Hello,

First off this is a great feature on this site and I am glad somebody thought of this. I am new to the CNC area. I am a machinist(Army) and 2 years ago started my own fabrication business (Unorthodox Fabrication LLC) you can see some projects I have made on youtube. My name on there is Deuce217. I have built a few interesting things from a 1971 Austin Mini Cooper Powered by a Honda B16 Vtec engine through a GSXR600 powered go kart. I am currently serving in Afghanistan and will be home this winter. I have been setting aside some money to finally get into a cnc table. I own a Miller Spectrum 1000 plasma cutter and bought a machine torch for it recently(man this is an expensive hobby), I am thinking of building a 2'x4' table as I am limited on space. Water table is a must, I am really finding it hard to pull the trigger on any thing because there are so many options. I will be needing a 2nd Z axis to power a rotary tool for engraving.

Here are my main problems:

Not sure what gantry system would be of best value.

Not sure If I should even by a gantry system because they look so simple I should probably just make one.

I have little confidence in actually getting all the electronics and computer stuff that is compatible in the end.

Which software should I buy that is user friendly?

Does having a 2nd Z axis require anything fancy/ extra? I would like the rotary tool to function simultaneously w/ torch

What motors are recommended for quality?

Thanks so much,

Evan