CNC technology, once reserved for industrial use, is now making its way into home workshops, classrooms, and small businesses. CNC routers—short for Computerized Numerical Control—bring digital precision to fabrication, enabling engraving, cutting, and milling at an accessible price point. In this review, we take a close look at the Two Trees TTC 450 Pro, a budget-friendly CNC router designed for beginners and semi-professional makers.
Market Overview: CNC Under $2,000
The sub-$2,000 CNC market is limited when it comes to versatile machines. Options like Snapmaker and Genmitsu target hobbyists, but the Two Trees TTC 450 Pro stands out thanks to its modular design and upgrade potential. A major selling point is the ability to upgrade from the standard 80W spindle to 500W or even 800W, opening the door to more demanding milling tasks.
Assembly & First Impressions
Out of the box, setup is straightforward. The TTC 450 Pro comes mostly pre-assembled, requiring under 30 minutes for final assembly. Included accessories—cutters, safety glasses, and calibration tools—make it easy for beginners to get started. One issue we noticed was spoilboard alignment, which we solved with simple washers.
Technical Specs & Performance
- Work Area: 460 × 460 × 80 mm
- Motion System: Trapezoidal lead screws with POM wheels
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Spindle Options:
- 80W spindle (8,000 RPM) – suitable for engraving only
- 500W spindle (12,000 RPM) – strong upgrade for milling wood and MDF
- 800W spindle (30,000 RPM) – maximum performance, higher cost
In testing, the stock spindle handled engraving well but struggled with milling MDF. At just 200 mm/min, cutting was slow. With the 500W spindle, feed rates of 600 mm/min were possible, making the upgrade highly recommended.
Milling Tools Matter
Included bits are fine for testing, but serious work requires better cutters. For example, downcut bits left rough edges, while higher-quality tools produced clean results. A simple trick is milling with the “good” side facing down and sanding the top afterward for a clean finish.
Software Options
Software is often one of the biggest hurdles for CNC beginners. Fortunately, the TTC 450 Pro is compatible with a wide range of programs, giving users flexibility based on their budget and skill level:
- Candle – Simple GRBL control software, great for beginners.
- Easel (Inventables) – Browser-based and beginner-friendly; limited free tier with paid Pro version.
- Fusion 360 – Professional CAD/CAM suite; free for hobbyists and startups, paid for commercial use.
- Carveco Maker – Excellent for woodworking, relief carving, and artistic projects (paid).
- Vectric VCarve – Industry-standard for 2.5D and 3D carving (paid, Windows-only).
- CamLab – Open-source and web-based CAM solution (free).
- EstlCam – Reliable and affordable CAM option (Windows-only, paid after trial).
Some software is free (Candle, CamLab, limited Fusion 360), while others require a paid license. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize ease of use, advanced design features, or cost savings.
Dust & Noise Levels
Like all CNC routers, the TTC 450 Pro produces dust and noise. Running indoors without dust extraction is not recommended, and users should consider an enclosure or shop vacuum system. Noise is moderate but noticeable, especially with the stock spindle.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price-performance ratio
- Sturdy frame and modular design
- Upgradeable spindles (500W, 800W)
- Quick and easy assembly
- Compatible with open-source and professional software
Cons
- 80W spindle too weak for advanced milling
- Limited max feed rate (800 mm/min)
- High dust production without extraction
- Included tools are mediocre
- Software learning curve for beginners
Who Should Buy the TTC 450 Pro?
The TTC 450 Pro is best suited for:
- Beginners exploring CNC for the first time
- Hobbyists engraving wood, acrylic, and plastics
- Small workshops and Makerspaces needing a budget-friendly CNC
With the 500W spindle upgrade, it becomes a capable machine for milling MDF, hardwoods, and soft metals. Without the upgrade, it’s mainly an engraving tool.
Final Verdict
The Two Trees TTC 450 Pro is an ambitious entry-level CNC router with clear strengths and limitations. Out of the box, it’s ideal for engraving and light milling. With spindle upgrades and quality tooling, it evolves into a versatile desktop CNC suitable for hobbyists and small-scale prototyping. It’s not an industrial solution—but as a budget CNC router under $2,000, it offers great value and a hands-on introduction to digital manufacturing.
FAQ: Two Trees TTC 450 Pro
Can the TTC 450 Pro cut aluminum?
With the 500W spindle upgrade and proper tooling, the TTC 450 Pro can handle light aluminum milling. However, it is not designed for heavy-duty metal cutting and works best with wood, acrylic, and plastics.
Is the TTC 450 Pro beginner-friendly?
Yes. Thanks to its mostly pre-assembled design and bundled accessories, the TTC 450 Pro is beginner-friendly. However, users should expect a learning curve in software setup and toolpath generation.
What software is compatible with the TTC 450 Pro?
The TTC 450 Pro is compatible with a wide variety of software, including Candle, Easel, Fusion 360, Carveco Maker, VCarve (Vectric), CamLab, and EstlCam. Some are free or freemium, while others are paid professional tools. Your choice depends on budget and project needs.
Do I need the 500W spindle upgrade?
If you only plan to engrave wood or acrylic, the 80W spindle is sufficient. For milling MDF, hardwood, or plastics at faster feed rates, the 500W spindle is strongly recommended.
How noisy is the TTC 450 Pro?
Noise levels are moderate but noticeable, especially indoors. Using an enclosure or soundproofing can reduce the impact.
