Our Pick: Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit
It wins 3 out of 5 comparison categories while costing $673 less.
Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit wins 2 of 3 spec categories. Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit costs $673 less. The overall scores are virtually tied — the differences are in the details below.
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
MakerMade M2 CNC Router
Pros
- Full 4x8 foot cutting area for sheet goods
- Improved chain tensioning over original Maslow design
- MakerMade provides commercial support and warranty
- Excellent for cutting cabinet parts and furniture pieces
- Vertical storage takes minimal floor space
Cons
- Very slow cutting speed compared to conventional CNC routers
- Accuracy degrades significantly at the edges and corners
- Limited Z-axis depth restricts to thin materials
- Requires building a large vertical frame
- Software can be finicky and requires patience to calibrate
Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit
Pros
- Covers a full 4 x 8 ft sheet for a kit price far below gantry machines of that size
- 4.1 fixes known Maslow 4 weak points: JST connectors instead of ethernet cables, star-drive screws, larger belt guards and idler gear bearings
- Automatic calibration measures the anchor geometry, so the frame does not need precise dimensions
- Packs down to about 350 x 280 mm and can anchor to a floor, bench or simple frame
- Open-source hardware and firmware with frequent firmware releases and an active forum
Cons
- Kit was sold out with a waitlist when checked, and Maslow has said a restock will take months
- Router, bits, anchors and a rigid frame or floor are extra
- Maker's own accuracy target is +/-0.5 mm and depends on a good calibration, coarser than gantry routers
- Top speed is 2,500 mm/min and Maslow itself cuts at about 2,000 mm/min, so large jobs take time
- Maslow says it still needs a fair amount of fiddling to work well
Verdict
Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit wins this comparison with 3 categories to 2.
It wins 3 out of 5 comparison categories while costing $673 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
MakerMade M2 CNC Router
$1198Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit
$525As 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 MakerMade M2 CNC Router and Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit?
The MakerMade M2 CNC Router ($1,198) features a 900W spindle with a 1220×2440mm work area and a Hanging sled on vertical frame (frame built from plywood). The Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit ($525) features a 900W spindle with a 1219×2438mm work area and a Sled resting on the workpiece, positioned by four motor-driven belts running to fixed anchors on a floor or user-built frame; horizontal up to near vertical (at least 15 to 20 degrees off vertical). Overall, the Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — MakerMade M2 CNC Router or Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit?
The Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit is $673 cheaper at $525 vs $1,198. Our value scores rate the Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit higher at 95/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit scores higher (45/100 vs 42/100). Both support MakerMade Ground Control, WebControl, Maslow 4 WebUI among other software options.