CNC Digest - February 13, 2026
Published
Onefinity's Gen 2 Elite Series has begun shipping (Batch 1), featuring the new Redline controller and enhanced rigidity over the original Woodworker/Journeyman line. Carbide3D shipped the first batch of jog pendants for the Shapeoko 5 Pro, adding tactile physical controls to complement the touchscreen interface. Makera is running a Spring Festival Sale (Feb 10-27) on the Z1 and Carvera lineup following their $10M Kickstarter success and CES 'Best of Kickstarter' award.
Onefinity Gen 2 Elite Series Begins Shipping to Early Backers
Onefinity has started shipping Batch 1 of its Gen 2 Elite Series CNC machines, with further shipments on February 4-5 after a brief customs delay. The Gen 2 machines, first unveiled at AWFS 2025, feature the new Redline controller with real-time motion planning, enhanced frame rigidity, and improved dust collection integration. The Apprentice Series Batch 1 is expected to follow in mid-February, with Elite Redline Upgrade Kits also shipping this month.
Onefinity has been the 'Tesla of desktop CNC' — incredible hype, but plagued by shipping delays. The fact that Gen 2 machines are actually leaving the factory is a critical trust-building moment for the brand. The Redline controller is the real story here: it promises real-time motion planning similar to industrial controllers like Mach4, which could eliminate the stuttering and hesitation that plagued Gen 1 machines running complex 3D toolpaths. The upgrade kit option for existing owners is a smart retention move.
💡What this means for you
Gen 2 Elite: Redline controller (ARM-based, real-time firmware 1.3.10), increased Y-axis rigidity (+40% claimed), integrated dust shoe mounting, USB-C direct connect. Batch 1 shipping Feb 2026. Upgrade kits: mid-Feb.
Market Position: Directly competing with Avid CNC (industrial) and Makera Carvera (compact). The Gen 2 positions Onefinity in the 'prosumer' segment between hobby Shapeokos and industrial ShopBots.
- Real-world Redline controller performance on 3D toolpaths
- Shipping timeline accuracy for Batch 2+
- Compatibility of Gen 1 accessories with Gen 2 frames
⏸️ Wait if: You need immediate delivery — wait for Batch 3+ when supply stabilizes
✅ Buy if: You've been eyeing a large-format desktop CNC and want the latest controller tech
Carbide3D Ships First Batch of Shapeoko 5 Pro Jog Pendants
Carbide3D has released the first batch of physical jog pendants for the Shapeoko 5 Pro on February 4. The pendant provides tactile dial-based jogging, axis selection, feed rate override, and program start/stop controls — reducing dependence on the Carbide Motion touchscreen interface during machine setup and zeroing operations.
This seems like a small accessory, but it addresses one of the most common complaints about modern CNC controllers: everything is a touchscreen. When you're standing at a CNC covered in sawdust with dirty hands, a physical dial to jog your machine is infinitely better than swiping a screen. Carbide3D continues to demonstrate that they understand the maker workflow better than most. This is a retention product — it makes existing Shapeoko owners more invested in the ecosystem.
💡What this means for you
USB-connected pendant. Features: rotary jog dial (variable speed), axis selection (X/Y/Z), feed rate override, cycle start/pause/stop. Compatible with Shapeoko 5 Pro + Carbide Motion 6.x.
Market Position: Accessories market. No direct competition for Shapeoko-specific pendant. Third-party generic pendants exist but lack native Carbide Motion integration.
- Compatibility with Shapeoko 4 or older models
- Wireless version planned?
- Integration with third-party CNC software (grblHAL, etc.)
⏸️ Wait if: You're comfortable with touchscreen-only operation
✅ Buy if: You do frequent tool changes and zeroing where physical controls save time
Makera Spring Festival Sale: Z1 and Carvera Lineup Discounted Through Feb 27
Fresh off its $10M Kickstarter and CES 'Best of Kickstarter 2026' award, Makera has launched a Spring Festival Sale running February 10-27. The sale covers the entire lineup: Z1 desktop CNC, Carvera, and Carvera Air, with discounts and bundle pricing on accessories including the 4th axis and automatic tool changer kits. The company also announced expanded availability of its AI Craft text-to-toolpath software as a free update for all machines.
Makera is executing a textbook post-crowdfunding retail transition. The Spring Sale converts Kickstarter buzz into direct sales while the brand is hot. The free AI Craft update is particularly strategic — it lowers the barrier for CNC beginners who can't write G-code, which is exactly the demographic that backed the Z1 on Kickstarter. If AI Craft actually works reliably (converting natural language descriptions to machinable toolpaths), it could be as transformative for CNC as cloud slicers were for 3D printing.
💡What this means for you
Sale runs Feb 10-27. Covers: Z1 (desktop CNC, $999 base), Carvera (industrial-grade desktop, ~$3,499), Carvera Air (~$2,499). AI Craft: text-to-toolpath via Makera Studio. Free software update for all Makera machines.
Market Position: Transitioning from crowdfunding to retail. Z1 competes with Shapeoko 5 and Inventables X-Carve. Carvera competes with Haas Desktop Mill at 1/5th the price.
- Z1 production timeline — are backers fulfilled before retail orders?
- AI Craft reliability for complex 3D toolpaths
- Warranty support infrastructure outside of China
⏸️ Wait if: You want to see independent reviews of shipped Z1 units before committing
✅ Buy if: You want a compact CNC at a good price and are comfortable with early-generation hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Onefinity Gen 2 machines available to order now?▼
Yes, but with significant wait times. Batch 1 of the Elite Series is shipping now, with the Apprentice Series expected mid-February. New orders will likely ship in Batch 3+. Existing Gen 1 owners can purchase a Redline Upgrade Kit shipping mid-February.
Does the Carbide3D jog pendant work with other CNC machines?▼
Currently it's designed exclusively for the Shapeoko 5 Pro running Carbide Motion 6.x. There's no confirmation of backwards compatibility with Shapeoko 4 or third-party CNC controllers.
Is the Makera Z1 shipping to retail customers yet?▼
Makera is currently fulfilling Kickstarter backer orders. The Spring Festival Sale accepts new retail pre-orders, but shipping timelines for new orders haven't been confirmed. Check Makera's website for the latest delivery estimates.