Announcement · CNC and workshop
ToolDance X1: desktop CNC mill with tool changer on Kickstarter
The ToolDance X1 desktop mill with a 1.5 kW spindle and a 9-tool changer is crowdfunding on Kickstarter until 29 November, from $2,999.
ToolDance, based in San Jose, California, unveiled its X1 desktop mill at IFA in Berlin on 4 September 2026. The Kickstarter campaign has been running since 15 October and ends on 29 November 2026.
What the X1 offers
The X1 is a 3-axis mill that can be expanded to 4 or 5 axes with optional modules. The spindle is a permanent-magnet synchronous motor rated at 1.5 kW, reaching up to 24,000 rpm. It takes tools with 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm shanks. The automatic tool changer holds 9 tools and a workpiece probe, and the machine identifies tools via RFID.
The work envelope measures 400 x 265 x 180 mm, and ToolDance specifies a repeatability of ±0.01 mm. The frame is cast aluminium. As standard, the X1 cools with an air blast; flood coolant comes with an optional module with a 19 litre tank. According to the manufacturer, it machines aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, wood and plastics.
The machine measures 750 x 625 x 772 mm and, according to the specifications, weighs 120 kg. It connects via USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and a built-in 1080p camera lets you watch the job remotely.
Software
The X1 comes with ToolDance’s own CAM software, ToolDance Studio. It checks models in advance for features that cannot be machined, suggests workholding setups and creates toolpaths partly automatically. According to the spec sheet, automatic programming for mechanical parts is at “Final Beta” for 3 axes, while 3+2 axis machining is still in development. Plugins are available for Fusion 360, Siemens NX and Mastercam, and G-code from other CAM software can be imported.
Price and campaign
On its website, ToolDance lists a Super Early Bird price from $2,999, against an MSRP of $5,999. The website does not give a delivery date. According to Kicktraq, the campaign had raised around $15.69 million from 3,074 backers as of 29 October 2026, against a goal of $50,000.
Crowdfunding is not a purchase
Backing a Kickstarter project is not the same as buying a finished product from a shop. There is no delivery guarantee, dates can slip, and specifications or features may still change before production. A large amount raised on Kickstarter says nothing about whether or when the machines will actually arrive.