Precision. Power. Simplicity.
The Dominator Core is our most accessible CNC machine yet—crafted for makers, hobbyists, and small shops who want professional-grade results without unnecessary complexity. Built on the same industrial-grade foundation as our Dominator Pro, the Core balances affordability with performance to give you everything you need to turn your workbench into a business-ready machine shop.
Why the Dominator Core?
The Dominator Core was designed to fill the gap between budget hobby CNCs and expensive industrial machines. Competitors often cut corners by using unshielded wiring, open-loop steppers, or underpowered controllers that require external laptops. The Core avoids all of that.
-
Better Motion Control: Equipped with 1.2Nm closed-loop steppers (with a Z-stepper brake), ensuring accuracy and reliability far beyond open-loop designs.
-
Industrial Controller: Includes the Masso Touch with Core software, a fully standalone CNC controller—no external PC required. Designed to grow with you, it can be upgraded later to Masso Advanced for ATC support.
-
Robust Mechanics: Built with HG-15 rails, 16mm x 20mm pitch ball screws, and precision extrusions for long-term rigidity and smooth motion.
-
Shielded Wiring: Every Dominator Core comes with shielded stepper wires to prevent EMI interference—something most hobby-level machines don’t offer.
-
Spindle-Ready Design: Purpose-built for spindles, not retrofitted for routers. Every pre-order includes a free spindle kit to get you cutting immediately.
Machine Sizes
Choose the size that best fits your workspace and projects:
-
2x4 (50" x 24" cutting area + 2" front overhang)
-
3x4 (50" x 36" cutting area + 2" front overhang)
-
4x4 (50" x 48" cutting area + 2" front overhang)
Technical Highlights
-
Controller: Masso Touch w/ Core Software (upgradeable to Advanced)
-
Motors: 1.2Nm closed-loop steppers, Z stepper with integrated brake
-
Motion System:
-
HG-15 linear rails
-
16mm x 20mm pitch ball screws (X & Y axes)
-
Rigid Z-axis assembly with 6.5” vertical capacity
-
-
Frame: Heavy-duty 8020 extrusions, configurable for rigidity and stability
-
Wiring: Shielded stepper cables, professionally terminated
-
Finish: Available only in black extrusions for a sleek, professional look
Important Notes
-
Pre-Order & Delivery: The Dominator Core is available now for pre-order with an estimated delivery time of 4 months from your order date. This window allows us to complete production in carefully planned batches, keeping quality high and costs fair.
-
Table/Bed Setup: The machine does not include a hybrid bed system. We recommend:
-
½" MDF base layer
-
¾" MDF spoil slats with T-tracks
-
OR an aluminum T-slot system (e.g., MillRight’s T-slat plates)
-
-
Assembly: Ships with some assembly required. Assembly documentation and videos will be provided to guide you step-by-step.
Pre-Order Bonus
Every Dominator Core pre-order includes a free spindle kit (1.5kw Air-cooled 110V)—a complete package that makes your machine cutting-ready from day one.
Additional Technical Details
Below are the specifications for the Dominator Core. If you have any questions, please contact us.
See Dominator Core
Machine Specs | |
C7 Rolled Ballscrew X/Y | 16mm diameter, 20mm pitch |
C7 Rolled Ballscrew Z | 16mm diameter, 10mm pitch |
Linear Rails | HG-15 |
Homing Switches | Inductive sensors with Dual Y homing |
Spindle Mount | 80mm Diameter (dual mount capable) |
Steppers |
1.2Nm Closed-Loop Masso steppers |
Total Z Travel | 165mm / 6.5" |
Clearance from table to Z axis with 1/2" MDF + 3/4" MDF Slats | 153mm / 6" |
Clearance from table to Z axis without | 185.1mm / 7.28" |
Gantry Overhang for joinery | 58.24mm / 2.29" |
Voltage | 36v / 110v or 220v, PS Switch |
AC Plug | IEC C14 connector to NEMA 5-15P (Standard US Plug) |
Controller | Masso Touch - Core Spindle Ready / ATC Capable (with upgrade) |
Design Software | Free year of CarveCo Maker |
Size 4x4 |
|
Machine Travel |
1280mm / 50.39" |
Machine Footprint |
Deep 1575mm / 62" |
MDF Bed (DiY) |
Deep 1219.2mm / 48" |
Size 3x4 |
|
Machine Travel | 975mm / 38.38" |
Machine Footprint | Deep 1270mm / 50" Wide 1600mm / 63" |
MDF Bed (DiY) |
Deep 914.4mm / 36" |
Size 2x4 |
|
Machine Travel | 670mm / 26.38" |
Machine Footprint | Deep 965mm / 38" Wide 1600mm / 63" |
MDF Bed(DiY) |
Deep 609.6mm / 24" |
What's included with Dominator Core:
- Dominator Core
- Masso Touch - Core for Motion Control
- 1yr CarveCo Maker for Design
- Assembly tools
What you need to provide:
- Sturdy table for machine to sit upon
- 80mm Spindle Kit or Spindle System
- Windows computer for CAD
- 1/2" MDF for bed surface at minimum, recommend adding t-tracks and 3/4" MDF on top for a convenient hybrid bed.
FAQ
When will my machine ship?
All Dominator Core machines are built to order in carefully planned batches. The current estimate is 4 months from the date of your order. We’ll keep you updated throughout the build process.
Does the Dominator Core support ATC?
Not out of the box. The Core uses Masso’s Core software tier, which does not include ATC support. However, if you purchase our ATC System we will include the upgrade of your controller to Masso Advanced absolutely free.
It is also recommended that you add a second spindle mount when using an ATC.
Why only 1.2Nm steppers? Can I upgrade later?
To keep the Core simple and affordable, we ship only with 1.2Nm closed-loop steppers. These provide excellent performance for hobby and light production use. If your needs grow, you can upgrade to 2Nm or 3Nm steppers later—our design makes it possible.
What makes the Dominator Core better than other hobby CNCs?
Competitors often rely on:
-
Open-loop steppers (no position feedback, risk of lost steps)
-
Unshielded wiring (susceptible to EMI interference)
-
Laptop-based controllers (less reliable, less integrated)
The Dominator Core avoids these compromises with closed-loop steppers, shielded wiring, and a standalone Masso Touch controller—a professional solution at a hobby-accessible price.
What materials can I cut?
The Core is designed to cut wood, plastics, and aluminum with precision. With the right tooling and feeds/speeds, customers have successfully cut composites and other non-ferrous materials as well.
Do I need a special table?
The Core is a bench-top machine, so you’ll need a strong, flat workbench capable of supporting both the machine and your stock. We provide bed recommendations (MDF or T-slot) to get you started.
What support is available?
Every Dominator Core is built and supported in the USA. We provide:
-
Detailed assembly documentation & videos
-
Access to our knowledge base & community
-
Direct customer support from the PwnCNC team
What’s included in the pre-order bonus spindle kit?
Your free spindle kit includes:
-
VFD (110V)
-
Spindle motor (1.5kw 80mm Air-Cooled)
-
Spindle cable
-
Matching collets (3 sizes)
-
Wrenches & accessories
This ensures your machine is spindle-ready from the moment it arrives.
✅ Pre-Order Now and secure your place in the first production run of the Dominator Core.