LongMill MK2.5 vs OneFinity Apprentice
Both land on shortlists for buyers weighing a serious hobby CNC. The LongMill MK2.5 runs $1,500 with ACME lead screws (anti-backlash nuts); the OneFinity Apprentice runs $995 with ball screws on all axes (1610 on X/Y, 1004 on Z). Here's how they actually stack up, and who each one is for.
Quick Verdict
Work area decides this one. The Apprentice is cheaper and has the better drive hardware, ball screws against the LongMill's lead screws, but its table is 16.5x16.5. The LongMill starts at 12x30 and goes up to 48x30, which is a different class of project entirely. If you want to cut signs, cabinet parts, or anything longer than a foot and a half, the Apprentice is out no matter how good its screws are.
Specs, Side by Side
| LongMill MK2.5 | OneFinity Apprentice | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,500 | $995 |
| Status | Active | Active |
| Work Area | 12" x 30" | 16.5×16.5×5.25" |
| Frame | Aluminum extrusion with steel reinforcement | All-metal construction with aerospace-grade aluminum gant... |
| Drive System | ACME lead screws | Ball screws on all axes |
| Linear Motion | V-wheels on aluminum extrusion rails | 30mm diameter hardened steel hollow linear motion shafts ... |
| Motors | NEMA 23 stepper motors | NEMA 23 stepper motors, 1.2Nm torque |
| Controller | SuperLongBoard | RealTime CNC RTS-1 Open Loop Motion Controller |
| Spindle | User-supplied router or spindle | User-supplied 65mm router or spindle |
| Collet | Depends on router/spindle choice | Depends on router/spindle choice |
| Max RPM | Depends on router/spindle choice | 10,000-30,000 |
| Enclosure | None | None |
| Assembly | Kit | Kit |
| Software | gSender | RealTime CNC software |
Highlighted rows = the two machines differ. Tap a machine name for the full profile.
The LongMill MK2.5 in This Matchup
Next to the OneFinity Apprentice, the LongMill MK2.5 leads with ACME lead screws and a 12" x 30" work area at $1,500. The LongMill MK2. 5 is the best value proposition in the $1,500-2,000 CNC market.
Community: Beloved in the community. "Best value for money" is the constant refrain.
The OneFinity Apprentice in This Matchup
Next to the LongMill MK2.5, the OneFinity Apprentice leads with ball screws on all axes and a 16.5×16.5×5.25" work area at $995. Best budget option under $1,000. Ball screws at this price point is unprecedented.
Community: Excitement about ball screws at this price. Limited long-term reviews since it's new.
Bottom Line
- →Buy the LongMill MK2.5 if you need real table space, up to 48x30.
- →Buy the OneFinity Apprentice if your projects fit inside 16.5x16.5 and you want ball screws for the lowest price.
- →Still unsure? Run both through the side-by-side comparison tool or the beginner buying guide.
More Head-to-Head Comparisons
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