I just found this forum... Extreamly informative.. but there is sooo much information to wade thru... I want to get a good understanding of what I need first before I dive into the details.

I'm wanting to cut balsa wood parts for a RC Airplane kit I produce. The machine should have the capability to cut a 4" x 36" x 1/2" piece of balsa. I'd like to keep the costs down under $600 if possible.

Can anyone lead me in the right direction?

Take a look at http://www.cnc-hobby.com/index.html, this site will give you a very good idea of how these machines come together. Enjoy
Bill

I'm in the same boat, just starting to produce electric model aircraft kits, www.laird-electrics.com

Overwelmed with info and need to start building, having trouble sourcing parts downunder though.

I would like to build 4 ft pencil boats.. sounds like the machine will be about the same size.. I need a long machine(X) that does not have to be wide (Y) but about 14 inches on the (Z).. I found a supplier localy that has 220Vac servo motors that I am considering using.. I don't find many articles about ac servo motors.

Benny, the HP Laserjet printers are popular, all over the world. The LaserJet I, II, and III series all use a 100 oz-in stepper motor that works quite well for small to medium sized homebuilt routers.

Keep your eyes open...lots of stuff shows up on the used and surplus markets.

If you don't mind a small table, you can convert a cross-slide machinist's vise into a screw driven X-Y table. This is available in the States...undoubtedly something comparable is available down by you. I think this one, despite its questionable quality (Chinese origin), is a good CNC platform for a tiny table. It's certainly stiffer than almost anything you could build for the price. The only down sides are: poor quality lead screws that need replacing (13mm ACME, I believe) and tiny capacity at 4x6 inches.
http://www.cumminstools.com/browse.cfm/4,92.html

-- Chuck Knight

So I'm guessing I need to design my own beast, them come back here for answers to component questions....

You don't have to design your own. Here are some plans, you would have to reposition your parts though to get the full 36" cut. Or you might alter the plans.

http://www.hobbycnc.com/plans/plans.htm

I've seen some stuff on CrankOrgans site.... I like his Phoenix design... Has anyone tried that here?

http://www.crankorgan.com/phoenix.htm

I'm also looking at his 4 axis controler.. I like his low cost approach.