Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 vs Sienci Labs AltMill MK2 2x4
Two desktop CNC routers side by side, from each maker's own page, read 1 November 2026. Neither has been tested for this site, so this shows what each maker publishes, not which cuts better.
Photo: Next Wave CNCNext Wave CNC Shark HD520
$4,250.00
Where they differ
- Sienci Labs AltMill MK2 2x4 is listed $360 lower ($3,890.00* against $4,250.00).
- Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 has the larger published X × Y work area: 1270 × 635 mm against 1245 × 635 mm (1.0× the area).
- Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 lists more Z: 178 mm against 140 mm.
- Drive: Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 has leadscrew drive; Sienci Labs AltMill MK2 2x4 has ballscrew drive.
- Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 lists motors the page doesn't describe as open or closed loop; Sienci Labs AltMill MK2 2x4 lists closed-loop motors.
- Published footprints: 921 × 1,600 mm against 1,499 × 965 mm.
Published specs
| Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 | Sienci Labs AltMill MK2 2x4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,250.00 | $3,890.00* |
| Work area | 1270 × 635 mm | 1245 × 635 mm |
| Z | 178 mm (7.0") | 140 mm (5.5") |
| Spindle or router | Not included; built for 2.25 HP routers with a 3.5" barrel; optional water-cooled spindle mount | Not included; standard 80 mm spindle mount. Optional 1.5 kW and 2.2 kW ER20 spindle kits and a 2.2 kW ATC kit. |
| Drive | Anti-backlash lead screws on all axes | Ballscrews on all axes |
| Linear guides | Linear rails and guides on the gantry | HGR15 linear guides on all axes |
| Controller and motors | Colour touch-screen pendant | SLB-EXT controller with e-stop. Closed-loop steppers on all three axes; about 600 in/min. |
| Software | Vectric VCarve Pro, Ready2Control, Virtual Zero Unlimited | Not published |
| Footprint | 36-1/4" W x 63" L x 24-1/2" H (overall) | 59″ wide × 38″ deep |
| Weight | Not published | 76 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 365 days from receipt |
| Spec notes | 2 | None found |
| Source | Maker’s page ↗ | Maker’s page ↗ |
Work areas to scale
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Why this pair
Pairs are picked by a rule: machines in the same size class and within about 60% of each other's price, plus each machine's nearest sibling from the same maker. No search or keyword data was used. All 46 pairs.