Image: V1 Engineering
MPCNC Primo (Mostly Printed CNC)
V1 Engineering
Best for: Makers with a 3D printer who want a large-format CNC on a shoestring budget
Typical starting price
$233Editorial baseline for this machine
Overall score
Best current buying path
Where to buy
Bundle from $233 · checked Apr 12
- Shipping varies by retailer
- Check manufacturer site for availability
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Quick verdict
The MPCNC Primo from V1 Engineering is a fully open-source CNC that uses 3D printed parts and hardware store conduit tubing for its frame. The parts kit costs around $233 from V1 Engineering, but you also need conduit, a cutting tool, and the electronics. Total build cost is typically $400-600 depending on size and spindle choice. The design lets you build any size you want, but rigidity drops as the frame gets larger. Keep it under 24x24 inches for best results. The community at V1 Engineering forums is helpful and active.
Who this fits best
Makers with a 3D printer who want a large-format CNC on a shoestring budget
Where it wins
- 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
Where it falls short
- Requires a 3D printer to make parts
- Rigidity is limited by conduit tube frame
- Larger build areas reduce accuracy significantly
- Significant build time (20-40 hours)
- Not suitable for metal cutting
Specifications
600 × 600 mm
3600 cm²
660W
DW660 Rotary Tool (recommended) or 660W Router
12 kg
$233
diy kit
Full specification table
Relative to database
Benchmark Scores
Overall Score
Composite across 5 dimensions
Community Sentiment
The MPCNC is a rite of passage for DIY CNC enthusiasts and the most popular open-source CNC design in the world. V1 Engineering forum veterans love it as a learning platform but are honest that it cannot compete with even budget commercial machines on rigidity or precision.
What owners love
- Absurdly cheap -- full CNC router for $400-600 total including electronics
- Completely open-source with customizable build dimensions
- V1 Engineering community forum is incredibly helpful and active
- Building it teaches you more about CNC mechanics than any pre-built machine
Common complaints
- Conduit tube frame is inherently flexible -- rigidity is the fundamental limitation
- Larger builds sag and flex noticeably, killing precision
- 20-40 hour build time is daunting and requires a working 3D printer
- Not suitable for cutting metals or hardwoods at any useful speed
Typical upgrades
- Stainless steel tubing instead of EMT conduit for better rigidity
- DW660 rotary tool or Makita trim router for more cutting power
- SKR Pro 1.2 controller board with TMC2209 drivers for quieter operation
- Laser module for engraving (where the MPCNC actually excels)
Community sentiment is aggregated from forums, Reddit, Discord, and manufacturer communities. Individual experiences may vary.
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