# Initial impression of the Apprentice. (Onefinity Apprentice VS. Sainsmart 4040 Pro)
**URL:** https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846
**Category:** Apprentice Series (Gen 2)
**Created:** [March 12, 2026, 2:51am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846 "2026-03-12T02:51:58Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@dgfidler](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/dgfidler)
#### Post date: [March 12, 2026, 2:51am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846/1 "2026-03-12T02:51:58Z")
I just received my Apprentice. I was in batch one. I also have a Sainsmart 4040 Pro. I think the Apprentice is +1 inch on each axis and both are based upon tubular construction. In my mind, I expected the two machines to be similar. When I first unboxed the Apprentice, I started laughing. The two machines are not even in the same class. The apprentice is SO much beefier. I’m taking my time setting this up. Once I get the Apprentice mounted to the torsion box I built for it, I’ll set the 4040 side by side and post a picture.
---
### Author:  [@OnefinityCNC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/OnefinityCNC)
#### Post date: [March 12, 2026, 1:33pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846/2 "2026-03-12T13:33:40Z")
Awesome to hear this and loving that its no comparison!
Looking forward to your pictures/video of the two machines, the Onefinity Apprentice and the Sainsmart 4040 Pro side by side. We’d love to see them!
Excited to see what you make! 🙂
---
### Author:  [@RoostersWay](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/RoostersWay)
#### Post date: [March 12, 2026, 6:15pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846/3 "2026-03-12T18:15:18Z")
Hello, I’m waiting on batch 3 Apprentice. I look forward to any pros and cons you can share.
---
### Author:  [@OnefinityCNC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/OnefinityCNC)
#### Post date: [March 12, 2026, 11:35pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846/4 "2026-03-12T23:35:11Z")
We are too! Can’t wait to see it!
---
### Author:  [@dgfidler](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/dgfidler)
#### Post date: [March 13, 2026, 4:13am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846/5 "2026-03-13T04:13:11Z")
Here are some pics of the Apprentice next to the 4040 Pro. This 4040 pro is priced at $509 currently and it’s +100 for the t-slot wasteboard which I view as a necessity making it a $600 machine. The Apprentice priced around 1k seems to be a very good value. Packaging and build quality seem top notch. I will post back once I’ve carved some of my lure designs. My hobby is making custom muskie and walleye wooden fishing lures.
---
### Author:  [@RoostersWay](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/RoostersWay)
#### Post date: [March 13, 2026, 4:21am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846/6 "2026-03-13T04:21:54Z")
The Apprentice sure looks like a rugged beast. I’m looking forward to getting mine.
---
### Author:  [@TMToronto](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/TMToronto)
#### Post date: [March 13, 2026, 10:06am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/initial-impression-of-the-apprentice-onefinity-apprentice-vs-sainsmart-4040-pro/37846/7 "2026-03-13T10:06:48Z")
Sure, I’m very interested in your impressions of the machine…but… all I want now is to see your lures!😁