There is so much cnc information on the internet; it makes understanding difficult. Can you all help me? I'm looking to get into cnc at home. I know I posted here in the DIY forum, but I'm also open to simply buying a machine.
Goals:
1. Cut wood/plastic/plexiglass/very thin metal
2. Cut wood 3d figurines without too much finishing/sanding required
3. Engrave wood designs (cabinets, etc)
4. (Relatively) Tight tolerances/precise cutting
Not important:
Cutting speed
Shop space
DIY machine or Commercial Product
<$5k budget includes hardware and software. If possible, <$3k would be an easier pill to swallow.
Here are some examples of things I've looked at (but I am 100% open to new suggestions)
DIY machines I've looked at (but know nothing about):
DIYLILCNC (v2.0)
How to Make a Three Axis CNC Machine (Cheaply and Easily)
Commercial products I've looked at (but know nothing about):
https://probotix.com/FireBall_X90_desktop_cnc_router/ Fireball X90 $1484.80 plus shipping
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=25376 Rockler CNC Shark Pro Plus $3898.99 plus shipping
I was also looking at the Shopbot Desktop, but it was too expensive ($5,798.95 or $7,035.00 with a Single Phase Industrial Spindle, whatever that is)
Also, how feasible is it make enough money with the machine for it to pay for itself (from home/on the side)? It would be nice to make enough money to upgrade to a better machine in the future (I know $10k nets you a much better machine than $5k, and $20k better than $10k, etc).
Goals:
1. Cut wood/plastic/plexiglass/very thin metal
2. Cut wood 3d figurines without too much finishing/sanding required
3. Engrave wood designs (cabinets, etc)
4. (Relatively) Tight tolerances/precise cutting
Not important:
Cutting speed
Shop space
DIY machine or Commercial Product
<$5k budget includes hardware and software. If possible, <$3k would be an easier pill to swallow.
Here are some examples of things I've looked at (but I am 100% open to new suggestions)
DIY machines I've looked at (but know nothing about):
DIYLILCNC (v2.0)
How to Make a Three Axis CNC Machine (Cheaply and Easily)
Commercial products I've looked at (but know nothing about):
https://probotix.com/FireBall_X90_desktop_cnc_router/ Fireball X90 $1484.80 plus shipping
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=25376 Rockler CNC Shark Pro Plus $3898.99 plus shipping
I was also looking at the Shopbot Desktop, but it was too expensive ($5,798.95 or $7,035.00 with a Single Phase Industrial Spindle, whatever that is)
Also, how feasible is it make enough money with the machine for it to pay for itself (from home/on the side)? It would be nice to make enough money to upgrade to a better machine in the future (I know $10k nets you a much better machine than $5k, and $20k better than $10k, etc).