what machine do i need?

[spookybonus]

Hey everybody!
This is my first post, I’m new here…
I’m in the market for a decent size hobby cnc router…what I aim to accomplish is the cutting of guitar bodies and necks as well as being able to do some intricate inlay work on the necks.

Also other random arts and crafts/pcb work.

I need something with a table that with an X and Y cutting area of at least 20”x28” (30” would be even better).

The deal is I don’t have tons of cash to blow…
The best option I have been able to find is the romaxx
But the website says it only has
Travel - X=12.1" - Y=19.6" Z=3"

Barely enough to pull off a standard size body (very limiting for creativeness) and not long enough to do a neck without repositioning (major pain).

So anyone have any ideas for machines in the 2000-2500 dollar range? I know I’m asking for a lot for that price.

As far as the software, I’m competent in Autocad / Corel Draw / and other design software but have not used any CAM software…I would like to be able to create 3D cut paths from grayscale images of a face for example…any suggestions on the software I need?

I think that’s all my questions for now…
Whats a low cost small/mid size cnc router?
And
What software do I need besides acad and coreldraw?

As far as building my own…it could be an option, it would have to be quite simple as I have very limited access to a machine shop. I would rather just purchase something ready to go at this point.

Thanks a lot!
-John

[spookybonus]

anybody got any ideas for machines i should look at?
mid size table...small price?

Thanks
-John

[ger21]

I don't think anything exists in that price range.

One option would be to buy a precut parts kit from Joe for one of his machines. Expect to spend about $1500 or so to build it. Look through all the threads here for examples.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/joes_cnc_model_2006/