looking to build / buy a 4x8 router

[tekno]

well I want to build a router but if the cost is around the same I would just as soon buy it - on the DIY side there seems to be a few variations and on the buy side well theres even more selections. I know if I research everything I'll get over loaded and walk away. so a little input would be appreciated

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[Jim Dawson]

The first question is what is your budget for this project? And second what do you want to do with it? A commercial operation or more of a hobby machine? The other option is to buy a used machine.

[tekno]

good question - dont know - if like most people Im going to under budget if I build it but if I build it the cost would be spread over time. if I just drop a lump sum I would like to stay at around 5k

[Jim Dawson]

5K might buy a used 4x8. I paid 1.5K for mine then put another 300 or 400 into it. Paid for itself on the first job.

I guess the real question is do you want a project or a router. Nothing wrong with building your own, but unless you have a well equipped machine shop to start with, it would be quite a challenge.

I would be looking for a used machine, especially one with a broken computer. That is the easy part to fix.

[wizard]

well I want to build a router but if the cost is around the same I would just as soon buy it - on the DIY side there seems to be a few variations and on the buy side well theres even more selections.

I don't buy the above statement. If you buy a manufactured system you can only buy what is on the market at the time, unless you go to a custom build. If you go DIY you can build anything your mind can imagine and pocket book can afford.

I know if I research everything I'll get over loaded and walk away. so a little input would be appreciated

[wizard]

good question - dont know - if like most people Im going to under budget if I build it but if I build it the cost would be spread over time. if I just drop a lump sum I would like to stay at around 5k

Look for used hardware. One tool and ice shop I worked at had an engineer with a favorite phrase that went like this:" buy used buy more." There is a lot of truth in that but it does require a bit of time searching for a good deal.

As far as building your own routers are one of those tools that hasn't reached mass production status so it is very possible to build a machine that is commercial quality or even better than many of the low end units on the market. For many tools it would be very hard for somebody with a modest shop to build a competitive machine, a drill press is a good example. At the low end you can build a router with practically no machine tools at all if you happen to order 80/20 all cut to size and ready to bolt together. In other words I see routers as one of the few CNC machines you can build from the ground up with minimal shop equipment and get good results. Of course a well equipment machine shop mean you can do this better and faster.

[ger21]

Imo, you won't find a decent ready to run 4x8 machine for $5000, unless you buy something from China.

A CNC Router Parts Standard kit that you build yourself will come in a little over $5000, if you do all of the electronics yourself. That would be the best bang for the buck. If you can afford it, the Pro kit for ~$1000 more. If you buy everything from them, and just assemble it, it can run closer to $8000-$10000.

[Jim Dawson]

Here ya go. Just what you want 49x96 CNC Router single phase 220 - $5000 (Granbury)

https://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/fo...363406126.html

[DaveCNCnewb]

Here ya go. Just what you want 49x96 CNC Router single phase 220 - $5000 (Granbury)

https://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/fo...363406126.html

So a $12K, 4 hour run time with software, vacuum table for only 5K???... Seems a little too good to be true... What am I missing? Or is this typical for these Chinese machines?

[LeeWay]

Well, you can see it run. That is a BIG PLUS. Also consider a big chunk of that 12K was shipping and import fees and maybe even logistics for it or riggers. That is money that you will not get back.

[wizard]

So a $12K, 4 hour run time with software, vacuum table for only 5K???... Seems a little too good to be true... What am I missing? Or is this typical for these Chinese machines?

Used machinery pricing is very complex. Often good machinery can be had for half its new price. On the other hand some intermediate sized machine are sold at scrape metal prices. With CNC machines an old craped out controller can lead to a huge discount. Demand is also a factor.

In the case of routers there are a few threads in this forum from guys that had great success going used. If you can head off a machine going in the dumpster you might get a very good deal. The biggest problem with used is patience in finding that good deal.

[ger21]

I'm guessing that those vacuum pumps are NOT included in that price.

[DaveCNCnewb]

I'm guessing that those vacuum pumps are NOT included in that price.

I was suprised to see the pumps as well but the ad does say included...seems fishy to me but I don't have experience with CNC on Craiglist... Other stuff yes and it's always a crap shoot...

"2016 cnc router with vacuum pumps. Included is cad/cam software. The machine was ordered too small by accident.
Has less that 4 hours of cut time and priced to move fast. We bought a new router which is much larger and need to move this one fast.
Originally paid over $12k less than a month ago. Full warranty is transferable to the new owner.
We will not take less than asking price as we are already loosing several thousand dollars on this machine.
It is under power and can be seen operating. Software allows cabinets parts, signage, and 3D art.
Tried uploading pictures but craigslist obviously hate my phone.
Message me and I will kindly forward pictures. Thus is not a cheap machine found on Craigslist this is a heavy duty quality cnc router."

[ger21]

You're right, I missed that when I read it earlier.

Looks like a very cheap no name chinese machine. Those vacuum pumps look a bit sketchy, as well.

[LeeWay]

You're right, I missed that when I read it earlier.

Looks like a very cheap no name chinese machine. Those vacuum pumps look a bit sketchy, as well.

They cannot be working very well and pulling a full vacuum with plastic hose and duct tape.

[ger21]

And the wrong filters. Those filter canisters should be sealed, and the filters shouldn't be visible.

[LeeWay]

They didn't say it worked, just that it comes with.
They did not say the dust collector goes with. It looks pretty good.
I dislike not being able to see under the dust shoe, but that is easily fixed.

[tekno]

Here ya go. Just what you want 49x96 CNC Router single phase 220 - $5000 (Granbury)

https://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/fo...363406126.html

post was deleted - sold fast I guess. - you know the funny thing is I didn't even think about craigslist or looking for one used -

also thinks for the funny reply's - it was a bad day at work,

[Jim Dawson]

Somebody must have thought it was a good deal.

I used https://www.searchtempest.com/ You can search all of Craigslist in the entire country and EBay in one shot. Took me about 10 minutes to find that one.

[wizard]

Somebody must have thought it was a good deal.

I used https://www.searchtempest.com/ You can search all of Craigslist in the entire country and EBay in one shot. Took me about 10 minutes to find that one.

That is one of the problems with going to auctions, people with deep pockets often have a different opinion of what a good deal is. At least from personal experience trying to buy a welder and some other tools at various auctions I visited over the period of a couple of years. Ended up buying a new welder and spending only a bit more than the heated auction prices.

Craigslist on the other hand is generally a better place for a deal. Often it is people motivated to get rid of something so pricing is more reasonable.