I'm 63 and looking to get into something new for when I retire.
I feel that I have a fairly well equipped home shop (unisaw, panel saw, shaper, horizontal & vertical router tables, planers, drum sander etc.) and think that adding a cnc, laser or both would be the way to go. The folks on the laser forum suggested cnc would be a better fit so here I am.
I'll likely go with Nema 34, but after looking at the kit prices, I can't see any good reason to spend a fortune on a pre-built name brand and I don't want anything made in China. Fine Line Automation looks good and they are just 4 hours away. Can you recommend any other well built sources right here in the USA?
Which is better - linear screw or rack & pinion and shouldn't there be a means to keep either of these dust free or is having dust collection adequate? Also do you keep the unit covered when its not in use? I have a dust collector but it doesn't catch it all.
Space is currently limited and the largest I could go would be either 2' x 4' or possible 4' x 4'. I would actually prefer a 2' x 6' or 8' and suspect I can do that with longer rails. Anything larger will have to wait until I sell my business which will free up a large garage.
Thanks