[daddywoofdawg]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a wood carving cnc; I'm looking hard at the large X-carve, 31 x 31" usable area.and that seems like a size i could live with.What other alternatives do I have at or under a grand?
I would be fine with and maybe prefer a measured plan using 80/20 that could be built under that price,and comparable to or better than the x-carve?

[ger21]

What other alternatives do I have at or under a grand?

You're not going to get a quality machine in that size range at anywhere close to that price.
THe only think I know of that's comparable would be the OpenBuilds OX.

[snowyskiesau]

While the X-Carve is a great bit of gear, be prepared to do some modifications to improve stiffness/rigidity.
It needs a proper router, not the spindle Inventables are offering. This is in turn heavier so you get flex in the extrusions.

That said, it's a fun toy to play around with.

EDIT; Apparently Inventables don't offer the 400W spindle any more, just a DeWalt router.