Originally Posted by Crawler374
My next decision is what cutting motor?
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The next is the CAD program. I have been looking around and tinkering with some free download software. (Google sketch up) Google seems to be very difficult to me. I just want a 2D software right now that can be used easily. any suggestions? |
Sounds fun! My $.02 for whatever it's worth...

I first bought a Taig mill when I started, and have had good luck with the motor and spindle on it. Decent enough power with a 1/3HP motor on it, and fast enough once in a while to use tiny .010" cutters in plastic. I think the spindle is around $100, plus whatever motor you stick on it. Don't know if that fits the budget or not, but they sure are quieter than most routers!
And if you're looking for easy to use (and FREE!) 2D CAD software (it'll even do 3D if you want to spend the time), try out emachineshop.com. I tell everyone it's like using Paintbrush compared to Photoshop. Point / click / drag and draw some nice stuff. It'll export files to standard AutoCad .DXF too. (and .STP for 3D) They're business is having people draw stuff with their software and then you send the file to them and they machine it. Probably nice parts come back, but I never actually had them machine stuff, I just use the software.
Good luck on the build whichever parts you use, and be sure to post pictures!