Our Pick: CAMaster Stinger III CNC Router

It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories across specs and benchmark scores.

Avid CNC
Spec
CAMaster Stinger
$7000
Price
$10000
1220 × 2440 mm
Work area
1220 × 1220 mm
152 mm
Z travel
152 mm
2200 W
Spindle power
3000 W
180 kg
Weight
225 kg
Welded steel frame with linear rails and ball screws
Frame
Welded steel frame with precision linear rails and ball screws
Centroid Acorn / Mach4
Controller
Mach4
Mach4, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro, Aspire
Software
Mach4, VCarve Pro, Aspire, Fusion 360

Specs are evenly split between both machines. 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.

90
Avid CNC

Overall

88
CAMaster Stinger
52 Value 38
95 Rigidity 96
92 Precision 94
20 Ease of use 45
96 Capability 95

Avid CNC PRO4896 CNC Router

Pros

  • Full 4x8 foot work area handles entire sheet goods
  • Welded steel frame with linear rails and ball screws
  • Industrial-grade rigidity for aggressive cutting
  • Avid CNC has an excellent reputation and support
  • Can cut aluminum, hardwoods, composites, and plastics

Cons

  • Expensive -- $7000 base before spindle and electronics
  • Total cost with spindle, VFD, and wiring approaches $10000
  • Extremely heavy and requires significant shop space
  • Complex multi-day assembly requires mechanical expertise
  • Mach4 software has a steep learning curve

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

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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 ($7000) features a 2200W spindle with a 1220×2440mm work area and a Welded steel frame with linear rails and ball screws frame. The CAMaster Stinger III CNC Router ($10000) features a 3000W spindle with a 1220×1220mm work area and a Welded steel frame with precision linear rails and ball screws frame. 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 $3000 cheaper at $7000 vs $10000. 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.

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