Frequently Asked Questions

Why Many Users Prefer a CNC That Doesn’t Require a Computer Tethered by USB — And Why the HMI 15” Upgrade Is the Best Experience

A PC-tethered CNC workflow is extremely common — and it works great.
That’s exactly how the Redline Motion Controller (without the HMI 15” Screen) operates:

A reliable, budget-friendly, familiar CNC setup using the RealTime CNC Sender on your Windows PC (Mac coming later).

But for users who want a more modern, simplified, PC-free CNC experience, pairing the Redline Motion Controller with the HMI 15” Screen (HMI = Human Machine Interface) transforms the system into a fully standalone CNC — with a dramatically smoother workflow.

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Technical Breakdown

Redline Motion Controller (PC-required, budget-friendly):
• Uses your Windows PC to run RealTime CNC Sender
• Requires the PC to remain connected during the job
• Works exactly like most CNCs on the market
• Ideal for users who prefer the traditional PC workflow
• Keeps upfront cost lower

Redline Motion Controller with HMI 15” Screen (premium, PC-free):
• RealTime CNC Sender is built directly into the HMI
• No laptop required
• No USB tether
• Runs the job internally
• Offers a modern, industrial-style CNC experience

Both are great options — the HMI is simply the more streamlined, premium experience.

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Why Many Users Choose the HMI 15” Screen

The HMI 15” Screen replaces your laptop during cutting

A tethered laptop can interrupt a job if it:
• Sleeps
• Updates
• Freezes
• Overheats
• Battery dies
• Shuts down
• USB cable gets bumped

This is normal for PC-tethered CNCs, and many users run this workflow successfully.

But for those who want to eliminate these risk points entirely, the HMI 15” Screen is the answer.
It is the CNC computer, sender, and interface — all in one device.

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Cleaner, simpler shop setup

With the HMI 15” Screen:
• Your laptop stays safe indoors
• No dust exposure
• No vibration risk
• No cables running across the shop
• No worry about accidental disconnects

You design on your PC → run the job on the HMI.
All clean and separated.

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Prefer a PC workflow? The Motion Controller alone is perfect

Some users enjoy their PC-based workflow and want to keep it.
Some want to save money.
Some like using the same workstation for CAD and sending.

The Redline Motion Controller (PC-required) provides:
• Familiarity
• Flexibility
• Full software features
• Lower cost

No one choosing this option is missing out — it’s simply a different workflow.

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1. Adding the HMI removes the #1 cause of failed jobs: tether problems

USB streaming works, but it’s sensitive.
Typical job-ending triggers include:
• Laptop sleep
• Laptop updates
• Laptop freezes
• Laptop overheating
• Laptop battery dies
• USB vibrations or bumps
• USB port debris

The Redline Motion Controller with HMI 15” Screen eliminates all of these by running the job internally.

No tether = no interruptions.

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The HMI 15” Screen offers the same software — but a far better experience

This is an important distinction:

The RealTime CNC Sender and all software features are identical
whether run on your PC
or
inside the HMI 15” Screen.

What changes is the environment the software lives in:

The HMI gives you:
• A dedicated CNC computer
• A 15” industrial touchscreen at the machine
• Zero risk of sleep/updates/battery issues
• No cables to manage
• A clean, professional workflow
• A system always ready when you are

Same software.
Drastically better execution.

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The ideal workflow: design on PC, cut on HMI

Your PC is for CAD/CAM.
Your CNC is for cutting.

The HMI 15” Screen allows both tools to shine without interfering with each other.

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Clear, respectful distinction

If you want the most affordable, traditional setup:

Choose the Redline Motion Controller
→ PC-required
→ Familiar workflow
→ Great value
→ Full features

If you want the most streamlined, modern CNC experience:

Choose the Redline Motion Controller with HMI 15” Screen
→ PC-free
→ USB-free
→ Industrial feel
→ Cleaner setup
→ Most reliable operation

Both choices are great — the HMI is simply the premium upgrade many users fall in love with.

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The choice is yours! (But the experience with the HMI is the better experience )

The Redline Motion Controller is a fantastic, budget-friendly option that delivers the same software, same capabilities, and a workflow familiar to most CNC users.

