[Tony B]

I know nothing about CNC like in nada, zip, zilch. I di=ont even know anything about software.
However I have been thinking about it lately and the usual first thought is 'how much?'
I dont think I will be doing much over 12" wide and 1 1/2" thick.
How much $$? If the sky is the limit I would not be in the upper atmosphere. I would be more like in the ground fog.
So far, I dont want to spend more than about $600. In reality, can I get a decent machine for that?
Thanks in advance.

 

[difalkner]

So far, I dont want to spend more than about $600.

Generally speaking you'll need more than that. The machines in that price range are usually underpowered and not very rigid. Not being very powerful isn't always an issue, you can just slow the feedrate and take longer to do a job. But being somewhat less than rigid presents problems and issues with repeatability, accuracy.

If you're carving a sign or plaque with text and you need to keep going back over it then repeatability issues tend to begin showing. Delicate text or engravings become a bit wider and not quite as clean. But if you're patient, get the machine set up best you're able, you can certainly make one of those machines work for you.

Do you have one in mind? Don't forget about software; there are some free packages available so you might begin checking into some of those while you're researching machines.

 

[Tony B]

@difalkner
I was just looking at SculpFun S30 Pro Max on you tube.
I may just have to mug the paper boy for extra change - NO WAIT! They dont deliver papers anymore.
I appreciate the feedback. Sooooooooooo ?????????? How much more do you think I might have to spend?

 

[difalkner]

How much more do you think I might have to spend?

At least double or triple your $600, probably triple. Are you still referring to CNC or laser, since the SculpFun S30 Pro Max is a laser machine?

 

[Tony B]

I think the SculpFun does cutting also.

Anyway, I'm trying to find my Balaclava so I can visit my nearest convenience store and make a withdrawal.

 

[Tony B]

@difalkner
BTW, underspending has never worked out for me, so thanks for the input.

 

[MadMark]

Got a SainSmart 3018-proVer, 8" x 12" x 2", $300 (FLASH SALE 3/15 -- $254 LINK) desktop cnc. works great. basically an automated precision dremel. uses GRBL subset of gcode instead of the full MACH3/gcode that "real" cnc's use. More for engraving than drilling, but I draw in free NANOCAD and automagically covert .dxf to .gcode. Engraving software is completely different.

Look for leadscrew drive on all axes instead of belts. Limit switches and auto zero po.be, too.