How to Choose the Best TwoTrees CNC Router: TTC 450 vs 450 Pro vs 450 Ultra

How to Choose the Best TwoTrees CNC Router: TTC 450 vs 450 Pro vs 450 Ultra

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In this guide we’ll compare the full 450 family:

  • TTC 450 – entry-level 450-series CNC (being deprecated, limited stock)
  • TTC 450 Pro – best value upgrade with a larger working area
  • TTC 450 Ultra – precision-focused machine with upgraded electronics
  • TTC 6050 (bonus) – pro-level desktop CNC for demanding users

We’ll walk through who each machine is for, where they differ, and how to decide which one belongs in your workshop.


Quick Comparison: Specs & Prices

Here’s a high-level look at the four machines:

Model Price* Working Area (X–Y–Z) Spindle Power / Speed Max Speed Best For
TTC 450
Base 450-series
$349
Limited stock · Discontinued
460 × 460 × 80 mm 120 W power supply, 8,000 rpm spindle 800 mm/min Budget beginners, light wood/acrylic
TTC 450 Pro $439 600 × 500 × 100 mm 500 W spindle, 12,000 rpm 5,000 mm/min Woodworking, furniture parts, small business
TTC 450 Ultra $699 460 × 460 × 100 mm 500 W spindle, 8,000–30,000 rpm 3,000 mm/min Precision work, mixed materials, fine details
TTC 6050 $1,499 600 × 500 × 100 mm 500 W spindle, 12,000 rpm 5,000 mm/min Pro-level shops, heavy daily use

*Prices shown for reference. Check each product page for the latest promotions and regional pricing.



TTC 450 – Entry-Level CNC (Discontinued, Limited Stock)

The TwoTrees TTC 450 is the original 450-series desktop CNC. It’s a compact, metal-frame machine designed as an affordable gateway into CNC routing.

TwoTrees is currently deprecating this model. That means:

  • It’s available only while remaining inventory lasts
  • You can grab it at a special clearance price of $349
  • Future development will focus on the 450 Pro, 450 Ultra and 6050 platforms

Key Specs

  • Working range: 460 × 460 × 80 mm
  • Max speed: 800 mm/min
  • Spindle speed: 8,000 rpm
  • Power supply: 120 W, 24 V, 5 A
  • Frame: Metal frame + aluminum profile
  • Accuracy: running accuracy ±0.1 mm, repositioning accuracy ±0.0025 mm
  • Leadscrew: T8 Acme leadscrew (2 mm pitch, 4 mm lead, 5-start)
  • Supported software: Candle, Easel, Carveco
  • Safety & homing: X/Y/Z double limit switch + emergency stop (ESTOP)

What It’s Good At

  • Learning CAM workflows and G-code on a real machine
  • Engraving and cutting plywood, MDF, and plastics
  • Making small signs, logos, keychains and hobby projects
  • Running lighter jobs in a small workshop or maker space

Where It Falls Short

  • Slower maximum speed vs. all other models
  • More flexible frame – not ideal for aggressive cuts
  • No integrated touchscreen or standalone offline control
  • Not the best option if you plan to mill aluminum or stainless steel regularly

If you want the lowest possible price to get started and you’re comfortable buying a model that’s being phased out, the TTC 450 at $349 is very hard to beat. For most users, though, the 450 Pro or Ultra will be a smarter long-term investment.



TTC 450 Pro – Best Value for Woodworkers & Small Shops

The TTC 450 Pro is the machine most people should choose. It keeps the desktop footprint manageable, but adds a heavier frame, much larger working area, and a powerful 500 W spindle.

At $439, it’s only a small step up in price from the base 450, but it’s a huge jump in capability.

