Please help which is the best cnc machine to start with uk

[muthafakatchio]

Hi all I have spent the last two years looking at cnc mills and machines and sofware and kits and motors.......
Anyway im in the the uk i make custom motorcycles i have been looking at the x3 and covert it my self but do i go with servos or steppers or should i just buy a machine ready done i have confused my self so much i am new to all so the easier option would be the best
we could do with a newbie section on here because you will probly have these stupid questions all the time any help and advice would be greatly appreciated
thanks

[MIKE JEFFERS]

welcome
buy a ready to go machine such as the one arceurotrade or syl do if you want an x3

but if you've got the space a bridgeport ez-track or interact would be better

i also do custom bike bits ,fork braces rearsets engraved inserts etc
and an x3 is a bit small i find ,luckily i have acess to my farther in laws machine shop
from time to time and use his cnc's

[muthafakatchio]

thanks mike what cad can you recomend an x3 would be a good starter machine though love a bridgeport but three phase is a no go am affraid

[philbur]

What's wrong with using a phase converter or better still a vfd.

Phil

Originally Posted by muthafakatchio ...but three phase is a no go am affraid

[MrWild]

Right, For the money a used bridgeport or other industrial sized machine is a good bang for the buck. Add in a VFD and you have something you won't grow out of.

[MIKE JEFFERS]

for cad you cant beat autocad imo
but dolphin partmaster gives you a cad/cam package for small money (under £200 )
depending on which package you opt for ,and its upgredable.
cam bam is a free cam system and worth a look
i use autocad and dolphin for 2.5d stuff and engraving and edgecam for 3d stuff
theres lots of info on the relevent forums on here
phase converter is a good option ,have a look in model engineers workshop magazine
as theres always ads for this stuff in there
http://www.engineerstoolroom.co.uk/v...eed_drives.htm
http://www.machines4wood.com/mall/de...FRM-IgodRWvmBg

[muthafakatchio]

Are they expensive and sorry to be dumb but whats vrd this is all new to me but thanks for the advice looks like a couple of tonne machine it is then i wonder if my missus will let me put it in the dining room she wont mind .....will she

[philbur]

Hate to say it but if this is as far as you have got after looking and studying for the past 2 years then your best bet is to buy a machine that is ready to run.

Phil

QUOTE=muthafakatchio;437660]Are they expensive and sorry to be dumb but whats vrd this is all new to me but thanks for the advice looks like a couple of tonne machine it is then i wonder if my missus will let me put it in the dining room she wont mind .....will she[/QUOTE]