Originally Posted by
JamesMegaWatt
Thank you for all the information, as I said, I have no experience with CNC so this information is very valuable to me. I'll be ordering the 3020 model from cnc carving then. I'll let you know what my experience with it is! Two last things: what software would you recommend a beginner like me? And where can I find drill bits, can they be any drill bits I find in my hardware store? Or are they special drill bits? (I just feel the drill bits in my hardware store would instantly break off)
James, if your budget is extremely tight as you've indicated, I'd strongly advise checking on the controller supplied with the 3020. Most of these Chinese machines are fantastic value and are built really well, but almost all of them use the same rubbish controller that just doesn't work. Carving on some of their line I believe doesn't use the universally hated "blue controller", but a newer one instead that is believed to work reasonably well. If the machine come with one of the blue controllers, steer clear of it.You'll spend months trying to make it work properly.
Also, try and avoid the cheap dc powered spindles if you can, or check on them thoroughly. Some of these models came with a spindle that most people found to be rubbish, and a lot of them just packed up after minimal use. If it comes with a proper spindle, such as the 0.8kw and VFD, that would be really great for you. If you had to pay a bit extra for it, it would be well worth it. You certainly wouldn't regret it.
I have a Sable-2015 that I bought mainly for PCB work myself, with a short and long neck IB/E, and love it. I'd highly recommend a Proxxon for PCB work if you need to buy a router. A standard woodworking router such as Makita's, Bosch's, etc, are completely unsuitable and will not last or provide good runout figures, and unfortunately a Dremel is useless for fine tracks or layouts. Far too much play to be of any use for any degree of precision work. Not too mention that they just pale into insignificance after using a Proxxon!
For drill bits, just buy the sets of 10 in various sizes from the myriad of Chinese Ebay sellers, I have bought many from a lot of sellers, and all have been great quality. Some of them have done literally thousands of holes without issue. They are dirt cheap but perfectly fine.
cheers, Ian
It's rumoured that everytime someone buys a TB6560 based board, an engineer cries!