Our Pick: CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
It wins 7 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $450 less.
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
Pros
- 800W water-cooled spindle at budget price
- Cast aluminum frame is rigid
- Can cut aluminum and brass
- Huge aftermarket parts ecosystem
Cons
- Quality varies hugely between sellers
- May need rewiring for safety
- Documentation is often poor or in Chinese
- Shipping takes 2-6 weeks
Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12
Pros
- Excellent documentation and beginner-friendly setup from Sienci
- Anti-backlash ACME lead screws on all axes
- gSender is a polished, purpose-built CNC sender
- Active community forums with responsive manufacturer support
- Generous Z-axis travel of 114mm
Cons
- Small 12x12 inch work area for a machine at this price
- Router not included adds $100+ to total cost
- Larger LongMill models offer better value per square inch
- V-wheel motion system rather than linear rails
- Lead screws are slower than ball screws
Verdict
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It wins 7 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $450 less.
Where to Buy
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CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
$350Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12
$800As an Amazon Associate, CNCRouterInfo earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) and Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) ($350) features a 800W spindle with a 300×400mm work area and a Cast aluminum frame. The Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 ($800) features a 710W spindle with a 305×305mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws frame. Overall, the CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) or Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) is $450 cheaper at $350 vs $800. Our value scores rate the CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) higher at 92/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Sienci LongMill MK2 12x12 scores higher (88/100 vs 30/100). Both support Mach3, Candle, UGS among other software options.