Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $200 less.
Specs are evenly split between both machines. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 costs $200 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 8 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
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
Pros
- 635 x 1270mm (25 x 50 inch) cutting travel for larger woodworking parts
- VCarve Pro and Next Wave control software included; router purchased separately
- Steel-reinforced aluminum gantry
- US-based company with phone support
- Precision-ground rails for smooth, accurate motion
Cons
- At $3000, the proprietary controller is a significant limitation
- Large footprint requires dedicated shop space
- Needs a sturdy work surface and room for the full table footprint
- A suitable full-size router or spindle kit adds to the complete-system cost
Verdict
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins this comparison with 5 categories to 4.
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $200 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
$3000As 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 Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router?
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 Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router ($3,000) features a 710W spindle with a 635×1270mm work area and a Aluminum construction with steel-reinforced gantry, linear guides and anti-backlash lead-screw drives frame. Overall, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 is $200 cheaper at $2,800 vs $3,000. Our value scores rate the Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router higher at 50/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router scores higher (88/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.