Our Pick: Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424
It scores 78/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 wins 3 of 4 spec categories. Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router costs $200 less. Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 leads by 10 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 Standard 2424
Pros
- 5-start ACME screw drive on a compact 25 x 25 inch working area
- Aluminum extrusion frame with steel structural plates
- Handles aluminum milling with proper tooling
Cons
- Router/spindle not included adds to total cost
- Control electronics and software must be selected and configured separately
- Separate electronics and cutting system increase the cost of this compact kit
- Assembly is time-consuming and requires careful alignment
- Budget for the cutting system, mount, electronics, software and workholding
Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router
Pros
- VCarve Desktop software included ($350 value)
- Color touchscreen pendant and VCarve Desktop included
- Precision-ground steel rails provide smooth motion
- 635mm Y travel suits smaller signs and narrow workpieces
- US-based company with phone support
Cons
- Proprietary controller limits third-party software options
- 330mm cutting width limits larger projects
- Premium price for the work area compared to Onefinity or Shapeoko
- CAM still needs the correct Next Wave postprocessor
- Check accessories and work envelope before planning larger projects
Verdict
Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 wins this comparison with 6 categories to 3.
It scores 78/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424
$2200Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router
$2000As 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 Standard 2424 and Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router?
The Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 ($2,200) features a 710W spindle with a 635×635mm work area and a Aluminum extrusion and steel plate construction with a 5-start ACME lead screw drive frame. The Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router ($2,000) features a 710W spindle with a 330.2×635mm work area and a Aluminum table and steel-reinforced gantry, linear guides and anti-backlash lead screws frame. Overall, the Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC Benchtop Standard 2424 or Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router?
The Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router is $200 cheaper at $2,000 vs $2,200. Our value scores rate the Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router higher at 58/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Next Wave Shark HD500 CNC Router scores higher (88/100 vs 30/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve among other software options.
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