Newbie- help! Shopping for my husband

[brennbee]

My husband really wants a CNC machine (he's kind of explained to me what it is and what he wants to do with it) and I'd really love to be able to get him one for Father's day. But, I don't know what I'm doing, where to go, or what to look for, so I thought maybe I'd get some answers here but all the things I see are pretty confusing to me still. So, here are my questions:

1) Is there a machine that is under $1,000 (preferably more around $400-$700)? My husband said that he saw some that said they were about $600 but that was the base price and by the time you added everything you need to it, it's really actually about $1200 (can't afford that!)

2) Can you only buy them huge? From the looks of the things I saw, everything is pretty big. He really only wants to use it for craft type projects like cutting out stuff for RC planes, making little signs, and maybe some wooden toys. He said the biggest thing that he would want to make would be like engraved doors for cupboards on entertainment centers, etc.

3) Where would I go to buy this cheaper, smaller version of a CNC machine? How do these machines compare to the big metal ones and what possible flaws/quirks/problems would he encounter with a smaller machine?

I would really love to get him something he would love, but I just don't know how to! And I don't want to spend money on something that's cheap but will end up causing more grief than it's worth. Please help me!

[MrWild]

You are a good woman but reality says,

1. No. He might be able to build one like the JGRO, but you will spend around 1,200 when done (motors, drives, power supply, hardware, materials, and computer). It will not cut metal, it will do R/C stuff and make signs, and cabinet doors, etc.

2. Yes you can buy them small, no they aren't cheap when they are complete turn key systems.

3. Small are (usually) less rigid, less powerful, and the work envelope is reduced.

I would talk with him and offer to buy parts he needs to build one. Even after he attains one, there is the programming, and support programs that can be low priced to well more than your entire budget. Sadly there are no turn key systems ready to go for your budget that I am aware of.

[Al_The_Man]

You could put a $500.00 bill in with the card together with a picture of a CNC machine.
Al.

[brennbee]

Thanks for the idea, Al. If it comes down to it, I might just have to do that!

I have another question, though: If he were to build his own, is there some kind of kit that would meet the previously mentioned criteria? If so, where would I find out more info? I saw some ads for kits, but again, I don't know what to look for and I don't know how they are different from just getting an already built machine.

Brennbee

[jalessi]

Brennbee,

The Fireball router may fit your budget.

http://www.probotix.com/FireBall_v90_cnc_router_kit/

Jeff...

[jalessi]

The Fireball base kit is supplied as a mechanical machine kit only. No motors, electronics, spindle or software is included.

[ger21]

It's really hard to get a decent machine for under $1200-1500. The best bang for the buck would be Joe's 2006 model. The kit is a bit pricey, but makes it a lot easier to build. If he can cut everything himself, he could save about $500. Keep in mind that electronics, motors and hardware will add at least $500-$750 to the kit price, as the kit is only the wood and plastic parts.
http://www.joescnc.com/kitsplans.php

[Geof]

Not an entirely serious answer, but something to consider.

I looked at your profile and concluded your husband is probably years away from retirement. You probably have tons of stuff for him to do around the house and don't need him hiding away in a workshop playing on a fancy toy. This year and for the next several years stick $500 in a bank account and then in the future, when he is retired and getting on your nerves because he is in the way all the time, outfit him with a really fancy hobby shop to keep him busy.

[fizzissist]

Like any hobby in existence today, it costs you at least $1500 entry fee. Power walking will cost you that in shoes, monitors, camel back, clothes...etc....

Knitting might be an exception.

Seriously though, I'm in awe that you'd be so generous and considerate (unless you just want him to live in the garage ).

One other thing you'll need to consider is support tooling and software. Premature to buy software before having a machine..but some tooling is generic, like cutters, and clamping. Good carbide routers that'll fit what he's got now and future machines and clamping stuff like double sticky tape and the like would be worth considering. In industry, a good rule of thumb is figuring on spending at least 25% of the cost of the machine on tooling. ....I know Geof will correct me if that's an old thumb...

One option might be to scrounge parts and build his own machine...He'd know the machine inside and out, it'd be fairly inexpensive and you'd get more bang for the buck with a trade off in time.

I get the impression a gantry router would do the trick, but so would a used bridgeport retrofit....which to me is kinda the best of both worlds.

[underdog]

You're a great wife. I have one like you and thank God every day.

EMCO from the UK made "Compact 5" lathes and mills that were CNC controlled but the size of the non CNC 'benchtop' lathes advertised today. The company has new models out now that are in the $1500 range new, but the old ones can be found online when trade schools upgrade or go out of business. As a fully-certified "dumpster diver" I'm of the opinion of getting something old and working on it. I'd contact your local trade school and see if they have one in the corner somewhere. Lacking that, you could get him a new bemchtop lathe or mill (lathes make round parts, mills make flat parts and with some ingenuity lathes can make anything) for $500-$600. In a few years add a digital readout for $600-750 (be careful what brand you buy) so you can add drives and a PC to make it a full CNC in the third stage.

A neglected fact is that unlike golf, skiing or some other hobbies, this one can pay for the future widgets the hobby requires. If you design some crafty thing and your husband makes 5 of them and then you two spend a happy Saturday (together) undera tent selling them at $20 each the local flea market, This hobby could bring some togetherness and pay its own way after the first investment.

[cuemaker1]

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19441

This is the cheaper of any I have seen... They also have a pro model for around $3200.00


Good luck...
I am spending abt $10,000 for mine and my wife is r e a l happy.