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
- Aluminum frame with profile linear guides and ball screws on every axis
- Designed for wood, plastics and non-ferrous metal work with a suitable spindle and tooling
- True CNC motion controller (not GRBL) for advanced features
Cons
- Expensive for the work area offered
- Spindle, control package and work surface affect the complete-system cost
- CNC12 setup and learning the machine still take time
- Requires a suitable Windows control PC for CNC12
- Assembly is more involved than consumer machines
Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
Pros
- Designed for small aluminum, plastic and soft-metal parts
- Fully enclosed and self-contained
- Bantam software imports CAM-generated G-code, including Fusion 360 output
- Excellent for rapid prototyping
Cons
- Small working volume of 178 x 229 x 83 mm
- Extremely expensive for the size
- 250W spindle limits material removal rate
- The small bed limits panel-sized woodworking projects
- Bantam software is required to operate the machine, but it accepts external CAM G-code
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 ($2,800) features a 710W spindle with a 660×961mm work area and a Aluminum frame with profile linear guides and ball screws on all axes frame. The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine ($3,600) features a 250W spindle with a 178×229mm work area and a Powder-coated steel frame with full enclosure, door interlocks and emergency stop. 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 $2,800 vs $3,600. 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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