I want to build/buy a cnc router

[bp092]

Looking to build or buy or a little of both. I'm a pro. cabinetmaker and woodworker looking for something fun on the side. I'm not looking for maximum size or function, I just don't want to be restricted. I've looked at the shopbot and the k2 lines but they are a little out of budget right now. I'm looking at about $2,000 to spend, am I dreaming? $2,000 not including the software or motors or router, just the table and all the machined parts/wiring. The carvewright seemed like a nice solution but seems to me to be too restrictive in size and function, and you can only use their simple software. Thanks, any suggestions welcome!

[TMT89523]

Take a look at Torchmate. They won't limit your function and size is up to you.

[bp092]

Torchmate has some nice setups, I've looked at them before. They are really nicely priced for what they put out, however none of them are in my budget

[joecnc2006]

Build your own shopbot, i have a project going now to do this in a scaleable version, and will use mostly hardware store parts.

[bp092]

Originally Posted by joe2000che Build your own shopbot, i have a project going now to do this in a scaleable version, and will use mostly hardware store parts.

See that's the thing, other than the electronics and learning the software for listing the cutting and such it doesn't seem that hard. The only problem with the DIY ones I've seen here is the use of wood for the router assemblies, gantries and table. I suppose MDF and melemane are fine because they are fairly stable, but I was concerned for the accuracy as they can still move. Have any plans for what you're building? I'm definetly looking for a 3 axis setup.. thanks for the posts!

[bp092]

http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=3534

This kind of setup is what I'm looking for. I don't need a full table, 4x4 max and I have a router to put in it, I can get the software for free, like I said it's mostly the table and electronics I'm looking for, CAD/CAM software I'm covered. Wondered if that design was one of that guy's own or something posted within this forum. Love his monitor display too. Makes me feel like I'm looking at our GE Fanuc console at work. heh

[ger21]

THat looks like it's built from the plans Bob Campbell used to sell. You might want to contact him and see if they are still available.
http://campbelldesigns.com/

And here are free plans for a heavy duty shopbot type router. http://www.mechmate.com/

[bp092]

thanks for the links, sent him an email, wish I could contact the member who posted the photo, that setup is really what I want.. I will see what Bob says. Again, thanks ger21

[bp092]

Bought the 3 CNC router plans as many other were posting about. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that he was using a base under the machine as the cutting table. I like the design better when the gantry and z axis is above, but like that the rails are either on the side of the table surface or below, just a preference issue.. however I'm boggled, I love the 80/20 design the guy made above that I posted a link of.. my only big concern is the z axis and where to start with the thing.. is it out of my league or can I do it? I'm not a metal worker, I just don't want to end up building this thing out of MDF, I really want to go aluminum as much as I can. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!