CNC News Digest - February 7, 2026
Published
Onefinity Gen 2 Elite Batch 1 machines have begun shipping to customers, with early-February deliveries clearing customs. The Apprentice Series and Redline Upgrade Kits are expected to ship mid-February 2026. Installation manuals and GUI software are now available on Onefinity's support page. Meanwhile, Makera Z1 desktop CNC units are approaching first customer deliveries following the $10M+ Kickstarter campaign.
Onefinity Gen 2 Elite Batch 1 Begins Shipping
Onefinity has begun shipping Batch 1 of the Gen 2 Elite series, with early February deliveries reaching customers. Some key components briefly cleared customs, causing minor delays. Customers who ordered 65mm spindle mounts may experience slight additional delays as the new 65mm dust boot undergoes final quality control. Installation manuals and the Redline/Realtime software GUI are now available on the support page.
This is a significant milestone for Onefinity's next-generation lineup. The Gen 2 Elite represents their leap to a more professional-grade platform while maintaining the user-friendly approach that built their reputation. The 65mm spindle compatibility is notable—it opens the door to serious cutting with water-cooled spindles that were previously tricky to fit. If you pre-ordered, check your email for tracking. If you're on the fence, first-wave user reports will start flooding forums within the next 2-3 weeks.
💡What this means for you
Gen 2 Elite features updated motion system, improved rigidity, and the new Redline controller with real-time motion processing. The 65mm spindle mount upgrade indicates support for higher-power spindles (1.5kW-2.2kW water-cooled VFD options).
Market Position: Onefinity Gen 2 competes directly with Avid CNC's Benchtop Pro, Carbide 3D's Shapeoko HDM, and the new Makera Z1 at the prosumer level. The Redline controller's real-time capabilities could be the differentiator.
- Real-world cutting performance vs. Gen 1
- Redline controller learning curve and software compatibility
- Batch 2 timeline for waitlisted customers
⏸️ Wait if: You need same-day delivery—wait for stock availability, You're happy with your current Gen 1 machine
✅ Buy if: You need improved rigidity for aluminum cutting, You want a dedicated spindle mount over a router setup
Onefinity Redline Upgrade Kits and Apprentice Series Ship Mid-February
Onefinity confirmed that Redline Upgrade Kits for existing machine owners and Batch 1 of the new Apprentice Series are scheduled to ship in mid-February 2026. The Apprentice Series targets new entrants to CNC routing with a more accessible price point and simpler setup.
The Redline Upgrade Kit is the most exciting part for existing Onefinity owners. Replacing the original controller with Redline brings real-time motion processing, which should improve surface finish, accuracy, and jogging responsiveness. The Apprentice Series is Onefinity's entry-level play, and it makes strategic sense—capture students and hobbyists now, upsell to Elite later. Think of it as their 'Ender 3' moment.
💡What this means for you
Redline controller upgrades existing Onefinity machines with real-time motion processing, replacing the Raspberry Pi-based original controller. This should reduce step-loss issues, improve acceleration profiles, and enable faster jogging speeds.
Market Position: The Apprentice Series competes with Shapeoko 4 and the X-Carve Pro at the entry/mid level. Pricing will be critical—if Onefinity can hit the sub-$2,000 mark, they'll capture a significant share of the garage-shop market.
- Redline Upgrade Kit pricing for existing owners
- Apprentice Series specifications and pricing
- Whether existing toolpaths/G-code are fully compatible with Redline
Makera Z1 Approaches First Customer Deliveries
Following the $10M+ Kickstarter campaign and 'Best of Kickstarter 2026' award, the Makera Z1 desktop CNC is approaching first customer deliveries. The Z1's one-piece cast aluminum frame, 150W closed-loop spindle, and AI Craft text-to-toolpath software represent Makera's push to make CNC as accessible as modern 3D printing. Pre-orders remain available at introductory pricing of $899.
The Z1 is the machine I'm watching most closely in CNC this year. The 'appliance-like' approach—single-piece cast frame, closed-loop spindle, AI-powered toolpath generation—could genuinely lower the intimidation barrier that keeps many makers away from CNC. At $899, it's less than many router-table setups but offers real CNC capability. The AI Craft software is the wildcard: if it works as promised, beginners could go from idea to cut part without learning CAD/CAM. First customer reviews will be the moment of truth.
💡What this means for you
Z1 specs: 200×200×100mm work area, one-piece cast aluminum frame for zero-assembly rigidity, 150W closed-loop spindle (0-15,000 RPM), automatic tool length measurement. AI Craft generates 3D models and toolpaths from text prompts or 2D images.
Market Position: At $899, the Z1 undercuts the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC ($4,900) and Carvera Air ($2,399) while targeting the same easy-to-use segment. The smaller work area is the trade-off for the price. Direct competition with the Snapmaker 2.0 CNC module ($1,000+).
- Material capabilities beyond wood and soft metals
- AI Craft accuracy and reliability in production use
- Availability of aftermarket tooling and fixtures
⏸️ Wait if: You need a larger work area than 200×200mm, You specifically need aluminum milling capability
✅ Buy if: You're CNC-curious and want the lowest barrier to entry, You want a small-footprint CNC for craft-scale projects
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Onefinity Gen 2 Elite be available for new orders?▼
Batch 1 is currently shipping to pre-order customers. Check Onefinity's website for current lead times on new orders. The Apprentice Series and Redline Upgrade Kits are expected to ship mid-February 2026.
Is the Makera Z1 good for beginners?▼
The Z1 is specifically designed for beginners. Its one-piece cast aluminum frame requires no assembly, the AI Craft software generates toolpaths from text prompts, and the closed-loop spindle handles the technical details automatically. At $899, it's one of the most accessible CNC machines available.
What's the Redline controller upgrade for Onefinity?▼
Redline replaces the original Raspberry Pi-based controller with a real-time motion processing system. Benefits include improved surface finish, better acceleration profiles, reduced step-loss, and faster jogging speeds. Available as an upgrade kit for existing Onefinity machines.