Our Pick: PrintNC
It wins 9 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $500 less.
PrintNC wins 5 of 5 spec categories. PrintNC costs $500 less. PrintNC leads by 12 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
CNC4Newbie NewCarve CNC Router
Pros
- Linear rails on all axes for precise, smooth motion
- Steel frame provides excellent rigidity for the price
- CNC-machined components ensure tight tolerances
- NEMA 23 stepper motors are powerful and reliable
- Good reputation in the hobby CNC community
Cons
- Router not included adds $100+ to total cost
- Small company with limited customer support hours
- Assembly is more complex than plug-and-play competitors
- No included software -- must purchase CAM separately
- Limited online presence and documentation compared to larger brands
PrintNC
Pros
- Extremely rigid steel frame
- Cuts aluminum and steel with ease
- Fully open source — modify everything
- Active community and detailed build wiki
- Large work area for the price
Cons
- Full DIY build — expect 40-80 hours
- Needs welding or a local fab shop
- Sourcing parts from multiple vendors
- No customer support — community only
- Total cost depends heavily on component choices
Verdict
PrintNC wins this comparison with 9 categories to 1.
It wins 9 out of 10 comparison categories while costing $500 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
CNC4Newbie NewCarve CNC Router
$1700PrintNC
$1200As 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 CNC4Newbie NewCarve CNC Router and PrintNC?
The CNC4Newbie NewCarve CNC Router ($1700) features a 900W spindle with a 610×610mm work area and a Steel with CNC-machined components and linear rails frame. The PrintNC ($1200) features a 2200W spindle with a 630×835mm work area and a Steel tube (welded or bolted) frame. Overall, the PrintNC wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — CNC4Newbie NewCarve CNC Router or PrintNC?
The PrintNC is $500 cheaper at $1200 vs $1700. Our value scores rate the PrintNC higher at 95/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the CNC4Newbie NewCarve CNC Router scores higher (45/100 vs 15/100). Both support UGS, CNCjs, Mach3 among other software options.