Avid CNC
Spec
Maslow 4
$2800
Price
$525
610 × 610 mm
Work area
1220 × 2440 mm
114 mm
Z travel
19 mm
710 W
Spindle power
900 W
40 kg
Weight
9 kg
Steel and aluminum with linear rails and ball screws
Frame
Flat sled system on spoilboard (no vertical frame needed)
Mach4 / Centroid Acorn (CNC motion controller)
Controller
ESP32-based controller with FluidNC firmware
Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve, Aspire
Software
Maslow 4 WebUI, WebControl, Makerverse

Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit wins 3 of 5 spec categories. Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit costs $2,275 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 25 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

55
Maslow 4
42 Value 95
88 Rigidity 15
90 Precision 32
40 Ease of use 45
82 Capability 48

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

Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit

Pros

  • Full 4x8 foot cutting area at an incredible price
  • New flat design eliminates the need for a vertical frame
  • Much easier calibration than the original Maslow chain system
  • ESP32 controller enables WiFi-based operation
  • Open-source community with active development

Cons

  • Still slow cutting speed compared to conventional CNC routers
  • Limited Z-axis depth restricts to thin sheet materials
  • New design means less community experience and documentation
  • Accuracy still degrades at the edges of the work area
  • Requires flat, stable surface for the entire 4x8 sheet

Verdict

These routers are evenly matched with 5 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 Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit?

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 Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit ($525) features a 900W spindle with a 1220×2440mm work area and a Flat sled system on spoilboard (no vertical frame needed) frame. Both machines are evenly matched overall.

Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit?

The Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit is $2275 cheaper at $525 vs $2800. Our value scores rate the Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit higher at 95/100.

Which router is easier to set up and use?

Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Maslow 4 CNC Router Kit scores higher (45/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.

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