Key Specs & Upgrades

  • Working area: 600 × 500 × 100 mm – ideal for furniture parts, guitar bodies, larger signs
  • Spindle motor: 500 W, 12,000 rpm
  • Max milling speed: 5,000 mm/min
  • Frame: heavy aluminum construction (net weight 35.9 kg)
  • Touchscreen: 3.5″ IPS resistive color screen (480 × 320), touch control
  • Control: GRBL open-source firmware, supports both CNC and laser
  • Supported systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Supported tool diameters: 0.5–7 mm via ER11 collet
  • Carving layer height: 0.1–20 mm (non-metals), 0.1–0.2 mm (metals)
  • Compatible materials: plywood, MDF, solid wood, acrylic, carbon fiber, aluminum, copper, stainless steel

Touchscreen Features

The integrated touchscreen makes it much easier to work without a PC constantly attached:

  • Motion control and jogging
  • Emergency stop and speed control
  • Tool setting and precision calibration
  • Easy switching between CNC and laser modes
  • Multi-language support (Chinese, English, German, Russian, Japanese, French, Portuguese, Spanish)

Who the TTC 450 Pro Is For

  • Makers selling on Etsy or at local markets
  • Woodworkers making furniture components, signs, trays and inlays
  • Small shops ready for a serious but affordable desktop CNC
  • Users who want to cut soft metals (aluminum, brass, copper) on a regular basis

If you’re unsure which CNC to choose and you know you’ll outgrow the bare minimum quickly, the 450 Pro at $439 is the safest, most future-proof choice.


TTC 450 Ultra – Precision & Versatility for Advanced Users

The TTC 450 Ultra is built for makers who care about precision, stability, and a polished user experience. It shares the same 460 × 460 footprint as the original TTC 450, but almost everything else is upgraded.

At $699, it costs more than the Pro, but delivers finer control, better electronics, and a much wider usable spindle speed range.

Key Specs

  • Working range: 460 × 460 × 100 mm
  • Main material: aluminum + stainless steel + injection-molded parts
  • Net weight: 19 kg (sturdy but manageable)
  • Spindle motor: 500 W (standard)
  • Spindle speed: 8,000–30,000 rpm, depending on installation
  • Maximum engraving speed: 3,000 mm/min
  • Accuracy: X/Y positioning 0.01 mm, Z positioning 0.0025 mm, engraving accuracy 100 mm ±0.05 mm
  • Power: 216 W dual-channel switching power supply, 24 V input, 80 W max consumption
  • Touch screen: 3.5″ IPS capacitive touch screen (more responsive than resistive)
  • Firmware: GRBL open source, supports both CNC and laser without reflashing
  • Safety: multiple CE and FCC certifications

Software & Workflow Flexibility

One of the Ultra’s biggest strengths is software compatibility. You can design and program toolpaths in:

  • VCarve and other Vectric software
  • Fusion 360
  • Easel and Carveco Maker
  • FlatCAM, Camlab, Millmage, Carbide3D, and more

It supports .nc and .gcode formats, and runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux – plus a long list of interface languages, from English and Chinese to Spanish, German, French, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Turkish.

Who the TTC 450 Ultra Is For

  • Creators doing fine inlay work or detailed 3D relief carving
  • Users machining aluminum or stainless steel with careful stepdowns
  • PCB milling and small precision components
  • Anyone who wants the smoothest user experience and highest accuracy in the 450 family

If you treat your CNC like a precision tool rather than a toy, the Ultra’s extra fidelity and control are absolutely worth the step up to $699.


TTC 6050 – Pro-Level Desktop CNC for Serious Makers

While not technically part of the “450” line, the TTC 6050 is the natural upgrade path when you need professional-grade performance on a desktop footprint.

At $1,499, it’s the most expensive machine in this guide – but it’s designed for small shops and serious side businesses that run their CNC every day.

Key Specs

  • Working area: 600 × 500 × 100 mm
  • Net weight: 35.9 kg, full aluminum frame
  • Spindle motor: 500 W, 12,000 rpm
  • Max speed: 5,000 mm/min
  • Touchscreen: 3.5″ IPS resistive color screen
  • Control: GRBL, CNC + laser compatible
  • Materials: the same wide range as the 450 Pro (wood, plastics, carbon fiber, aluminum, copper, stainless steel)

In short: the TTC 6050 gives you professional rigidity and repeatability with the same software ecosystem you may already know from the 450-series.


Which TwoTrees CNC Router Should You Buy?

