I am thinking of getting a cnc junior and want to know who owns one, what they think of it?

Horst007,

What are you going to use it for?

Are you limited on space, for $5,500.00 you could get a older full size CNC
and retrofit the controls.

If space is a issue you would be better of getting a RF45 clone and having it converted if you can't do it yourself.

Jeff...

I am planning on putting the machine in my basement workroom for comfort of course. I can spend up to 8000, but I want it in my basement. I will be machining aluminum mostly. I have heard they have issues with the z depth being correct when drilling, and that multiple tools in a program is a real pain.

The main issue is keeping the Z axis in line if you need to change to a tool that is not the same length and the entire Z needs to be raised or lowered.

Adjusting the Z position beyond the quill's range would require you to loosen spindle head bolts and in doing so lose Z alignment.

It is possible to modify the CNC Junior's column in order to maintain Z axis alignment, however since you have the budget a square column mill would really be a better solution.

What kind of parts will you be machining?

Jeff...

It would be crazy to buy the junior if you have an USD 8,000 budget. Take a look at Tormach or Industrial Hobbies. An extended quill in a milling operation is not very stiff. The cnc junior is a dinosaur. If you already have a round column drill/mill and plan to convert to cnc is one thing, but to go out and buy one specifically for cnc work is just crazy.

Phil:)

I am planning on putting the machine in my basement workroom for comfort of course. I can spend up to 8000, but I want it in my basement. I will be machining aluminum mostly. I have heard they have issues with the z depth being correct when drilling, and that multiple tools in a program is a real pain.

I am planning on putting the machine in my basement workroom for comfort of course. I can spend up to 8000, but I want it in my basement. I will be machining aluminum mostly. I have heard they have issues with the z depth being correct when drilling, and that multiple tools in a program is a real pain.

You would be supprised how many bridgeport sized machines are in basements.
Especially if you have an outside access, hatchway. For 8K usd you should have a hell of a machine.

Mike.