But for those who want the cleanest, simplest, most reliable, most “industrial” CNC experience possible, the HMI 15” Screen transforms the Redline system into a fully standalone, shop-ready machine.

Both options are good.
One is just… better.

The Gen 2 Elite Series, introduced in November 2025, represents the most advanced, rigid, and capable CNC machines Onefinity has ever produced. The Gen 1 Elite Series, introduced in 2023, was the previous generation and laid the foundation for what would become the Gen 2 platform.

Built from the ground up for maximum stiffness and performance, the Gen 2 Elite features 60 mm X-axis tubes and 50 mm Y-axis tubes, making it 100% more rigid than a comparable Gen 1 Elite and 50% more rigid than a Gen 1 Elite equipped with the optional third “stiffy” rail. Because of this increased rigidity, no additional third rail is required on Gen 2 machines.

Power has also been significantly upgraded. Gen 2 Elite machines use 2 Nm motors on the X and Y axes, compared to 1.2 Nm motors on Gen 1, delivering more torque, higher cutting power, and improved performance at speed. A larger power supply further supports these upgrades, ensuring consistent power delivery under demanding workloads.

To improve reliability and longevity, the Gen 2 Elite includes integrated ball screw covers, protecting the ball screws and ball nuts directly at the source. Gen 1 Elite machines leave these components exposed, making them more susceptible to dust and debris.

The Z-axis has also been strengthened. Gen 2 Elite machines feature a beefier Z-20 slider with a thicker, more robust spindle mount, reducing deflection and improving rigidity during Z-axis cutting operations. Both Gen 1 and Gen 2 Elite machines use the same 1.2 Nm braking motor on the Z-axis, ensuring secure vertical positioning.

The electronics platform is also significantly different between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Elite machines. Gen 1 Elite machines use the Masso G3 touch controller, a proven industrial controller that was introduced in 2020. While reliable, it reflects an earlier generation of CNC control technology.

The Gen 2 Elite Series uses the Redline HMI paired with the RealTime Motion Controller, an advanced, modern control system introduced in 2025. This system was designed specifically around the Onefinity ecosystem, offering a more user-friendly interface, faster real-time motion control, smoother operation, and deeper integration with Onefinity hardware and accessories.

This electronics upgrade, combined with the mechanical improvements, makes the Gen 2 Elite not just a stronger machine—but a more refined and future-ready CNC platform overall.

While the Gen 1 Elite (2023) remains a capable machine, the Gen 2 Elite Series (2025) delivers more rigidity, more power, better protection, and higher overall performance—making it the top-of-the-line CNC solution in the Onefinity lineup.

What’s the difference between the Elite Series 2 and the Apprentice?

The difference comes down to capacity, power, and who the machine is built for. The Apprentice is designed as a compact, affordable entry into CNC, while the Elite Series 2 is built for users who need larger cutting areas, higher performance, and long-term expandability.

Is the Apprentice a beginner machine?

The Apprentice is designed to be approachable and cost-effective, but it’s still a very capable CNC. Its smaller cutting area makes it ideal for signs, small parts, fixtures, and classroom or hobby use. The simplified hardware keeps setup and operation straightforward, which helps new users get cutting quickly without unnecessary complexity.

What advantages does the Elite Series 2 offer?

The Elite Series 2 offers significantly more cutting area, stronger motion components, and higher overall performance. It uses heavier rails, ball screws with covers, increased Z travel, and closed-loop motors for more torque and confidence when cutting harder materials or running faster feeds. It’s designed for larger projects, production work, and users who don’t want to outgrow their machine.

Do both machines use the same controller?

Yes. Both machines use the Redline CNC controller, so the interface and workflow are consistent across the lineup. The difference is in the hardware the controller drives. The Elite Series 2 pairs the controller with higher-performance motors and features like optical homing, while the Apprentice uses simpler components to keep cost and complexity down.

How do they compare in everyday use?

The Apprentice is compact, efficient, and easy to fit into smaller workspaces. It’s ideal for learning CNC or focusing on smaller projects.
The Elite Series 2 feels more like a production-ready machine, offering higher speeds, greater rigidity, and the ability to handle larger materials and more demanding workloads.

