Newbie- what do I need?

[davidflana]

Hey all!
Nice forum!

I would like to get into the CNC world with a simple machine, but I have no idea what to get. Here are my requirements:

1. I would like to be able to cut out of 4x8 3/4" MDF. I suppose this means the machine would need a table that large?

2. I DO NOT need a tool changer as I will mostly be doing straight cuts with some angle cuts once in a while. I could probably do the angles on a table saw if I had to to save money on the machine. -or do they have small bit changers, or a device that could be upgraded to add a tool changer if I want to later?

3. I would like to spend somewhere in the $10K to $15K range maximum

4. Would I need something with a vacum to hold the MDF down?


Any and all help is much appreciated!!

Dave

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[ger21]

I'd look at a shopbot. www.shopbottools.com

[Greolt]

If you would contemplate building then have a look at the Mechmate.

http://www.mechmate.com/index.html

[davidflana]

Thanks guys! The Shopbot looks cool.

I don't know about building one... what kind of skills are needed to do that?

Dave

[Greolt]

If your not into that sort of stuff already (building things) then maybe a complete machine like the Shopbot would be better.

If building is something you would tackle then the Mechmate site has detailed plans for free.

[davidflana]

Hey,
I am pretty good at building things, but I think I would like to focus on learning the technology and getting a business up to speed rather than how to build it.

Any other examples like the shopbot?

What about using the plasmacam with the router attachment? Then I can cut metal and wood!

Thanks!

Dave

[DSL PWR]

Careful... you don't want to say plasmacam around here. Do a search if you need to know why. Also many feel it is better to have a single purpose machine.

[PlasmaCAM]

I do not understand why 'plasmacam' is such a big deal to say, but we have a 4x4 table and wood cutting is on customer experimental basis only. Call Patrick at 719-676-2700 for more details.

We do have a new support and warranty policy. We now offer 3 years of support and a 1 year limited warranty on parts.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all. patrick@plasmacam.com 719-676-2700

[Switcher]

You might want to look at ez-router ( http://ez-router.com/index.asp?PageA...TS&Category=43 )

Careful... you don't want to say plasmacam around here. Do a search if you need to know why. Also many feel it is better to have a single purpose machine.

Unless you say why, that doesn't make any sense.

I've been here a while, never heard anything bad about plasmacam.






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