Our Pick: PrintNC
It scores 84/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 7 out of 9 comparison categories.
PrintNC wins 3 of 4 spec categories. Both are similarly priced. PrintNC leads by 16 points overall — here’s where those points come from:
Benchmark Scores
Side-by-side score comparison across all five benchmark dimensions.
Overall
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
WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router
Pros
- Solid V-Slot aluminum extrusion frame design
- Optional 800W spindle provides genuine cutting power
- Highly customizable size and component options
- Based on proven OpenBuilds design ecosystem
- Good selection of optional accessories
Cons
- Ships from UK -- shipping costs and delays for US buyers
- Assembly is more involved than plug-and-play alternatives
- V-wheel motion system requires periodic adjustment
- Price varies significantly based on configuration
Verdict
PrintNC wins this comparison with 7 categories to 2.
It scores 84/100 overall versus 68/100, winning 7 out of 9 comparison categories.
Where to Buy
Price-first merchant links with the clearest reason to click first.
PrintNC
$1200WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PrintNC and WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router?
The PrintNC ($1200) features a 2200W spindle with a 630×835mm work area and a Steel tube (welded or bolted) frame. The WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router ($1200) features a 800W spindle with a 750×750mm work area and a V-Slot aluminum extrusion with steel plates frame. Overall, the PrintNC wins more comparison categories.
Which is better value for money — PrintNC or WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router?
Both machines are identically priced at $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 WorkBee Z1+ CNC Router scores higher (55/100 vs 15/100). Both support UGS, CNCjs, LinuxCNC among other software options.