Newbie: Picking the right CNC

[Sleeping Dog]

We are a small architectural model shop looking into our first CNC Router and need some help deciding which system to pick. We’ve looked through different archives to glean some info from past users, but thought to put out the question to this forum. I’m sure you’ve seen this question a million times but for us it’s important.

Most of what we will be cutting is 15lb sign foam for the topographical bases to our models. We would like to also cut ¾” mdf and 1/8 aluminum on occasion. The max height is 6” for the foam and mostly 4’x4’ and will piece together sections to make large bases if needed. Space is an issue, so the footprint of the unit needs to be as small as possible. We have a central dust collection system that we will tap into and we’re running 220v. The unit will run only 1 day a week right now but that might change once we’re up and running. We run AutoCAD and CorelDraw as our primary design software. Budget is a factor and would like to keep it 15K complete. The systems that we have looked into are: ShopBot PRS 48x48, Shopbot Buddy BT48 with Power Stick, Practical 4’x4’ stepper, ShopSaber 3636, AXYZ Millennium. We would appreciate any comments you have to offer. Thanks

[Dolphin USA]

Maybe find out from each of the machine dealers you had mentioned if they're is anyone in the general area that is using one of they're machines. I'm sure they would allow you to come take a look. Or possibly go directly to the manufacturer (not sure exactly where you are).