Our Pick: PrintNC
It scores 84/100 overall versus 55/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Specs are evenly split between both machines. Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit costs $675 less. 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
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
PrintNC
Pros
- Bolted steel-tube frame
- Can be configured for aluminum and some steel machining
- Fully open source — modify everything
- Active community and detailed build wiki
- Work area can be sized to the intended jobs
Cons
- Full DIY fabrication, assembly, wiring and calibration
- Needs steel drilled and tapped (no welding)
- Sourcing parts from multiple vendors
- Project-level help is community based; component support depends on suppliers
- Total cost depends heavily on component choices
Verdict
PrintNC wins this comparison with 6 categories to 3.
It scores 84/100 overall versus 55/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit
$525PrintNC
$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 Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit and PrintNC?
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 PrintNC wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit or PrintNC?
The Maslow 4.1 CNC Router Kit is $675 cheaper at $525 vs $1,200. 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 15/100). Both support Maslow 4 browser WebUI, CAM that exports compatible G-code among other software options.