Which machine should I choose?

Choose the Apprentice if you’re new to CNC, working in a limited space, or focused on smaller projects and affordability.
Choose the Elite Series 2 if you need larger cutting capacity, higher performance, or a machine designed for long-term growth, production use, and expansion.

Both machines deliver the accuracy and rigidity Onefinity is known for — they’re simply built for different stages of your CNC journey.

This is a very common question when comparing the two Elite generations. At first glance it can seem counterintuitive that the newer, more advanced Gen 2 Elite is paired with a controller that costs less than the older Gen 1 Elite using the Masso G3. The difference comes down to controller design, integration, and overall value rather than capability.

The Gen 1 Elite, introduced in 2023, uses the Masso G3 touch controller, an industrial controller that was introduced in 2020. Masso is a proven, capable system, but it was designed as a general-purpose industrial controller and carries a higher cost because of that. The Gen 2 Elite, introduced in November 2025, uses the Redline HMI with RealTime Motion Controller, a modern control system designed in close collaboration with Onefinity specifically for hobby and small-shop CNC users.

For a new buyer choosing between the two, the Gen 2 Elite with Redline is both the more advanced machine and the better overall value. Redline focuses on ease of use, modern workflows, and deep integration with Onefinity hardware and accessories. It provides a cleaner, more intuitive interface, built-in joypad jogging, feed override, keyboard and mouse support, macros, smarter alarms with one-touch clearing, and built-in Onefinity machine configurations that can be restored in seconds.

Redline also offers advanced visualization and control features that are not available on Masso, including full 3D toolpath rendering with a live machine overlay, true 3D rotary visualization, and webcam support over Wi-Fi. Spindle and VFD integration is deeper as well, allowing the controller to receive feedback directly from the VFD, monitor torque in real time, and actively react to spindle state. Automatic tool changers such as RapidChange are supported directly in firmware using simple M6 commands, without complex subroutines, and setup wizards make configuring probes, tool setters, and ATC systems significantly easier.

Rotary and laser workflows are also more streamlined on Redline. The rotary can be plugged in and used without changing axis configurations or probing methods, and JTech laser support is built in with direct collaboration from JTech.

From an ownership standpoint, Redline includes free firmware updates for life, simple one-touch updates without USB drives or manual file management, no subscriptions, and no features locked behind paywalls. Updates and bug fixes are released more quickly, often in days rather than years. The hardware itself is housed in an all-metal enclosure, features opto-isolated I/O, includes a built-in 600-watt power supply, supports external load control via I/O, and provides a breakout board for future expandability. Repairability is also simpler and more affordable.

When paired with the significantly upgraded mechanics of the Gen 2 Elite—including increased rigidity, more powerful motors, integrated ball screw protection, and a stronger Z-axis—the Redline controller completes a platform that is more capable, easier to use, and more future-ready than the previous generation.

In short, while the Gen 1 Elite with Masso remains a capable machine, the Gen 2 Elite with Redline delivers a more modern CNC experience at a lower overall cost. For new buyers choosing between the two, Gen 2 with Redline is the most advanced, best-integrated, and best-value Elite CNC that Onefinity offers.

The Onefinity Spindle Kit by Redline CNC is the only spindle we sell and recommend.  Use of our spindle will provide technical support and warranty.

Use of any other branded spindle, while it may work, will lose technical support and may void your warranty. 

The buyer is responsible for the full shipping cost and applicable taxes shown during checkout.  There is no discount on these items.

These machines carry the full 1 year warranty as our other machines.

Your order will be canceled.  There are no exceptions

Yes!  However, you must do so through the IPP page here: https://www.onefinitycnc.com/infinite-possibilities

We are unable to modify any orders to 'pay the difference' between this special and upgrades or larger machines.

We offer one discounted machine here: https://www.onefinitycnc.com/shop/category/cnc-machines-for-military-%26--1st-responders

There are no other discounts for military or first responders. All other machines and accessories will be the price listed their respective product listings.

This offer is valid for current service members and retired vetrans.  You must provide proof of service after purchase.

This special only available citizens living in Canda and the United States.