[ATRepair]

I'm looking to buy my first CNC.

I am planning to use it for machining plastics, carbon fiber and aluminum. My work area needs to be about 10"x8"x6". Larger would be nice but price is a bigger factor right now. I'd like to add a fourth axis later on.

So far I've been looking strongly at the CNC Router Full Package-A, 12" x 11" x 4", HDPE, Gecko and the CNC Milling Machine Full Package-B, 12"x9"x8", Gecko
They are in my size and price range. They look like a complete and good quality entry level machine.
Any suggestions or recommendations on this one?

I've also looked at the K2CNC. I like the look of the build on the 14" unit but it seems a little steep on price when I build the package. It looks like if i go with it I'd be better off finding a better deal on the electronics somewhere else.
Anyone have feedback on the machine or the electronics they use?

I like what I've been reading about the Gecko G540. It seems very user friendly and flexible to do what I need now and for the near future.
Anything else out there that compares in price/quality?

The software is what I am struggling on right now. I'm not certain what to go with. Every manufacturer keeps telling me theirs is the best of course.
For starting I plan to use CorelDraw and Mach3 since I have them. If it's not what I need I'll buy something else.
Any suggestions there?

[ATRepair]

I would really like some input from you guys. I'm planning to purchase within the next 7 days.

Your feedback and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I also have a lead on a ScanTek 2000 Sherline CNC Mill System. It is smaller than I really want but it would be entry level and in my budget.

[ger21]

I think the Sherline would be a better option. Any machine made primarily of plastic will not have the rigidity to cut aluminum.

The G540 is head and shoulders above anything in it's class.

Software depends on what you want to do. Just about everyone uses Mach3 to run there machine. Can't tell you how well Corel will work for you, but I know that wuite a few people do use it successfully. You'll also need a CAM program, unless you plan on using LazyCAM (included with Mach3).

[ATRepair]

Gerry,
Thanks for some feedback.
Unfortunately the Sherline isn't turning out to be such a good deal. I'll just say this particular one is not turning out to be as good as advertised.

[awerby]

It's bigger and more rigid than the Sherline, and about the same price - or less if you go with the CNC-ready version then add a G540 and your own motors. Doing it that way, you can put together a working CNC milling system for about $1500. It won't have the Y-travel you say you want, but once you've got it working you can use it to build a bigger router - it's capable of cutting aluminum and steel, so it would make it much easier to produce all the motor-mounting plates, etc. that a project like that entails.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com