Our Pick: MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $965 less.
Specs are evenly split between both machines. MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) costs $965 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
MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
Pros
- Extremely low cost with 3D printed parts
- Customizable work area size
- Active community and thorough documentation
- Can be configured as CNC router, laser cutter, or pen plotter
- Great educational project for learning CNC mechanics
Cons
- Requires a 3D printer to make parts
- Rigidity is limited by conduit tube frame
- Larger build areas reduce accuracy significantly
- Significant build time (20-40 hours)
- Not suitable for metal cutting
Verdict
MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) wins this comparison with 5 categories to 4.
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories while costing $965 less.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
MakerMade M2 CNC Router
$1198MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
$233As 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 MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)?
The MakerMade M2 CNC Router ($1198) features a 900W spindle with a 1220×2440mm work area and a Hanging sled on vertical frame (frame built from plywood) frame. The MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) ($233) features a 660W spindle with a 600×600mm work area and a 3D printed parts + EMT conduit/stainless steel tubing frame. Overall, the MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — MakerMade M2 CNC Router or MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)?
The MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) is $965 cheaper at $233 vs $1198. Our value scores rate the MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) higher at 92/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the MakerMade M2 CNC Router scores higher (42/100 vs 25/100). Both support MakerMade Ground Control, WebControl, Repetier-Host among other software options.