Our Pick: PrintNC
It wins 8 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $1600 less.
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
Pros
- Industrial-grade linear rails and ball screws
- Steel frame provides exceptional rigidity
- Can cut aluminum aggressively
- True CNC motion controller (not GRBL) for advanced features
- Scales to larger Avid machines if you outgrow it
Cons
- Expensive for the work area offered
- Router/spindle not included
- Mach4 software has a steep learning curve
- Requires a Windows PC with parallel port or motion controller
- Assembly is more involved than consumer machines
PrintNC
Pros
- Extremely rigid steel frame
- Cuts aluminum and steel with ease
- Fully open source — modify everything
- Active community and detailed build wiki
- Large work area for the price
Cons
- Full DIY build — expect 40-80 hours
- Needs welding or a local fab shop
- Sourcing parts from multiple vendors
- No customer support — community only
- Total cost depends heavily on component choices
Verdict
PrintNC wins this comparison with 8 categories to 2.
It wins 8 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $1600 less.
Where to Buy
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Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800PrintNC
$1200As an Amazon Associate, CNCRouterInfo earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 and PrintNC?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 ($2800) features a 710W spindle with a 610×610mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with linear rails and ball screws frame. The PrintNC ($1200) features a 2200W spindle with a 630×835mm work area and a Steel tube (welded or bolted) frame. Overall, the PrintNC wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or PrintNC?
The PrintNC is $1600 cheaper at $1200 vs $2800. Our value scores rate the PrintNC higher at 95/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 scores higher (40/100 vs 15/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.