Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 vs Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 Plus
Two desktop CNC routers side by side, using each maker's own specs, checked 1 November 2026 and 4 November 2026. We haven't tested either one, so this compares what the makers publish, not how well they cut.
Photo: Next Wave CNCNext Wave CNC Shark HD520
$4,250.00
Where they differ
- Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 is listed $425 lower ($4,250.00 against $4,675.00).
- Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 doesn't include one; Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 Plus includes a router or spindle.
- Published footprints: 921 × 1,600 mm against 921 × 1,600 mm.
Published specs
| Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 | Next Wave CNC Shark HD520 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,250.00 | $4,675.00 |
| Work area | 1270 × 635 mm | 1270 × 635 mm |
| Z | 178 mm (7.0") | 178 mm (7.0") |
| Spindle or router | Not included; built for 2.25 HP routers with a 3.5" barrel; optional water-cooled spindle mount | 2 hp water-cooled brushless spindle with VFD, cables and bucket (listed with the machine) |
| Drive | Anti-backlash lead screws on all axes | Anti-backlash, wear-compensated lead screws on all axes |
| Linear guides | Linear rails and guides on the gantry | Linear rails and guides on the gantry |
| Controller and motors | Colour touch-screen pendant | 10.1" Android colour touch-screen pendant |
| Software | Vectric VCarve Pro, Ready2Control, Virtual Zero Unlimited | Vectric VCarve Pro (with Cut 3D and a Vector Art 3D sampler), Ready2Control, Virtual Zero Unlimited |
| Footprint | 36-1/4" W x 63" L x 24-1/2" H (overall) | 36-1/4" W x 63" L x 24-1/2" H |
| Weight | Not published | Not published |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Spec conflicts | 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 61 pairs.