Our Pick: PrintNC
It scores 84/100 overall versus 52/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
PrintNC wins 3 of 5 spec categories. Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) costs $761 less. PrintNC leads by 32 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
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 52/100, winning 6 out of 9 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven)
$439PrintNC
$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 Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) and PrintNC?
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 PrintNC ($1,200) features a 2200W spindle with a 630×835mm work area and a Bolted steel tube (no welding) frame. Overall, the PrintNC wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) or PrintNC?
The Original Maslow CNC Router Kit (chain-driven) is $761 cheaper at $439 vs $1,200. 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 15/100). Both support Ground Control or WebControl for compatible original Maslow firmware among other software options.