Best Machine for Under 2 Grand?

[rgranger]

So we need a CNC machine to do production work, cutting various shapes out of 1/8" to 1/4" birch plywood. Operation time will be around 25 hours a week. What is the best option, currently I am leaning towards the micRo V3. Has anyone had any luck with this machine?

[vtx1029]

It may help to expand on your requirements. For example how large of table size you need, does your 2g's include cad/cam software...

[rgranger]

I figured that with that price range I would be limited to smaller sizes. At least 12" x 12" would be ideal for a size.

[vtx1029]

Well yes kind of.

That micRo V3 looks like it has some pretty small steppers. And their "amp kit" Is super high priced IMO (this looks like the same thing for $85

Amazon.com: TB6560 3 Axis CNC/ Laser Machine Stepping Motor Controller. Support Mach3 & KCam: Everything Else

Amazon.com: TB6560 3 Axis CNC/ Laser Machine Stepping Motor Controller. Support Mach3 & KCam: Everything Else

). Get a gecko g540 you'll be much further ahead (maybe others will jump in here but If I had it to do over I would have taken the advice of others and purchased the Gecko G540 then cheeping out).

Personally I have one of microcarve's A4 machines. His attention to detail is great along with his help.

You would have to ask him how much he get's for his new MV2 machines http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/134221-microcarve_mv2_plans_files.html

So say $550 ish for his machine (just guessing on the price)
$520 for 3 axis stepper kit CNCRouterParts These steppers would be overkill but the great thing about it is if you ever wanted to step up to a bigger machine and or 4 axis it would be cheap and easily done. And this kit is almost as plug and play as it gets.
$150 for mach 3
Guessing you would need some sort of cam package being you didn't say. Cut 2d is pretty easy to use and you can draw some simple things in it. $150 there.
For spindle I would say go with at bosch colt $100
Router mount $ 55 CNC Routers, Routers for Wood, Routers for Plastic and CNC Plasma Cutter

So that's $1525 for the above leaving you $ for Misc stuff, wiring, some bits...

If your set on the micRo V3 I'd say just use the frame and replace the setppers with the above.

Have you seen: FireBall V90 CNC Router -
CNC Router Keling Technology Inc
http://solsylva.com/cnc/18x24x5.shtml


This site may also help you out CNC Router Prices: A Look into what it costs to own a CNC router

[Fish4Fun]

rgranger,

As many have pointed out, a lot depends on your requirements, but for ~$2k, you are going to be limited to a fairly small format machine. As an A4 owner, I would strongly recommend looking seriously @ one of John's (microcarve) machines. I don't believe even the MV2 has quite 12"x12" working area, but it is close. (The A4 that the MV2 is based on is ~9"x11" working area, I would assume the MV2 is similar). I too would highly recommend a G540 sold in a package with steppers in the 300ozin range. The Bosch Colt is what I chose, but you need to add ~$75 for the mount, and you should seriously consider the Think&Tinker collet set (another ~$75). All-In, John's machine, ready for software is just a tad South of $1500. Software is a different issue, but you can start small and grow as your needs demand. Mach3 or EMC2 both work very well for most people, just make sure you follow the instructions. I settled on the Vectric software and couldn't be happier, but there are certainly many others out there.

I bought my A4 primarily to "get my feet wet" with the long term-goal of using it for PCB milling and "small parts". I planned (and still plan) a larger format build, but the money invested in my A4 was VERY WELL SPENT IMHO. I am certain I saved myself more than I spent. By that I mean I would have made some very expensive mistakes in an initial DIY build w/o the experience I have gained from the A4. John has been building CNC machines for a long time; he is meticulous in detail and readily accessible with help and advice. I will not tell you it will be the only machine you ever want, but it will do everything it is designed to do exceptionally well.

Good luck with whichever machine you choose!

Fish