Our Pick: Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30

It wins 7 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $49 less.

Carbide 3D
Spec
Sienci Labs
$2800
Price
$1200
203 × 203 mm
Work area
762 × 762 mm
76 mm
Z travel
114 mm
130 W
Spindle power
710 W
12 kg
Weight
26 kg
Machined aluminum frame and enclosure, round-shaft X/Y guides, HG15 Z rail and anti-backlash lead screws
Frame
Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws
Carbide 3D GRBL-based controller, operated with Carbide Motion
Controller
LongBoard (GRBL-based, custom)
Carbide Create, Carbide Motion, Fusion 360
Software
gSender, UGS, CNCjs, Easel
Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 is no longer sold new. Sienci Labs replaced the LongMill MK2 with the MK3, which adds linear rails and closed-loop motors. Closest current alternative: Sienci Labs LongMill MK3 30x30 (from $1,400) · Sienci Labs LongMill MK3 30x30 vs Carbide 3D Nomad 3

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins 5 of 5 spec categories. Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 costs $1,600 less. Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 leads by 10 points overall — here’s where those points come from:

Benchmark Scores

Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.

66
Carbide 3D

Overall

76
Sienci Labs
38 Value 72
78 Rigidity 58
88 Precision 62
90 Ease of use 85
35 Capability 60

Carbide 3D Nomad 3

Pros

  • Enclosure helps contain chips, with a door interlock
  • Exceptional precision for detailed small parts
  • Anti-backlash lead screws, round-shaft X/Y guides and an HG15 Z rail
  • Carbide Create software is free and beginner-friendly
  • Can cut aluminum, brass, and wood with precision

Cons

  • Very small 203x203mm work area
  • Low-power spindle limits cutting speed and depth
  • Expensive for the work area offered
  • Small work envelope and a 130W spindle limit the size and removal rate of jobs

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30

Pros

  • Excellent build quality with steel and aluminum construction
  • Anti-backlash lead screws on all axes
  • Outstanding documentation and video tutorials
  • gSender software is purpose-built and beginner-friendly
  • Strong community and Canadian customer support

Cons

  • Router not included adds to total cost
  • Assembly takes 4-6 hours
  • Lead screws are slower than belt drives for rapids
  • Dust shoe is an optional extra

Verdict

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins this comparison with 7 categories to 3.

It wins 7 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $49 less.

Where to Buy

Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.

Carbide 3D Nomad 3

$2800

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30

$1200

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Carbide 3D Nomad 3 and Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30?

The Carbide 3D Nomad 3 ($2,800) features a 130W spindle with a 203×203mm work area and a Machined aluminum frame and enclosure, round-shaft X/Y guides, HG15 Z rail and anti-backlash lead screws. Overall, the Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins more comparison categories.

Which is better value for money — Carbide 3D Nomad 3 or Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30?

The Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 is $1,600 cheaper at $1,200 vs $2,800. Our value scores rate the Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 higher at 72/100.

Which router is easier to set up and use?

Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Carbide 3D Nomad 3 scores higher (90/100 vs 85/100). Both support Carbide Create, Carbide Motion, Fusion 360 among other software options.

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