Our Pick: Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3
It scores 82/100 overall versus 62/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3 wins 4 of 5 spec categories. Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine costs $2,100 less. Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3 leads by 20 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
- Designed for small aluminum, plastic and soft-metal parts
- Fully enclosed and self-contained
- Bantam software imports CAM-generated G-code, including Fusion 360 output
- Excellent for rapid prototyping
Cons
- Small working volume of 178 x 229 x 83 mm
- Extremely expensive for the size
- 250W spindle limits material removal rate
- The small bed limits panel-sized woodworking projects
- Bantam software is required to operate the machine, but it accepts external CAM G-code
Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3
Pros
- Cast iron and steel frame provides outstanding rigidity
- 2.2kW VFD spindle included for aggressive metal cutting
- Ball screws and linear rails on all axes
- Same excellent Carbide software ecosystem
- Can cut aluminum, steel, and titanium
Cons
- Very small 406x406mm work area for the price
- Extremely heavy at 68kg -- needs a very sturdy bench
- Proprietary controller limits third-party options
- Steep price for hobbyist use
Verdict
Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3 wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.
It scores 82/100 overall versus 62/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
$3600Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3
$5700As 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 Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3?
The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine ($3,600) features a 250W spindle with a 178×229mm work area and a Powder-coated steel frame with full enclosure, door interlocks and emergency stop. Overall, the Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine or Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3?
The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine is $2,100 cheaper at $3,600 vs $5,700. Our value scores rate the Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3 higher at 40/100.
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 85/100). Both support Bantam Tools Software, Fusion 360, KiCad via Gerber-to-G-code CAM, such as FlatCAM among other software options.
Related Comparisons
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) vs Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
$350 vs $3600
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) vs Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3
$350 vs $5700
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 vs Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
$2800 vs $3600
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 vs Carbide 3D Shapeoko HDM V3
$2800 vs $5700