MPCNC Primo vs LowRider CNC 3 — V1 Engineering's Two Different Philosophies

The Design Difference: Compact Frame vs Sheet Router

Both machines hold the work on a table. MPCNC surrounds a compact work area with its frame; LowRider moves a wide gantry along the table for larger sheets.

Work Area & Material Volume

This is the primary decision point.

MPCNC Primo:

• Work area: configurable; keep it compact for the parts you make
• For axes above roughly 1 m, V1 recommends considering LowRider
• Use case: brackets, small panels, precision parts, anything under 24"

LowRider CNC 3:

• Work area: up to 4×8 feet (1220×2440mm)
• Practical size: scales with your space
• Use case: full sheets, cabinet sides, large flat panels, signs

For full-sheet cutting, LowRider is the V1 design to consider. For smaller work, a compact MPCNC can be cheaper and easier to fit into the shop.

Cost Comparison

MPCNC Primo Complete Build:

• Frame kit (V1 Engineering): $200–250
• Extra conduit & hardware: $50–100
• Spindle (Makita RT0701C): $95–120
• Controller & PSU: $80–120
• Bits, misc: $30
• Total: $455–620 (typically ~$550)

LowRider CNC 3: illustrative budget for a 750 x 750 mm build

• Frame kit (V1 Engineering): $350–450
• Extra hardware: $50–100
• Spindle (Makita RT0701C): $95–120
• Controller & PSU: $80–120
• Bits, misc: $30
• Total: $605–820 (typically ~$700)

LowRider CNC 3: illustrative budget for a 1000 x 1000 mm build

• Frame kit: $400–500
• Hardware: $75–125
• Spindle: $95–120
• Controller & PSU: $80–120
• Bits, misc: $30
• Total: $680–895 (typically ~$800)

Cost difference: $100–300 depending on LowRider size. LowRider costs more, but you're getting dramatically more work area for the investment.

Cost per square inch of work area:

• MPCNC (600 x 600 mm): about 558 sq in; at the example $550 cost, about $0.99 per sq in
• LowRider (750 x 750 mm): about 872 sq in; at the example $700 cost, about $0.80 per sq in
• LowRider (1000 x 1000 mm): about 1550 sq in; at the example $800 cost, about $0.52 per sq in

In these illustrative budgets, the larger LowRider builds cost less per unit of cutting area; compare complete bills of materials before buying.

Rigidity & Precision

MPCNC uses printed parts and bearings on steel tube; LowRider 3 uses a braced tube gantry, table-running bearings and Z linear guides. Cutting results depend on build size and setup.

• Repeatability: measure it on the completed machine
• Dimensional accuracy: verify with test cuts and measurements
• Surface finish: clean on wood, good on acrylic

The designs support their moving parts differently. Compare the specific build dimensions, tool height and cutting load rather than assuming equal stiffness.

Longer unsupported spans can increase flex. LowRider is designed around sheet work, so span, gantry construction and tool height all matter when comparing builds.

Z-Axis & 3D Capability

Compare usable tool clearance and cutting depth on each build.

MPCNC:

• Z travel: build-dependent; keep the assembly as short as practical
• Z drive: a leadscrew in the documented standard build
• 3D carving: fully capable

LowRider:

• Z geometry: V1 recommends 80 mm for LR3, with about 1.5 inches of cutting depth
• Z rigidity: best with the gantry kept low
• 3D carving: possible within the available stock, tool and gantry clearance

LowRider 3 raises and lowers its gantry. V1 recommends keeping it low for rigidity and using an adjustable table for thick work instead of making a taller machine.

For deep 3D work, compare actual stock clearance and tool reach before choosing either machine.

Setup & Workflow Difference

MPCNC Setup:

• Mount work on a table inside the frame
• Set work home/zero
• Run job

LowRider Setup:

• Secure the sheet to a flat spoilboard on the machine table
• Place the gantry on its table tracks and guide rail
• Set corners or registration points
• Run job

LowRider makes large sheets accessible, while a compact MPCNC suits smaller stock. Both need secure workholding, a suitable spoilboard and correct work coordinates.

Shared Ecosystem (This Matters)

Both MPCNC and LowRider:

• Support several controller and firmware choices, including Marlin and FluidNC
• Use Makita RT0701C as standard spindle
• Share hardware sourcing (V1 Engineering supplies both)
• Have overlapping community (V1 Engineering forums)
• Have compatible controllers and electronics

Experience with either V1 machine helps with the other, but use the correct wiring, firmware configuration and homing procedure for the new build. Moving to full sheets also changes table and material-handling requirements.

Material Capability

Both can route common sheet materials with suitable tooling and setup:

• Wood: excellent
• Acrylic: excellent
• MDF: excellent
• Plywood: good (tearout control needed)
• Aluminum: possible with suitable tooling, conservative engagement and a rigid setup

Material capability depends on machine stiffness, tool geometry, workholding, spindle speed and cutting parameters. The design matters as much as the settings.

When MPCNC Primo Wins

• Work area under 24×24" is sufficient: purpose-built, optimal cost
• Your 3D work fits a compact, low-height build : check actual stock and tool clearance
• Small-part accuracy matters : verify the completed build with measured test cuts
• Budget is under $600: MPCNC is cheaper
• Setup complexity bothers you: MPCNC is simpler (work clamped in frame)
• You're new to CNC and want to learn: smaller, less intimidating

When LowRider CNC 3 Wins

• You need to route full sheets or large panels: non-negotiable requirement
• Cabinet making or furniture is your primary work: purpose-built for this
• Work area requirements exceed 24×24": LowRider scales easily
• You can provide a suitably sized table : the gantry is removable for storage
• Large sheet capacity matters : you need room to nest and cut panels
• Cost per square inch is important: LowRider is dramatically cheaper at scale

The Decision Criteria

Upgrade Path Reality

MPCNC:

• Ballscrew conversion would require custom design work
• Profile-rail conversion would require custom design work
• Larger spans reduce stiffness; V1 suggests LowRider for axes above roughly 1 m
• If you outgrow it, you build something else

LowRider:

• Ballscrew conversion would require custom design work
• Length can be increased with a longer table, guide rail and belts
• Choose dimensions with the version-specific calculator before buying parts
• A longer Y axis can be practical; widening the beam requires new geometry-dependent parts

Both designs are configurable. MPCNC favors compact spans; LowRider is the V1 route to full-sheet work.

Verdict

MPCNC Primo is the best small-format CNC for the price. If you're routing things under 24 inches and want to learn CNC affordably, it's unbeatable. The community is large, the docs are excellent, and it's simple enough to troubleshoot.

LowRider 3 is a documented older option for cabinet parts and sheet work. New builders should compare LowRider 4 and follow the parts list for the version they choose.

Choose around part size, stock height, table space and required finish. Verify accuracy on the finished build instead of assuming that LowRider cannot do precise or 3D work.

If your projects span small parts and full sheets, compare fixtures and workflow on one machine before committing space and money to two.

Shop This Guide

Parts for this guide

If you are buying after reading this, these are the specs to look for.

"Search" buttons open a search for that exact spec, so compare listings against it before buying. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you (disclosure).

Related Articles

• MPCNC Primo Complete Build Guide
• LowRider CNC 3 Build & Setup Guide
• MPCNC vs PrintNC: Accessibility vs Rigidity
• V1 Engineering CNC Ecosystem: Firmware & Community