Our Pick: Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router

It scores 90/100 overall versus 82/100, winning 5 out of 6 comparison categories.

Avid CNC
Spec
CAMaster Stinger
$7000
Price
$7000
1260 × 2508 mm
Work area
610 × 610 mm
203 mm
Z travel
127 mm
3000 W
Spindle power
2200 W
279 kg
Weight
135 kg
Bolted aluminum extrusion and steel plates; profile rails, X/Y rack and pinion, Z ball screw
Frame
Welded steel frame with precision linear rails
Avid EX control system with Centroid CNC12; motor package selected at purchase
Controller
Mach4
Centroid CNC12, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro, Aspire
Software
Mach4, VCarve Pro, Aspire, Fusion 360
CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router is no longer sold new. CAMaster has closed. Its website now forwards to a closure notice, so new machines and factory support are no longer available. Closest current alternative: Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router (from $4,500) · Avid CNC PRO4824 CNC Router vs Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router

Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins 4 of 4 spec categories. Both are similarly priced. Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router leads by 8 points overall — here’s where those points come from:

Benchmark Scores

Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.

90
Avid CNC

Overall

82
CAMaster Stinger
52 Value 32
95 Rigidity 95
92 Precision 92
20 Ease of use 50
96 Capability 88

Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router

Pros

  • Full 4x8 foot work area handles entire sheet goods
  • Bolted aluminum extrusion and steel plates; profile rails, X/Y rack and pinion, Z ball screw
  • Motor and spindle options suit different production workloads
  • Maker supplies assembly guides and technical support
  • Can cut aluminum, hardwoods, composites, and plastics

Cons

  • Configured machine cost depends on motors, spindle and accessories
  • Budget separately for a computer, spoilboard and dust collection
  • Extremely heavy and requires significant shop space
  • Kit assembly, squaring and setup require time and care
  • CNC12 setup and CAM still require learning

CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router

Pros

  • Welded steel frame provides exceptional rigidity
  • 2.2kW spindle included handles aggressive cuts
  • Industrial-grade precision with linear rails and ball screws
  • CAMaster has an excellent reputation for build quality
  • Made in the USA with strong customer support

Cons

  • Very expensive for a 2x2 foot work area
  • Extremely heavy -- requires professional installation
  • Overkill for most hobby applications
  • Mach4 software requires Windows PC and has a learning curve
  • Smaller community than more popular hobby brands

Verdict

Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins this comparison with 5 categories to 1.

It scores 90/100 overall versus 82/100, winning 5 out of 6 comparison categories.

Where to Buy

Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.

Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router

$7000

CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router

$7000

As 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 PRO4896 CNC Router and CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router?

The Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router ($7,000) features a 3000W spindle with a 1260×2508mm work area and a Bolted aluminum extrusion and steel plates; profile rails, X/Y rack and pinion, Z ball screw frame. The CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router ($7,000) features a 2200W spindle with a 610×610mm work area and a Welded steel frame with precision linear rails. Overall, the Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.

Which is better value for money — Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router or CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router?

Both machines are identically priced at $7000. Our value scores rate the Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router higher at 52/100.

Which router is easier to set up and use?

Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the CAMaster Stinger I CNC Router scores higher (50/100 vs 20/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro among other software options.

Related Comparisons