Need help sourcing a CNC router for my sign shop

[William80]

Completely new to CNC machines and a bit overwhelmed with all the options. Hoping for some direction. I run a small sign shop in Edmonton, Canada and want to get into CNC cutting of wood, acrylic and aluminum composite signs. I'm looking for something with a 48"x48" table. I want the ability to 3d carve wood signs as well. Will buy V-Carve Pro as well.

While I was hoping to buy from Canadian supplier I quickly realized there are few to choose from (especially in my price range of $5000 CDN). I'm pretty sure I'll have to go with a kit option. Can anybody recommend a supplier to me or make any suggestions on what I should be looking for? I was looking on Alibaba but heard horror stories on importing from China.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[peteeng]

Hi Will80 - The main kit supplier in US is AVID cnc have a look there. Peter

[ger21]

You won't find anything but a cheap hobby machine at that price.
As Peter said, an AVID CNC machine that you build yourself is probably the best bet, but will likely exceed your budget by quite a bit, due to the exchange rate.

[MARV]

One of the benefits of what Avid has to offer is the modular nature of their kits. Pare back to the bare bones. Maybe buy small format and add capacity (build out work envelope) as you are able. Make your own base. Know that the leap to cnc technology for many is substantial, regardless of machine size. Plan how you roll into this. And make sure good support is part of the deal.

[William80]

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll check out the Avid site.