Our Pick: ShopBot Desktop MAX
It scores 82/100 overall versus 62/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
ShopBot Desktop MAX wins 4 of 5 spec categories. Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine costs $1,200 less. ShopBot Desktop MAX 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
- 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
ShopBot Desktop MAX
Pros
- Powerful 3.25 HP router included
- ShopBot's 25+ years of CNC expertise
- Excellent customer support and training resources
- Industrial-quality components
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Very expensive for a benchtop machine
- Proprietary ShopBot control software only
- Heavy -- needs a very sturdy table
- Moderate work area for the price
Verdict
ShopBot Desktop MAX 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
$3600ShopBot Desktop MAX
$4800As 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 ShopBot Desktop MAX?
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 ShopBot Desktop MAX ($4800) features a 2425W spindle with a 610×914mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with precision-machined components frame. Overall, the ShopBot Desktop MAX wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine or ShopBot Desktop MAX?
The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine is $1200 cheaper at $3600 vs $4800. Our value scores rate the ShopBot Desktop MAX higher at 38/100.
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 72/100). Both support Bantam Tools Software, Fusion 360, KiCad (PCB milling) among other software options.