MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) wins 3 of 5 spec categories. MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) costs $206 less. MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) leads by 4 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven)
Pros
- Cuts full 4x8 foot sheets of plywood
- Extremely low cost for the work area size
- Open-source hardware and firmware with an established support forum
- Upright sheet support uses less floor depth than a horizontal 4x8 bed
- Great for furniture and large panel projects
Cons
- Very slow cutting speed
- Accuracy decreases at edges and corners of the work area
- Cutting depth depends on the router, bit, sled and Z-axis conversion
- Requires a rigid frame, sled setup and calibration
- Not suitable for precision work or small details
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
- Print the plastic parts yourself or buy a printed-parts set
- Rigidity is limited by conduit tube frame
- Longer tubes and greater Z height reduce rigidity; size the build for the work
- Requires fabrication, assembly, wiring and calibration; build time varies
- Aluminum is possible with an appropriate build and setup; larger work areas reduce rigidity
Verdict
These routers are evenly matched with 5 wins each. The right choice depends on your specific priorities — compare individual specs and scores above to decide.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven)
$439MPCNC 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 Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) and MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)?
The Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) ($439) features a 900W spindle with a 1220×2440mm work area and a Chain-suspended sled on a user-built upright 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. Both machines are evenly matched overall.
Which is better value for money — Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) or MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)?
The MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC) is $206 cheaper at $233 vs $439. Our value scores rate the Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) higher at 95/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) scores higher (35/100 vs 25/100). Both support Ground Control or WebControl for compatible original Maslow firmware among other software options.
Related Comparisons
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) vs Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven)
$350 vs $439
CNC 3040 Router (AliExpress) vs MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
$350 vs $233
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 vs Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven)
$2800 vs $439
Avid CNC Benchtop Pro 2436 vs MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
$2800 vs $233