Our Pick: Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30

It scores 76/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 7 out of 9 comparison categories.

Sienci Labs
Spec
WorkBee Z1+
$1200
Price
$1200
762 × 762 mm
Work area
520 × 520 mm
114 mm
Z travel
88 mm
710 W
Spindle power
800 W
26 kg
Weight
28.5 kg
Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws
Frame
V-Slot/C-Beam aluminum extrusion and aluminum plates, lead screws and V-wheel guidance
LongBoard (GRBL-based, custom)
Controller
Duet 2 running RepRapFirmware, Wi-Fi or Ethernet version
gSender, UGS, CNCjs, Easel
Software
WorkBee Control (included browser interface), Fusion 360 with a compatible post-processor, VCarve or Carveco for CAM
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 WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router

Specs are evenly split between both machines. Both are similarly priced. Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 leads by 8 points overall — here’s where those points come from:

Benchmark Scores

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

76
Sienci Labs

Overall

68
WorkBee Z1+
72 Value 65
58 Rigidity 52
62 Precision 55
85 Ease of use 55
60 Capability 58

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

WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router

Pros

  • Solid V-Slot aluminum extrusion frame design
  • Choice of separate WorkBee or Mafell router head and matching mount
  • Highly customizable size and component options
  • Based on proven OpenBuilds design ecosystem
  • Good selection of optional accessories

Cons

  • Ships from UK -- shipping costs and delays for US buyers
  • Assembly is more involved than plug-and-play alternatives
  • V-wheel motion system requires periodic adjustment
  • Price varies significantly based on configuration

Verdict

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins this comparison with 7 categories to 2.

It scores 76/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 7 out of 9 comparison categories.

Where to Buy

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

Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30

$1200

WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router

$1200

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 and WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router?

The Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 ($1,200) features a 710W spindle with a 762×762mm work area and a Steel and aluminum with anti-backlash lead screws frame. The WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router ($1,200) features a 800W spindle with a 520×520mm work area and a V-Slot/C-Beam aluminum extrusion and aluminum plates, lead screws and V-wheel guidance frame. Overall, the Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 wins more comparison categories.

Which is better value for money — Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 or WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router?

Both machines are identically priced at $1200. 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 Sienci Labs LongMill MK2 30x30 scores higher (85/100 vs 55/100). Both support gSender, UGS, CNCjs among other software options.

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