Our Pick: Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories across specs and benchmark scores.
Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4 wins 3 of 5 spec categories. Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router costs $4,495 less. Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router 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
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
Pros
- 635 x 1270mm (25 x 50 inch) cutting travel for larger woodworking parts
- VCarve Pro and Next Wave control software included; router purchased separately
- Steel-reinforced aluminum gantry
- US-based company with phone support
- Precision-ground rails for smooth, accurate motion
Cons
- At $3000, the proprietary controller is a significant limitation
- Large footprint requires dedicated shop space
- Needs a sturdy work surface and room for the full table footprint
- A suitable full-size router or spindle kit adds to the complete-system cost
Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4
Pros
- Spindle and programmed VFD are included
- Easel combines design, CAM and machine control
- Ball screws and linear guides replace the original X-Carve belt-drive arrangement
- Manufacturer assembly and support resources are available
Cons
- Easel Pro requires an ongoing subscription for advanced features
- The 4x4 model needs a substantial bench and installation space
- Inventables does not support replacing the supplied spindle with an arbitrary third-party unit
- Choose 4x2 or 4x4 at purchase; no size-expansion kit is offered
Verdict
Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4 wins this comparison with 5 categories to 4.
It wins 5 out of 9 comparison categories across specs and benchmark scores.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router
$3000Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4
$7495As 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 Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router and Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4?
The Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router ($3,000) features a 710W spindle with a 635×1270mm work area and a Aluminum construction with steel-reinforced gantry, linear guides and anti-backlash lead-screw drives frame. The Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4 ($7,495) features a 1500W spindle with a 1219.2×1219.2mm work area and a Gantry router with linear guides and ball screws on all axes frame. Overall, the Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4 wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router or Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4?
Both machines are identically priced at $3000. Our value scores rate the Next Wave Shark HD520 CNC Router higher at 50/100.
Which router is easier to set up and use?
Based on our ease-of-use benchmarks, the Inventables X-Carve Pro 4x4 scores higher (92/100 vs 88/100). Both support VCarve Pro, Ready2Control and Virtual Zero Unlimited (included), Fusion 360, Aspire among other software options.