Hello SMC CNC'ers! I have spent most of my last few woodworking years in the spinny world of turning and another vortex has attracted my attention. The CNC routing world. I dont really plan on heavy production work, just signs / carvings / engravings - that sort of thing. I would like my minimum work area size to be 18x24. My budget is right at the $3000 range. As usual, there are tons of options, choices, and information on the interwebs and I think I have narrowed it down to a few options. A little insight from the guys that use these types of machines. I'd really like something thats more or less assembled. I dont think for my first venture I want to be building my own - even though I probably could get a better value.
The options I have run across:
Zenbot CNC - has a 24x24 machine that seems to fit my parameters. It uses an HDPE frame so the concern is overall rigidity.
CNC Router Parts - the Benchtop Basic is a sturdier frame and a little smaller work surface than Zenbot. From what I read it takes much more assembly time.
If there are any other ones I may have missed along the way, I'd appreciate the pointer.
Always seem to get pretty good info from Creekers during my evolution of my woodworking addiction. So thanks in advance for any advice!