Looking to Build or Buy a 4x4 cnc router

[CNC74]

Help,

I have been around the Benchtop forum for some time and converted my H/F X2 mill to CNC with the CNC Fusion kit decked out with a Gecko 540 and all is well.

But... Now I want to get a 4'x2' wood router going. (Table size is more a wish than a requirnment)

I am interested in making ornate cabinetry and musical instument bodies. I had come across a guy that was using the Carvewright/ aka Compucarve to do some amazing things and thoought wow thats a plug and play solution but after reading a ton of horible reveiws I tend to think that a DIY project (again) is a better idea.

I figured on copying my electrical setup:
1. Power supply
2. Gecko 540 controller
3. 3 NEMA steppers (Sizes unknown)
4. Router (Model as of yet still unknown)
5. Table (Prefabricated and all metal if possible????)
6. Ball screws, rods, etc.. (Prefabricated kit if possible???)

Now the most important factor in any project is setting a target price for what I am willing to spend. The question is can I biuld a machine that meets this description for under $1200?

Are there prebuilt options out there around this price or less?
Is the CarveWright / Compucarve really a bad choice?
Any other thoughts that I should consider before deciding?

Thanks for your replies!!

[wantacnc]

I think you are going to double your 12 bills with your want list. I dont know of the CarveWright Compucarve set up.
Im currently buying parts to make a 2x4x8 cutting area. The new Hiwin linear rails are 1200 by themself. Ball screws about 400 and Gecko with motors power supply 400, Mic6 aluminum plate 200, 8020 for frame 300, msc bolts, bearing blocks etc 200. This is assuming your buying new parts and can do some of the machining yourself.

Could save alot if your patient and search the auction sights and the correct length rails come along to do your build. Also save some using Thompson supported rods and MDF, and other auction specials.

Im impatient and have been wanting to do this for 10 years and didnt want to buy used mismatched components. My target price for a high end home built 3k.
Joe

[CNC74]

Hey Joe,

Thanks for your input!! Good luck on your build. Once this cold Chicago winter breaks I will be running full force and getting this thing together. I wanna get chipy by late spring (costs permitting).

-Ken

[tjskcnc]

Several companies to checkout for DIY plans:
Joe's 4x4 hybrid
Welcome to Joe'sCNC.com
Solsylva - 6"x9" up to 2'x4' designs
Solsylva CNC Plans~ Home Page
Rockcliff - up to 2'x3'
BUILD A CNC DIY ROCKCLIFF Home

On the higher end:
Mechmate - industrial type 4x8
MechMate CNC Router - Build your own with our detailed plans
Fine Line Automation - excellent parts source with several 8020 based designs, including partial and complete kits
Home : Fine Line Automation

There are also plenty of videos for all the above mentioned designs on You Tube so you can see them in action to help decide which one to build.

Good luck.