Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
It scores 80/100 overall versus 66/100, winning 8 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins 4 of 4 spec categories. Both are similarly priced. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 14 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
Carbide 3D Nomad 3
Pros
- Enclosure helps contain chips, with a door interlock
- Exceptional precision for detailed small parts
- Anti-backlash lead screws, round-shaft X/Y guides and an HG15 Z rail
- Carbide Create software is free and beginner-friendly
- Can cut aluminum, brass, and wood with precision
Cons
- Very small 203x203mm work area
- Low-power spindle limits cutting speed and depth
- Expensive for the work area offered
- Small work envelope and a 130W spindle limit the size and removal rate of jobs
Verdict
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins this comparison with 8 categories to 2.
It scores 80/100 overall versus 66/100, winning 8 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800Carbide 3D Nomad 3
$2800As 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 Carbide 3D Nomad 3?
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 Carbide 3D Nomad 3 ($2,800) features a 130W spindle with a 203×203mm work area and a Machined aluminum frame and enclosure, round-shaft X/Y guides, HG15 Z rail and anti-backlash lead screws. Overall, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or Carbide 3D Nomad 3?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 is $0 cheaper at $2,800 vs $2,800. 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 Carbide 3D Nomad 3 scores higher (90/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.