Hi guys, basically my first post here and really wasn't sure where to put this thread so I'm hoping this was the best place. I'm new to cnc, I do have a little manual lathe and milling experience. I have been researching as much as possible but I cannot seem to find specific answers to my questions, although some questions may have been answered elsewhere, I thought it better for myself to ask here. I am looking at a small machine and I know quite a few people will say stay away from the 3040 size machines, but I really don't need anything bigger at least for now but mostly I can't really afford a 6040.
Now I have been trying to find a definitive review or similar about the stepcraft systems, I am looking at the 420, the alternative is the omio x4-800l. Pros for the stepcraft are I can get it here in Australia which means, local support for any problems, no import duty which will be a killer for the omio. The stepcraft seems to have mostly what I need, in particular I like the bath for cutting carbon fiber, and other various add on bits for possible future use. Main use is purely hobbyist and cutting carbon and alloy. At the moment the stepcraft seems to be what I'm leaning towards but I'm posting here to see if you guys can either talk me out of it or say yes go for it.
Youtube videos show this machine to do what I need just fine, but maybe someone can confirm from personal experience or greater knowledge than me if the stepcraft will be suitable compared to something like the omio or similar. Now as far as the spindle I see that the kress 800 seems to suffice for what I need and even seen the proxxon cutting alloy, the question is should I go for a different spindle setup such as a brushless with vfd? On that note I notice the clamp is 43mm diameter is there a brushless spindle setup that will fit, the stepcraft hf-500 spindle seems pricey.
Ok will leave it there for now as the post is becoming quite big