Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
It scores 80/100 overall versus 56/100, winning 8 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins 4 of 5 spec categories. MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) costs $2,567 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 24 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
MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
Pros
- Extremely low cost with 3D printed parts
- Customizable work area size
- Active community and thorough documentation
- Can be configured as CNC router, laser cutter, or pen plotter
- Great educational project for learning CNC mechanics
Cons
- Requires a 3D printer to make parts
- Rigidity is limited by conduit tube frame
- Larger build areas reduce accuracy significantly
- Significant build time (20-40 hours)
- Not suitable for metal cutting
Verdict
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins this comparison with 8 categories to 2.
It scores 80/100 overall versus 56/100, 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
$2800MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
$233As 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 MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)?
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 MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) ($233) features a 660W spindle with a 600×600mm work area and a 3D printed parts + EMT conduit/stainless steel tubing frame. Overall, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)?
The MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) is $2567 cheaper at $233 vs $2800. Our value scores rate the MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) higher at 92/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 scores higher (40/100 vs 25/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.