Our Pick: Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30
It scores 76/100 overall versus 64/100, winning 6 out of 10 comparison categories.
Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins 3 of 5 spec categories. CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) costs $850 less. Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 leads by 12 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
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 Labs LongMill MK2 30x30
Pros
- Excellent build quality with steel and aluminum construction
- Anti-backlash lead screws on all axes
- Outstanding documentation and video tutorials
- gSender software is purpose-built and beginner-friendly
- Strong community and Canadian customer support
Cons
- Router not included adds to total cost
- Assembly takes 4-6 hours
- Lead screws are slower than belt drives for rapids
- Dust shoe is an optional extra
Verdict
Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins this comparison with 6 categories to 4.
It scores 76/100 overall versus 64/100, winning 6 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)
$350Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30
$1200As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) and Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) ($350) features a 800W spindle with a 300×400mm work area and a Cast aluminum frame. The Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 ($1200) features a 710W spindle with a 762×762mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws frame. Overall, the Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) or Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30?
The CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) is $850 cheaper at $350 vs $1200. 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 Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 scores higher (85/100 vs 30/100). Both support Mach3, Candle, UGS among other software options.