The Twotrees TTC450 Pro is a low-cost CNC machine with an assortment of available extras. It features a large 460 x 460 x 80 mm bed and can be used to carve and cut a great number of materials. The inclusion of the 500W spindle as an optional addition significantly increases cutting and carving speed compared to the included 76W spindle, which can carve many materials but at a much slower pace. At 800 mm/min top speed, the jobs are completed relatively quickly, depending on the complexity of the carving or cutting process. In our review, we will concentrate mainly on the TTC450 Pro and test its carving capability. We will look into its benefits and potential flaws that could surface when we conduct the tests. As usual, we’ll wrap up with final thoughts and a list of pros and cons.
Table Of Contents
- Specifications
- Unboxing – What’s Included
- Setup and Design
- Software
- Testing and Results
- CNC Router Bits and Accessories
- Compare to Other 3D Printers
- Conclusion and Pros & Cons
Price: $549 – $797
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TTC450 Pro Specifications
Frame structure: Sheet Metal + Aluminum Profile + Injection Molding + Stainless Steel
Product size: 742mmX689mm X 413mm
Working range: 460mmX460mmX80mm(18.1in*18.1in*3.14in)
Supported tool diameter: 0.5mm to 7mm(ER11 chuck)
Compatible engraving materials: Plywood/MDF/Solid
Wood/Acrylic/Carbon Brazing/Aluminum/Copper/Stainless Steel
Net weight: 15.45KG
Gross weight: 20.6KG
Touch screen: 3.5-inch IPS capacitive touch color screen (480*320 resolution)
Firmware type: GRBL open source, supports both CNC and laser (no firmware required)
Support: TF storage card | USB port | Wifi-2.4G Hz
Engraving accuracy: 100±0.05mm
Maximum engraving speed: 800mm/min
Maximum acceleration: 1000mm/s²
Programming software: Artcam, Fusion360, EASEL, Carveco Maker, etc.
Support system: MacOS\Windows\Linux
Program support format: .nci\Gcode
What’s in the Box
• TwoTrees TTC-450 Pro CNC Router and Spoil board (mostly assembled) • 775 Spindle motor • Touch probe •Protective glasses and, Ear protectors • Touch screen offline controller with wifi • SD card and USB reader • Various assembly tools such as hex wrenches, a file, snips, and a brush • Hold down clamps • Example end mills • A piece of polypropylene plastic for test cuts • ER-11 6mm collet • USB cable
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
500W Spindle Kit
• 500W Spindle • Controller box • Mounting bracket • Tools • Power cable • Connection cables
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
Setup and Design
The Twotrees TTC450 Pro comes mostly assembled, requiring only a few finishing touches before it’s ready for carving and cutting. You only need to attach the X-axis assembly to the base, mount your spindle using the required bracket, and install the touchscreen and cables.
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
If using the 500W spindle kit, you’ll need to install a spacer plate onto the Z-axis carriage before mounting the spindle. Additionally, you’ll need to connect the spindle’s power controller to the port under the touchscreen and the rear of the mainboard box, which houses the SD card slot and emergency stop button.
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
Once everything is set up, you can power on the machine. If you notice any knocking or slipping during movement, you may need to adjust the Y-axis. Fortunately, the TTC450 Pro has adjustment points on the front of both Y-axis rails, allowing for fine-tuning using an Allen key.
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
– Wiki. Twotrees offers a comprehensive Wiki and online assembly videos to help with setup, configuration, and calibration.
The design of the TTC450 Pro features a clean and simple setup with a black frame and red metal accents. It includes a large 460 x 460 mm wasteboard, which can be replaced if needed. When cutting, it’s best to place a sacrificial material underneath to help reduce the risk of damaging the wasteboard.
You’ll need a good amount of space for the machine, as well as consideration for the mess that CNC machines can create. Twotrees offers an optional vacuum system that significantly reduces debris.
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
The stock spindle comes with a handy dust protector but has limited capabilities due to its lower power. The air-cooled 500W spindle does not have a cover, but its top-mounted fan helps keep debris away from the motor. However, some buildup will still occur and will need to be cleared regularly.
Software
To generate the G-code files needed for our testing, I chose to utilize Easel, a great CNC program for generating 3D carving files from .STL files commonly used in 3D printing. It also accepts .SVG format files, which are commonly used with laser engravers and other CNC equipment. The program is web-based and has a large library of tool head options, as well as a material library with several options to choose from.
For all of the carving tests, we employed 800 mm/min speed and 400 mm/min plunge rate. We utilized the 500W spindle at ¾ power and ran all of the tests without any issue.
There are a variety of software programs available for use with CNC machines, and as a newcomer to the industry, it’s better to see what program provides you with the functionality you require. Easel is available as a free 30-day trial before you must subscribe on a monthly basis. Most CNC software utilizes a subscription base, since most free programs lack advanced features.
