Nomad 4 Desktop CNC

Nomad 4 Desktop CNC Mill

The most capable benchtop CNC mill we've ever built.

The Nomad 4 is a ground-up redesign of the Nomad 883 platform, built around one idea: putting serious machining capability into a compact package. With a 1.2 kW VFD spindle, ballscrew-driven axes, and 45% more work volume, the Nomad 4 isn’t just an evolution of the Nomad 3 — it moves into an entirely different class of machine. And it still fits comfortably on a 2 × 2 foot workbench.

Overview

The Nomad 3 earned a reputation as the go-to desktop mill for precision work in wood, plastic, and non-ferrous metals. The Nomad 4 keeps that promise and raises the bar with dramatically more performance.

A 1.2 kW VFD spindle replaces the previous 130 W motor, delivering far higher material removal rates and the headroom to run demanding speeds and feeds without stalling. Ballscrews on every axis replace traditional leadscrews, improving efficiency and stiffness where it matters most: under load. Combine that with HG-series linear rails on all three axes — not just Z — and you get a motion system rigid enough to fully support the spindle’s power.

The result is a machine that works fast and stays accurate: faster cycle times, cleaner cuts, and the confidence to run parts you’d otherwise second-guess.

The 10" × 8" × 3.5" cutting envelope gives you more room to work, and the table comes standard with a threaded hole pattern for workholding. No additional accessories are required to start fixturing parts, jigs, and clamps right away.

Larger windows improve visibility during jobs, while a new door design makes access easier in confined spaces.

Assembled, tested, and supported from our California shop.

What's New in the Nomad 4

1.2 kW VFD Spindle with ER16 Collet System Nearly 10× the spindle power of the Nomad 3, plus a wider collet selection for more tooling options. Higher material removal rates, better surface finish at speed, and the headroom to use larger endmills.

16 mm Ballscrews on Every Axis More efficient power transfer from motor to table, with greater rigidity under load. Less deflection means tighter tolerances and more repeatable results, especially on longer jobs.

NEMA 23 Motors Upgraded from NEMA 17 motors across the board. More torque means the motion system can keep pace with the spindle. The system also runs on 36 V instead of 24 V, providing an additional torque advantage.

Industrial-Grade Motion System HG-series linear rails on all three axes replace the round-rod system on the Nomad 3. Stiffer, more precise, and built to handle the demands of a more powerful machine. Additionally, the linear rails are back-mounted, which presents a seamless face that helps keep dust and debris out of the bearings.

Robust Aluminum Chassis Nomad 4 also features a structure with billet aluminum components — no extrusions, no compromises.

Expanded 10" × 8" × 3.5" Cutting Area More room for larger parts, bigger fixtures, and more ambitious setups.

Threaded Table Standard The Nomad 4 ships with a built-in threaded table with a 25 x 25 mm hole pattern for workholding. Bolt down your vise, clamps, or custom fixtures with no additional accessories required.

External Electronics The machine controller and VFD are housed in an external unit that can be located separately from the machine. This keeps the electronics cooler and cleaner, while improving serviceability.

Power Pendant The included Power Pendant allows you to halt the machine for any reason. It can be placed anywhere on your workbench, and is connected to the controller with a 2-meter tether.

Dust Collection (Optional) A dust collection attachment allows you to use the 65 mm Sweepy V2, and route the hose out of the machine without any modifications to the enclosure.