Our Pick: Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30

It scores 76/100 overall versus 64/100, winning 6 out of 10 comparison categories.

CNC 3040
Spec
Sienci Labs
$350
Price
$1200
300 × 400 mm
Work area
762 × 762 mm
55 mm
Z travel
114 mm
800 W
Spindle power
710 W
25 kg
Weight
26 kg
Seller-dependent aluminum construction and motion hardware; check the exact model
Frame
Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws
Seller-specific controller and firmware; verify before choosing control software
Controller
LongBoard (GRBL-based, custom)
Mach3 or the supplied USB CNC software, where specified, Candle or UGS only for a verified GRBL controller
Software
gSender, UGS, CNCjs, Easel
Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 is no longer sold new. Sienci Labs replaced the LongMill MK2 with the MK3, which adds linear rails and closed-loop motors. Closest current alternative: Sienci Labs LongMill MK3 30x30 (from $1,400) · Sienci Labs LongMill MK3 30x30 vs CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)

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.

64
CNC 3040

Overall

76
Sienci Labs
92 Value 72
62 Rigidity 58
50 Precision 62
30 Ease of use 85
58 Capability 60

CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress)

Pros

  • Water-cooled spindle versions are available; verify the chosen listing
  • Compact aluminum-frame variants suit a small workshop
  • Some configurations are advertised for aluminium and brass

Cons

  • Hardware and supplied equipment differ between sellers
  • Verify electrical condition and emergency-stop operation before use
  • Check that the seller supplies a usable manual and controller instructions

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

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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 Seller-dependent aluminum construction and motion hardware; check the exact model frame. The Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 ($1,200) 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 $1,200. 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 or the supplied USB CNC software, where specified, Candle or UGS only for a verified GRBL controller among other software options.

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