Our Pick: ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router
It scores 82/100 overall versus 80/100, winning 6 out of 10 comparison categories.
ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router wins 3 of 4 spec categories. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 costs $28,327 less. The overall scores are virtually tied — the differences are in the details below.
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
ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router
Pros
- Closed-loop drives correct position and stop with an alarm instead of silently losing steps
- Published cutting speed up to 720 in/min (18.3 m/min) and rapids up to 1,800 in/min (45.7 m/min)
- Rails sit level with the bed, so sheets load from any side, and the space under the table stays open
- Starting price includes a 2.2 hp HSD spindle with VFD and RPM control, plus VCarve Pro
- Two-year warranty, lifetime phone support and detailed documentation from ShopBot in North Carolina
Cons
- Starts at $31,127 before vacuum hold-down, a bigger spindle, longer Z or the ATC version
- Needs a licensed electrician: 120 V for the motors plus 220 V single-phase or three-phase for the spindle
- Ships as modules for on-site assembly; the gantry alone weighs over 150 lb (68 kg) and needs two people
- Rack, pinions and V-rails need regular cleaning and greasing
- Takes a 120 x 79 in (3048 x 2007 mm) footprint for the 4 x 8 size
Verdict
ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router wins this comparison with 6 categories to 4.
It scores 82/100 overall versus 80/100, winning 6 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router
$31127As 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 ShopBot PRS5 Alpha 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 ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router ($31,127) features a 1641W spindle with a 2616×1245mm work area and a Welded and bolted steel legs and cross supports with aluminum extrusion table sides; hardened steel V-rail on X, linear rails on Y and Z; rack-and-pinion drive on all axes frame. Overall, the ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 is $28,327 cheaper at $2,800 vs $31,127. 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 ShopBot PRS5 Alpha CNC Router scores higher (72/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.