Our Pick: Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router
It scores 88/100 overall versus 82/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router wins 4 of 5 spec categories. ShopBot Desktop MAX costs $400 less. Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router leads by 6 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router
Pros
- Full 4x4 foot panel capacity with profile linear guides
- Bolted extrusion and steel plate construction allows assembly and later expansion
- Profile linear rails, rack-and-pinion X/Y and a ball-screw Z axis
- Suitable for wood, plastics and aluminum with appropriate tooling and feeds
- Professional-grade machine at a prosumer price
Cons
- Large investment, with the total depending on motor and cutting packages
- Dust collection, tooling, workholding and a suitable computer add to the setup cost
- The standard machine weighs 171 kg and needs suitable support and space
- CNC12 setup and CAM still require learning
- Assembly is complex and time-consuming
ShopBot Desktop MAX
Pros
- Industrial 1HP spindle included in the current package
- ShopBot's 25+ years of CNC expertise
- Maker provides training resources and technical support
- Industrial-quality components
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Very expensive for a benchtop machine
- Proprietary ShopBot control software only
- Heavy -- needs a very sturdy table
- Moderate work area for the price
Verdict
Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It scores 88/100 overall versus 82/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router
$5200ShopBot Desktop MAX
$4800As 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 PRO4848 CNC Router and ShopBot Desktop MAX?
The Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router ($5,200) features a 3000W spindle with a 1260×1260mm work area and a Bolted aluminum extrusion and steel plate frame, profile linear rails, rack-and-pinion X/Y and ball-screw Z. Overall, the Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router or ShopBot Desktop MAX?
The ShopBot Desktop MAX is $400 cheaper at $4,800 vs $5,200. Our value scores rate the Avid CNC PRO4848 CNC Router higher at 55/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the ShopBot Desktop MAX scores higher (72/100 vs 25/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro among other software options.