DIY Plans...

[cnc-newb]

hello, very nice forum w/ a wealth of information, almost too much for a newb like myself

i have begun working/learning solidworks and would like to be able to create some small projects as i build them in solidworks for a few hobbies i have - radio control models, pcbs, molds to make plugs for vacuum forming rc bodies, etc w/ the hardest material being 6061-t6 Al.

i have seen many plans for relatively cheap (~$500 including motors/controllers) 3 axis machines that are built out of wood. these appear to have the control/rigidity i would need if i were to build them out of Al for my needs.

i have a friend that owns a full cnc machine shop so after i acquire the plans i can scale it to what i would like and he can make the skeleton of the machine for me, so that area is covered. my main question is what design would be the best for my uses? i would like something small, w/ a cutting area of ~15"x15"x5-7"z - not a big machine at all. i have many computers and could easily dedicate one to running the mill/router, no problems there. and i will also learn cam too, again, not a big issue.

when machining i have no issue w/ speeds - it don't care how long it takes and the parts would be rather small - currently my main item of interest are 1/18 scale rc cars/trucks, but even if i built items for a 1/8 scale buggy, the parts would still fit on the table i have request above.

here are a couple links that i was wondering if they would be ok for my desire - made w/ 6061-t6 Al -
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...-Cheaply-and-/
http://www.solsylva.com/cnc/13x13.html

thank advance for your time reading this and any pointers you could give along w/ links would be very much appreciated. i will be reading on here too to try gain more knowledge as this goes along...