Originally Posted by
joeavaerage
Hi,
I agree with peteeng, Chinese made CNC routers are usually pretty good value, they certainly are cheap. If there is any failing its the electronics they use, they tend to be rubbish and
are supplied with pirate software more often than not. I would suggest getting such a router but with the understanding that you'll throw the junk electronics away and buy a decent
US or European made motion controller and software like Mach4, UCCNC or LinuxCNC. These are by no means the only choices but they are widely used and discussed on this forum.
Given that LinuxCNC is free and open source, and can use a parallel port as its motion control output is very attractive pricewise. Is your daughter OK with Linux?
If she prefers Windows that's where Mach4 ($200) and UCCNC ($60) come into the mix. Be aware that the motion control hardware is specific to each software type and the cost
should really be the combination of the software, motion controller and breakout board/boards.
I for instance use Mach4, and Ethernet SmoothStepper and my own breakout board...and to replicate my set-up will cost about $600, so you need to be aware of the
potential cost implications of your choice.
The good thing about LinuxCNC, UCCNC and Mach4 is that your daughter will be accumulating skills can use in industry later, any of these software solutions will be recognisable
to that used on a double column VMC worth 3 million! Some of the lesser software types like GRBL rather less so.
Craig