Our Pick: Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
It scores 72/100 overall versus 64/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
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
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
Pros
- Large 711x1600mm work area handles big woodworking projects
- VCarve Desktop and router included -- truly turnkey
- Steel frame maintains good rigidity even at this size
- US-based company with phone support
- Precision-ground rails for smooth, accurate motion
Cons
- At $3000, the proprietary controller is a significant limitation
- Large footprint requires dedicated shop space
- Heavy at 52kg -- needs a sturdy work surface
- Smaller user community than competing platforms
- 710W trim router may be underpowered for aggressive cuts at this machine size
Verdict
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router wins this comparison with 6 categories to 3.
It scores 72/100 overall versus 64/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
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CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
$350Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
$3000As 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 Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) ($350) features a 800W spindle with a 300×400mm work area and a Cast aluminum frame. The Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router ($3000) features a 710W spindle with a 711×1600mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with precision-ground rails frame. Overall, the Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) or Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) is $2650 cheaper at $350 vs $3000. 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 Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router scores higher (88/100 vs 30/100). Both support Mach3, Candle, UGS among other software options.