Originally Posted by
aarongough
I guess these are probably the basic things you need to get started:
X2 Mini-Mill w/ Tooling Package - $1055
CNC conversion Kit - $579
Nema 23 Motors & Gecko G540 Controller (from CNCRouterParts.com) - $519
Control Computer - $350
Shipping - $400
Basic CAM (Cut2D) - $150
Total - $3053
Be warned that there will likely be extra costs for tooling as you find you need more and more specialized cutters etc... Also if you want more advanced CAD/CAM software you will end up paying at least $1000 for it.
I haven't included the cost of Mach3 (control software) as I prefer to use EMC2.
I have had pretty good results with Sketchup Pro & Cut2D on my router, but haven't gotten to use them on my mill yet.