Still not sure? Use this quick decision guide:

Lowest Cost Entry – TTC 450 ($349)

  • Best if your budget is tight and you want to learn CNC routing
  • Great for small wood, MDF, and acrylic projects
  • Remember: it’s discontinued – once current stock is gone, it’s gone

Best Value for Most People – TTC 450 Pro ($439)

  • Huge jump in working area and rigidity for only a modest price increase
  • Handles soft metals and larger wooden panels with ease
  • Excellent choice for Etsy sellers, woodworkers, and serious hobbyists

Highest Precision & Features – TTC 450 Ultra ($699)

  • More refined electronics, capacitive touchscreen, and dual-channel power
  • Broad software compatibility and multi-language support
  • Perfect for fine detail work, relief carving, and careful metal machining

Pro-Level Production – TTC 6050 ($1,499)

  • Designed for intensive daily use in workshops and small factories
  • Industrial-grade rigidity and repeatability
  • Best option if your CNC router is core to your business

Final Thoughts

If you simply want to try CNC at the lowest possible cost, the TTC 450 at $349 is a great way to jump in while it’s still available.

For most makers, though, the smarter move is to choose either:

  • TTC 450 Pro – the best balance of power, size, and price
  • TTC 450 Ultra – the most refined and precise 450-series machine

And if you already know your CNC router will be a workhorse for client projects or production runs, it’s worth going straight to the TTC 6050.

Ready to build your next project? Explore the full 450-series on the TwoTrees store and choose the machine that matches your budget, materials, and ambitions.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TTC 450 really being discontinued?

Yes. TwoTrees is phasing out the original TTC 450 in favor of the newer Pro and Ultra platforms. The TTC 450 is still available while remaining inventory lasts, currently at a discounted price of $349. Once sold out, it will not be restocked.

Which TwoTrees CNC router is best for beginners?

If you want the absolute lowest-cost entry point, the TTC 450 is the easiest way to start. However, if you want a machine you won’t outgrow quickly, the TTC 450 Pro offers far better performance for only a small increase in price.

Can the 450-series CNC routers cut aluminum?

Yes. Both the TTC 450 Pro and TTC 450 Ultra can cut aluminum with the right feeds, speeds, and lubrication. Occasional aluminum cutting is possible on the base TTC 450, but it is not recommended for frequent metal work due to frame rigidity and spindle constraints.

What is the main difference between the TTC 450 Pro and TTC 450 Ultra?

The TTC 450 Pro has a larger working area (600×500 mm) and great overall power for woodworking. The TTC 450 Ultra offers higher precision, upgraded electronics, a capacitive touchscreen, dual-channel power, and higher spindle RPM. Choose the Pro for general woodworking and the Ultra for high-detail or mixed-material work.

Do these machines include software?

All models support popular CAM programs such as Easel, Carveco, VCarve, Fusion 360, and more. The machines work seamlessly with both free and paid options.  If you are interested in a paid software, check out TwoTrees VCarve and 450 Pro bundle for big savings. TwoTrees machine owners can also get a significant discount on the Pro version of Easel software

Do the 450-series machines support laser engraving?

Yes. Both the TTC 450 Pro and TTC 450 Ultra support laser modules using the same GRBL firmware. The base TTC 450 is also laser-compatible but requires more manual setup.

How hard is assembly for each model?

The TTC 450 requires the most assembly and alignment. The TTC 450 Pro arrives partially assembled with clear labeling. The TTC 450 Ultra has the smoothest assembly process thanks to improved cable routing, better connectors, and pre-assembled subcomponents. All machines come 80% or more assembled. Unbox the machine and get started with your first project in less than one hour!

Which machine should I choose if I plan to start a small CNC business?

The TTC 450 Pro is the best choice per dollar for business use. The TTC 450 Ultra is ideal for high-detail work or metal engraving. For heavy daily production, the TTC 6050 offers the most stability and long-term durability.

Do any of the machines work offline?

Yes, all TwoTrees CNC router machines including TTC 450, TTC 450 Pro, TTC 450 Ultra, and TTC 6050 have offline operating capabilities. Project files can be uploaded onto an SD card and placed in the machine. You can use the touchscreen to start projects directly from the machine. 

Does TwoTrees provide replacement parts and accessories?

Yes. TwoTrees offers replacement spindles, collets, control boards, limit switches, drag chains, clamps, and other spare parts. Standard ER11 tooling also works across all 450-series and 6050 models.


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