Our Pick: CAMaster Stinger III CNC Router
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories across specs and benchmark scores.
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router wins 4 of 4 spec categories. Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router costs $3,000 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 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 III CNC Router
Pros
- Industrial-grade welded steel frame delivers exceptional rigidity
- 3kW spindle handles aggressive cuts in hardwood and aluminum
- Full 4x4 foot work area for panel and furniture work
- Made in the USA with excellent customer support and training
- Linear rails and ball screws on all axes for precision
Cons
- Very expensive at $10000
- Extremely heavy -- professional installation recommended
- Requires 220V power and dedicated shop infrastructure
- Mach4 requires a Windows PC and has a learning curve
- Overkill for hobbyists -- designed for production environments
Verdict
CAMaster Stinger III CNC Router wins this comparison with 5 categories to 4.
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories across specs and benchmark scores.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router
$7000CAMaster Stinger III CNC Router
$10000As 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 III 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 III CNC Router ($10,000) features a 3000W spindle with a 1220×1220mm work area and a Welded steel frame with precision linear rails and ball screws. Overall, the CAMaster Stinger III CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router or CAMaster Stinger III CNC Router?
The Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router is $3,000 cheaper at $7,000 vs $10,000. 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 III CNC Router scores higher (45/100 vs 20/100). Both support Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro among other software options.