Our Pick: PrintNC
It scores 84/100 overall versus 55/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
PrintNC wins 3 of 5 spec categories. Both are similarly priced. PrintNC leads by 29 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
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
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 7 categories to 3.
It scores 84/100 overall versus 55/100, winning 7 out of 10 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
MakerMade M2 CNC Router
$1198PrintNC
$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 MakerMade M2 CNC Router and PrintNC?
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 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 — MakerMade M2 CNC Router or PrintNC?
The MakerMade M2 CNC Router is $2 cheaper at $1198 vs $1200. 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 MakerMade M2 CNC Router scores higher (42/100 vs 15/100). Both support MakerMade Ground Control, WebControl, UGS among other software options.