Test Results
The TTC450 Pro is an excellent machine for sign-making and creating décor pieces such as carving boards, accent panels, and even full carvings that fit within its workspace. For all our tests, we used the recommended speeds of 800 mm/min for cutting and 400 mm/min for the plunge rate. We saved the Gcode files to a SD card to perform all carving, we also manually set the home position on each test. We tested MDF and pine, and while the TTC450 Pro with the 500W spindle is capable of handling softer metals, we did not have any on hand for testing.
MDF Carving
– This Kitchen – Quote
The first carve in our testing was a simple kitchen quote engraved into a piece of white-primed MDF. We used a 30-degree V-bit for the carving.
Material: MDF
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
The piece took 35 minutes to complete, and the final result was fantastic — the lettering was clean and sharp, with no defects in the carved areas. The TTC450 Pro is an excellent machine for carving signs and simple logos.
– Cat Quote
Next in our testing, we did another carving on MDF but swapped the bit for a 60-degree V-bit. This carve took slightly longer due to the thicker lettering, finishing in just under an hour.
Material: MDF
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
The results, despite the different font style and bit change, were just as clean as the previous test. The TTC450 Pro is a great machine for creating various carved sayings that can be used as decorative pieces in many settings.
Relief Carving
It is possible to utilize CNC carving to execute detailed relief designs into wood. This technology allows for precise and intricate patterns, ranging from shallow to deep carvings, ideal for decorative panels, furniture, and architectural details.
– Skulldroid Skull.
For the final test, we chose a more intricate carving using the .STL import option in Easel. We imported the Skulldroid skull model by Pipe Cox. This carve required two passes: a rough pass followed by a finishing pass.
©3DWithUs – Photo: Will Zoobkoff
For the rough pass, we used a 1/8″ (3.25 mm) ball nose bit. This step took a little over five hours to complete, though it could have been sped up with a ¼” bit. We then swapped to a 1mm ball nose bit for the finishing pass, which also took just over five hours.
3D Model by Pipe Cox from MyMiniFactory
©3DWithUs – Carving and Photo: Will Zoobkoff
The final result was fantastic. Looking at the rough pass, it’s hard to imagine how clean the finished piece will be, but the TTC450 Pro handled the task impressively, proving itself to be an excellent machine for intricate model carving.
CNC Router Bits and Accessories
CNC end mills and router bits are essential tools for CNC carving, designed to handle various materials with precision. These bits come in different shapes and sizes, tailored for specific materials such as wood, metal, and plastic, to optimize cutting efficiency and finish quality. The selection includes specialized designs for intricate detailing and roughing work, allowing for versatility and precision in creating complex designs and smooth finishes in CNC projects.
On the Two Trees website, along with other accessories, it is possible to purchase a 40-bit set. These are also available on Amazon.
Compare Twotrees TTC450 Pro to other CNC Machines
It is noticeable that Twotrees offers a range of CNC machines on their website. These range from the more expensive and sophisticated TTC5060 to the less powerful TTC3018. The popular TTC450, featuring a 500W motor and available with a 20W laser module (optional), can be purchased in various bundles. Check all CNC router options on the official website.
Previously on 3DWithUs, we featured CNC carving when testing the Snapmaker A350T. These two products are quite different; while the Snapmaker offers a 3-in-1 solution with a 200W CNC module, the TwoTrees TTC450 boasts a powerful 500W motor.
For a comparison with other CNC machines, please refer to the detailed CNC Machines guide. (coming soon).
©3DWithUs – Carving and Photo: Will Zoobkoff
Conclusion and Pros and Cons
Twotrees TTC450 PRO Review
Review Summary
The TwoTrees TTC450 Pro is a powerful CNC machine packed with value and functionality, making it an ideal choice for both professionals and hobbyists. It boasts a solid build with a large 460 x 460 mm working area, and offers upgradeability options such as a 500W spindle and a 4th-axis module. This machine is capable of handling everything from basic sign-cutting to intricate 3D carvings. Whether you’re interested in creating décor pieces, accent panels, or detailed models.
However, the TTC450 Pro does come with a learning curve, particularly for those new to CNC technology. Users will need to familiarize themselves with third-party software, machine calibration, and adjusting carving settings. While this may seem daunting initially, TwoTrees provides a comprehensive wiki and instructional assembly videos to help new users ease into the process.
Once you have mastered the learning curve, the TTC450 Pro becomes a remarkable tool that consistently produces clean, precise carvings. With the 500W spindle upgrade, it efficiently cuts through materials, offering unbeatable performance for its price range.
Despite the initial time and effort required to master the TTC450 Pro, it remains an excellent choice for anyone seeking an affordable CNC machine that delivers outstanding results. With some dedication, the TTC450 Pro will become an invaluable asset in your workshop, enhancing your carving capabilities for a variety of projects.
Pros
• Little assembly required
• Wiki full of information
• 500W Spindle speed
• Build quality
Cons
• Third-party software needed
• Steep learning curve for new users
