Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
It scores 80/100 overall versus 62/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins 4 of 5 spec categories. Stepcraft D.420 CNC System costs $1,000 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 leads by 18 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
Stepcraft D.420 CNC System
Pros
- German-engineered with tight manufacturing tolerances
- Modular tool system accepts CNC, laser, drag knife, vinyl cutter
- 132mm working Z range with 140mm passage height on the current D3
- Compact footprint fits on a standard desk
- High precision suitable for detailed engravings and small parts
Cons
- Compact 298 x 415mm working area for the machine and accessory cost
- Spindle sold separately significantly increases total cost
- Each modular tool head is an additional purchase
Verdict
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It scores 80/100 overall versus 62/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436
$2800Stepcraft D.420 CNC System
$1800As 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 Stepcraft D.420 CNC System?
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 Stepcraft D.420 CNC System ($1,800) features a 500W spindle with a 298×415mm work area and a Aluminum frame, All Steel Motion guides and igus dryspin lead screws. Overall, the Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 or Stepcraft D.420 CNC System?
The Stepcraft D.420 CNC System is $1000 cheaper at $1800 vs $2800. 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 Stepcraft D.420 CNC System scores higher (55/100 vs 40/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.