Which cheap beginner CNC to buy

[mughoj]

Hi,

I'm looking for a cheap CNC solution to use for hobby projects. I've been looking at a CNC converted Proxxon MF70 (from usovo.de) and the Black Cat CNC Machine 300x200mm, which looks very much like the CNC 3020/3040 machines on ebay, but according to the seller is different in some aspects.

I'll be using it to produce PCB's and different parts in plastic and thin aluminium for my robotics hobby.

I'm a total newbie to CNC and would like some input as to which solution to go for. I'm leaning towards the Black Cat, because of the larger work area, but am unsure about the accuracy of the machine.

I welcome all kinds of feedback.


Mughoj

[StupidPig]

I'm completely new to CNC and pretty much in the same boat..... I been considering to get one shipped from China.
Mini CNC Engraver 3020 - Detailed info for Mini CNC Engraver 3020,mini cnc engraver,Mini CNC Engraver 3020,RK3020 on Alibaba.com

Anyone tried that? Is it good enough for PCB and thin metal sheet?

[bobsch]

I'm completely new to CNC and pretty much in the same boat..... I been considering to get one shipped from China.
Mini CNC Engraver 3020 - Detailed info for Mini CNC Engraver 3020,mini cnc engraver,Mini CNC Engraver 3020,RK3020 on Alibaba.com

Anyone tried that? Is it good enough for PCB and thin metal sheet?

Check some of the threads here. A lot of folks report less than outstanding service from Chinese suppliers.

[awerby]

It might work for jewelry, but most PC boards would be too large for it. The working envelope is not nearly as large as the Black Cat you're comparing it to; it's about 75mm(X) x 50(Y) x 50(Z). I like the spindle on that machine, though; it goes about 20k RPM and has a range of (small) collets.

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[StupidPig]

Check some of the threads here. A lot of folks report less than outstanding service from Chinese suppliers.

Thanks for the advice.... But it seems the only option for me which has the size I want and within my budget, so I guess I'll just gamble on it.

One question about the spindle power. The seller claimed that the spindle is 200W, which seems pretty low when compare with others I seen. Is it powerful enough for pcb route and drill, and thin (up to 0.022") metal sheet cutting?

Thanks for any helps.

[GeekBoy]

Hi,

I know this is an old thread, but it was one I visited before asking myself similar questions. So I though perhaps my feedback of my recent experience may help others.

I bought one of the Chinese CNC 3020s of eBay and have had it about a week. I am documenting my time with it on my blog. I thought this post maybe useful - My new CNC router | GeekBoy.it

I have and will continue to upload some videos. Any questins are welcomed!
I would have welcome this a few weeks ago, so that is why I want to share.

Regards, Steven

[GeekBoy]

Hi,

I know this is an old thread, but it was one I visited before asking myself similar questions. So I though perhaps my feedback of my recent experience may help others.

I bought one of the Chinese CNC 3020s of eBay and have had it about a week. I am documenting my time with it on my blog. I thought this post maybe useful - My new CNC router | GeekBoy.it

I have and will continue to upload some videos. Any questins are welcomed!
I would have welcome this a few weeks ago, so that is why I want to share.

Regards, Steven

I have added some more videos. This final link is Isolation milling to etch a PCB using the CNC 3020 - geekboy.it/2012/10/cnc_isolation_milling_1

I post this as it was my main goal for this router and as you will see in the updated post, it has a great end result!

Steven