Wanting to build my first CNC cutting machine. I've been doing my internet research over a couple of days now, and I still can't seem to narrow down a design to go with.
I currently have a 3D printer I built (ordbot hadron), a couple of manual lathes with some small scale milling capabilities, TIG welder, chop saw, band saw, drill press, and hand tools at my disposal.
I'm interested mostly in cutting aluminum, and also some copper, which can be tough to cut as it's quite gummy, so I need a rigid machine. I'll also be doing some circuit board milling, so I need something quite accurate. The work area doesn't need to be large, though I imagine I could find a use for a bigger machine with some unforeseen project. I think I might be better off doing a smaller more rigid machine with a fixed spindle, more like a traditional mill, and then building a separate gantry style machine later for larger objects if needed?
Or maybe I should just build a large and strong gantry machine and have it all in one? I'm not sure if the benefits of the smaller Y on Y style vertical mill would be worth it's own machine. Are they considerably more accurate? Take much larger cuts? Or maybe best would be the hybrid of the two, the sliding table fixed gantry type?
Some examples of different machine plans available along with some personal experience would be very helpful for me. I'm also curious about the plans available at 8020cnc website. Can't seem to find any reviews or info on that build, is it worth the $25?
My budget is roughly 1000-2000. Willing to spend more to get more, to an extent, but won't if I don't need to.
Thanks fellas.