Our Pick: MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $965 less.
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
MakerMade M2 CNC Router
Pros
- Full 4x8 foot cutting area for sheet goods
- Improved chain tensioning over original Maslow design
- MakerMade provides commercial support and warranty
- Excellent for cutting cabinet parts and furniture pieces
- Vertical storage takes minimal floor space
Cons
- Very slow cutting speed compared to conventional CNC routers
- Accuracy degrades significantly at the edges and corners
- Limited Z-axis depth restricts to thin materials
- Requires building a large vertical frame
- Software can be finicky and requires patience to calibrate
MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
Pros
- Extremely low cost with 3D printed parts
- Customizable work area size
- Active community and thorough documentation
- Can be configured as CNC router, laser cutter, or pen plotter
- Great educational project for learning CNC mechanics
Cons
- Requires a 3D printer to make parts
- Rigidity is limited by conduit tube frame
- Larger build areas reduce accuracy significantly
- Significant build time (20-40 hours)
- Not suitable for metal cutting
Verdict
MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) wins this comparison with 5 categories to 4.
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $965 less.
Where to Buy
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MakerMade M2 CNC Router
$1198MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
$233As an Amazon Associate, CNCRouterInfo earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MakerMade M2 CNC Router and MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)?
The MakerMade M2 CNC Router ($1198) features a 900W spindle with a 1220×2440mm work area and a Hanging sled on vertical frame (frame built from plywood) frame. The MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) ($233) features a 660W spindle with a 600×600mm work area and a 3D printed parts + EMT conduit/stainless steel tubing frame. Overall, the MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — MakerMade M2 CNC Router or MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)?
The MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) is $965 cheaper at $233 vs $1198. Our value scores rate the MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) higher at 92/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the MakerMade M2 CNC Router scores higher (42/100 vs 25/100). Both support MakerMade Ground Control, WebControl, Repetier-Host among other software options.