Avid CNC
Spec
Sienci Labs
$2800
Price
$1400
610 × 610 mm
Work area
1219 × 762 mm
114 mm
Z travel
114 mm
710 W
Spindle power
710 W
40 kg
Weight
32 kg
Steel and aluminum with linear rails and ball screws
Frame
Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws
Mach4 / Centroid Acorn (CNC motion controller)
Controller
LongBoard (GRBL-based, custom)
Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve, Aspire
Software
gSender, UGS, CNCjs, Easel

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30 wins 2 of 3 spec categories. Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30 costs $1,400 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 6 points overall — here’s where those points come from:

Benchmark Scores

Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.

80
Avid CNC

Overall

74
Sienci Labs
42 Value 75
88 Rigidity 50
90 Precision 58
40 Ease of use 82
82 Capability 62

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

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30

Pros

  • Large 48x30 inch work area handles full-width projects
  • Same excellent documentation as the 30x30 model
  • Anti-backlash lead screws on all axes
  • gSender software is beginner-friendly and well-maintained
  • Responsive Canadian customer support

Cons

  • Router not included adds to total cost
  • Larger span reduces rigidity compared to 30x30
  • Requires significant workspace footprint
  • Heavier and more complex assembly
  • Lead screw speed limits rapids on longer axis

Verdict

These routers are evenly matched with 4 wins each. The right choice depends on your specific priorities — compare individual specs and scores above to decide.

Where to Buy

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 and Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30?

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 Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30 ($1400) features a 710W spindle with a 1219×762mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws frame. Both machines are evenly matched overall.

Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30?

The Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30 is $1400 cheaper at $1400 vs $2800. Our value scores rate the Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30 higher at 75/100.

Which router is easier to set up and use?

Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 48x30 scores higher (82/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.

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