I started in CNC using a purchased CNC Foam cutter. Later I designed an built my own CNC Foam cutter that addressed the weaknesses in my previous machine.
Then I built a Routezilla from plans from John Kleinbauer (cranky). Immediately after building that machine I began design work on another machine which I did not build.
I then built a Joes 4x4 Hybrid router with leadscrew. I later upgraded that to Rack & Pinion and then to aluminum. Last summer I redesigned the Z axis and now can CUT at 750 IPM on Z.
My next machine will be a small 5 axis bench top machine. I can't wait.
Bill
Joescnc 4x4 R&P Router, Minimill, Minilathe, CNC Foamcutter, laser cutter, Vectric Aspire. http://makermasters.com, http://themakersguide.com