Our Pick: Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
It wins 7 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $600 less.
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router wins 5 of 5 spec categories. Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router costs $600 less. Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router 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
Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
Pros
- Outstanding precision for PCB milling and small parts
- Fully enclosed and self-contained
- Software is extremely easy to use, especially for PCBs
- Excellent for rapid prototyping
- Used by engineers at SpaceX, Google, and other tech companies
Cons
- Very small work area -- only 140x254mm
- Extremely expensive for the size
- 250W spindle limits material removal rate
- Not suitable for woodworking or large projects
- Proprietary software limits flexibility
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
Pros
- Large 711x1600mm work area handles big woodworking projects
- VCarve Desktop and router included -- truly turnkey
- Steel frame maintains good rigidity even at this size
- US-based company with phone support
- Precision-ground rails for smooth, accurate motion
Cons
- At $3000, the proprietary controller is a significant limitation
- Large footprint requires dedicated shop space
- Heavy at 52kg -- needs a sturdy work surface
- Smaller user community than competing platforms
- 710W trim router may be underpowered for aggressive cuts at this machine size
Verdict
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router wins this comparison with 7 categories to 2.
It wins 7 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $600 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
$3600Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
$3000As 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 Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine and Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router?
The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine ($3600) features a 250W spindle with a 140×254mm work area and a Fully enclosed steel and aluminum frame. The Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router ($3000) features a 710W spindle with a 711×1600mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with precision-ground rails frame. Overall, the Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine or Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router?
The Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router is $600 cheaper at $3000 vs $3600. Our value scores rate the Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router higher at 50/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine scores higher (88/100 vs 88/100). Both support Bantam Tools Software, Fusion 360, KiCad (PCB milling) among other software options.
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