Many years ago I read into the JGRO and Joes 2006 machines, back then they seemed quite popular. I decided that one day I would build the JGRO and then use that to build something better/more rigid. Life put that on the back burner for a few years but now I've come back to the idea of a hobby CNC. Though, now it seems that the consensus is that the JGRO is outdated. I've read that there are better kits available for the money.

Who some people that makes these kits and how much money are we talking about?

At this point in time, if you were me, what would you do for your first CNC machine?

I would be wanting a hobby level router machine, about the cutting bed size of a joes 2006 or bigger. I have no problem finding all my own motors/electronics/software, so a kit wouldn't have to include that, just the machine it self.

Or are there plans for a better DIY machine that can be built with hand tools? (better/more up to date than JGRO)

I know Joe has his kits for sale starting at $325 for his hybrid 4x4.