Originally Posted by
Jim Dawson
For sheet goods, a 4x8 is the best way to go. Gives you more flexibility in cutting layout and maybe less waste. Do you have commercial power available, or are you working out of your home shop? I had to downgrade the 12 HP spindle on mine because I didn't have enough power to run it. Would a 4x8 machine fit in your work area? You need at least a 8x16 work area to have room to work around the machine and to load sheets on it.
Are there any used machines around where you live? Buying a used commercial machine may be an option, I have run into a few with dead controllers. I bought my 4x8 for $1500, and put another $3500 in it in controls & motor upgrades. It's a heavy commercial machine that's built like a tank, should last for the next 100 years the way I run it. One of my customers picked up two 5x10 machines for $12,000 for the pair and put another $4000 into them in motor upgrades and repairs. There are some good deals out there if you look around a bit.