Hi all, I am looking for recommendations for a first-time machine builder.
Purpose: My foremost interest is PCB milling and drilling for boards up to 4"x6" or so in size, using ordinary thru-hole construction. Most of my work has been in audio applications where you're not dealing with crazy-small SMT pads and traces, though I wouldn't object to improved accuracy if it can be obtained.
Secondarily I'm interested in ability to do limited work in acrylic or high-density foam for prototyping things like knobs, small panels/plates, that sort of thing. If I can work in aluminum I'd be very happy but I don't expect it.
Skills and capabilities: I'm a software developer by trade and (very) amateur electronics hobbyist, so I feel reasonably comfortable in my ability to piece the electrical bits together. Mechanically I am competent in wood, while my father has a very good shop and can help doing high precision work. I also have a friend who owns a commercial machine shop with (I think) 5-axis CNC, laser cutters, etc. I don't have free run of the place and it's 100mi from where I live, but if I need one or a few parts done, it's not a showstopper.
Budget: Would prefer to keep it as low as possible. Knowing that most DIY projects end up costing twice as much as I start out thinking they will cost, I'd like to target $200-$300. I have a good spare Dremel and lots of ATX PSUs laying around, but I'd prefer something that did not require too much scrounging to meet a budget as I prefer to spend my time building and not shopping.
I would also prefer something that is a common design with a good number of builds, though I'm OK working from plans only if they're decent quality. So far the Brute II on the Crank Organ site seems the closest match, though I've also been looking at the Joe2006 for comparison.