CNC router purchase assistance/advice please

[Dionysius]

Looking to purchase a CNC Router for use in an Australian (Victoria) Men's Shed. Budget approx $3000. Just getting started in the CNC area and looking for recommendations for Make/models/supplier and pricing. Thanks

[BoneInspector]

There are 3 recent threads that cover this topic to start with. All on the first page.

here is a link to one of them.

Request help in buying a CNC Router.

there is one about a cnc for a school that would be particularly relevant for a shed space.

all the posts have a common theme and advice is next to impossible without knowing your skill set and what you want to use it for.

to start with, software can be a significant part of the purchase, and a computer to drive the cnc is also normally required. $3k won't get very far once you include the extras.

[Lappa]

Totally agree with all of BoneInspector’s comments.
Heres a list of a few I know of that have units in the cheaper ranges.

Makerstore - Melbourne
Complete Kits - Maker Store PTY LTD


Blue Carve
BlueCarve Bluey - BlueCarve CNC


3DTek - Canberra
https://shopau.3dtek.xyz


CNC3D - QLD
CNC Router Machines (Fully assembled) | CNC3D | Gold Coast | QLD | Australia

I built my own and once you add software and bits, $3K is no a lot.

[JZG]

My recommendation is to figure out who will be the CAD guru for the shed. If they already know CAD, then you're well on your way. If not, I'd suggest just spending time learning to draw something in a CAD package first to make sure someone is willing to put the effort in to develop the skills. It's not that difficult, but it's not a matter of a few hours either.

I've sometimes wondered whether people would be better off starting with a laser engraver - easier on the software side and could get going for a lot less than $3K.

Oh, and it appears makerstore in Melbourne is having an intro to CNC morning in December - might be worth the trip to learn more.

[Michael Brazeau]

I have this one (30x30 model for 2 years now) and have had no issues with it.
LongMill Benchtop CNC MK2 | Sienci Labs