Our Pick: Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30

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

Carbide 3D
Spec
Sienci Labs
$1249
Price
$1200
203 × 203 mm
Work area
762 × 762 mm
76 mm
Z travel
114 mm
70 W
Spindle power
710 W
12 kg
Weight
26 kg
Fully enclosed cast aluminum
Frame
Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws
Carbide Motion (proprietary)
Controller
LongBoard (GRBL-based, custom)
Carbide Create, Carbide Motion, Fusion 360
Software
gSender, UGS, CNCjs, Easel

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins 5 of 5 spec categories. Both are similarly priced. 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

  • Fully enclosed design is clean, quiet, and safe
  • Exceptional precision for detailed small parts
  • Linear rails and ball screws on all axes
  • 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
  • Proprietary controller limits third-party software options

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

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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 ($1249) features a 70W spindle with a 203×203mm work area and a Fully enclosed cast aluminum frame. The Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 ($1200) features a 710W spindle with a 762×762mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws frame. 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 $49 cheaper at $1200 vs $1249. 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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