Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
It wins 8 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $800 less.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins 5 of 5 spec categories. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 costs $800 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 18 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
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
Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
Pros
- Outstanding precision for PCB milling and small parts
- Fully enclosed and self-contained
- Software is extremely easy to use, especially for PCBs
- Excellent for rapid prototyping
- Used by engineers at SpaceX, Google, and other tech companies
Cons
- Very small work area -- only 140x254mm
- Extremely expensive for the size
- 250W spindle limits material removal rate
- Not suitable for woodworking or large projects
- Proprietary software limits flexibility
Verdict
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins this comparison with 8 categories to 2.
It wins 8 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $800 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
$3600As 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 Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 and Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine?
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 Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine ($3600) features a 250W spindle with a 140×254mm work area and a Fully enclosed steel and aluminum frame. Overall, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 is $800 cheaper at $2800 vs $3600. Our value scores rate the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 higher at 42/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine scores higher (88/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.
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