I just read up on the new CNC machine Rockler is now selling.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?O...Select=Details
Company info:
http://www.nextwaveautomation.com/CNCShark.aspx
It's no Shopbot but it does appear to bridge the $$ gap between a Carvewright and Shopbot.
Maybe our resident CNC guys could check into it. I've been looking into one of these machines for small work. Shopbot Buddy 32 would be nice but I just can't get the funds up (still don't know the exact running cost of a BT32 Alpha)
Few things to notice about the Rockler CNC Shark is:
Vcarve 3.1 program which I have read great things about. $500 software included with the price.
Use a router (Bosch Palm Router) instead of a rotozip type motor. I could be wrong but this maybe more power/strength/reliability. $120 you need to buy seperate, which I am ok with.
Z Axis is 4.5" and I think the Carvewright is under 2"? Not sure if that helps me but maybe someone?
Can't find out the Warranty but will email the person at Rockler, maybe ask about testing the machine, reliability, customer support etc.