ready to spend time learning, operating, and maintaining the machine to grow alongside it.

Final recommendation – who is the NBS-6040 for?

Whether you’re a beginner just stepping into the world of CNC or an advanced maker looking to push your creative boundaries, the NBS-6040 is a solid partner. It balances ease of learning with professional-level performance, reliably handling hardwood, aluminum, brass, and more, helping you improve your craft from beginner to pro.