Hey there. We’re now looking for beta testers of the LongMill MK3. Interested in being a beta tester? Please check out the details below. A link to the application form can be found at the end of this article.

What does “beta testing” mean?

Beta testing involves the process of testing and using a product in a real world environment before mass production or general release. In our case, the LongMill MK3 platform is a new product that is actively in development. While we are confident in the performance of the new machines, we feel that it is important to get it into the hands of real users to obtain feedback and information about: how well the machine performs; how it works; and potential issues that may happen in manufacturing or production of the final product. We also want to identify users and use cases for the product to help us target our machines to the right people based on what you do during the beta testing period.

As a beta tester, your responsibilities are:

Putting your beta machine through the paces
Reporting back to us with feedback on a regular basis
Letting us observe and test your machine
Sharing your learnings and testing with the community
Optionally, participating in a video interview to share your experience

As the company providing the beta machine, our responsibilities are:

Providing you with one-on-one technical support for your machine
Helping you set up your machine (either in person or virtually)
Providing you with updated parts to ensure your machine aligns closely with the final production version

There are several differences that you may see between the beta testing machines and production machines:

Some parts will be uncoated, such as the gantry plates and aluminum parts
Machines will either be partially assembled or come in non-production ready packaging
Some parts may be off the shelf components not from our regular manufacturers

Pricing

We charge for our beta testing machines. We believe that is the best way in vetting between folks that are purely looking for a discounted or free machine and folks who truly need or want a machine. It is our top priority to work with beta testers that will find true value from owning a CNC machine and use it long term. We ask beta testers to ask themselves: “If this was a product I could buy now, would it bring enough value to me to warrant the amount I would pay?”

If you’d like to hear some interviews from our former beta testers, please check out some of our videos.

Final pricing for production units have not been determined yet. However we expect pricing to be around the same as the LongMill MK2/MK2.5, and thus beta testing pricing will be as follows.

30×30 working area= $1,950CAD

48×30 working area= $2,450CAD

What you get:

A full, LongMill MK3 machine
Secondary accessories like the dust shoe and AutoSpin T1
One-on-one technical support and set up assistance
Parts to upgrade your machine to production level spec at release

What you need to provide:

A space and bench to put your machine
A sheet of ¾” MDF to act as your wasteboard

What is the LongMill MK3?

The LongMill MK3 serves as the successor to the LongMill MK2 and MK2.5. Just as all of the LongMills that came before it, the LongMill MK3 aims to be a beginner friendly and affordable CNC machine with the capabilities to produce meaningful projects.

The LongMill MK3 comes with several key updates to its design, including linear guides and closed-loop stepper motors on all axes, allowing for a faster, more reliable and more rigid machine than its predecessor. A significant reduction in unique components also makes assembly and maintenance faster and easier. With all of these improvements, we believe that the LongMill MK3 is the ultimate starter CNC machine.

Timelines

We will select 3-4 beta testers in mid to end of January 2026. Beta testing units are expected to be shipped or hand delivered to you starting in mid to late February 2026. We expect the beta testing phase to last approximately 12 weeks.

Sharing with the public

As a beta tester, you may share details of your work and usage of your beta machines freely. You may provide feedback and information with the community without restriction. We may however ask you to sign a photo/video release form if you get selected (in case we use your footage for marketing purposes on our end.)

Application form:

Apply to be a beta tester

FAQs

Will the LongMill MK3 be compatible will your accessories?

With the exception of the LongMill MK2 generation dust shoe (the LongMill MK3 will have a new dust shoe), accessories like the AutoZero touch plate, Vortex Rotary Axis and gControl Panel Computer will be compatible. The LongMill spindle kit will also be compatible with the LongMill MK3.

Due to weight restrictions, the Automatic Tool Changer will not be compatible with the LongMill MK3.

Will I be able to upgrade my LongMill MK2 or MK2.5 to a MK3?

While some of the parts are transferrable between generations, the LongMill MK3 comes with significant changes to the rails, linear motion and electronics that are unique to the new machine. It is not cost effective to upgrade older generations of the machine to the LongMill MK3.

What’s the difference between the LongMill and the AltMill?

The LongMill is focused on beginner hobbyists. The AltMill is designed for more dedicated hobbyists and for low volume production use. There is a size, cost and performance difference between the two machines. However, with the LongMill MK3, we’ve integrated a bunch of AltMill components, closing the gap between the two machines.