Apologies if this isn't the right forum - I'm looking at a benchtop vs. a Bridgeport. Forum for each. What's a newbie to do?
I have an older Bridgeport in decent shape - belt drive spindle, 2 axis DRO. I do light machining, mostly prototypes and replacement parts.
I need to make dozens (and perhaps hundreds) of enclosures with various cutouts. Most are plastic, some are light gauge steel. I've wanted to move to CNC anyway, so this is a good catalyst. My budget for ALL expenses is $10k.
After tons of lurking and research, I think I have two basic choices:
1) Do a CNC retrofit to my Bridgeport
2) Sell the Bridgeport and get an IH machine with the CNC kit
The work envelope that I need rules out most benchtop CNC systems. I won't be running full production so I don't think I need a full-blown VMC, and I don't have time to deal with too much uncertainty about when I'll be able to start making chips. I can deal with the IH kit, but an unknown used machine scares me.
My understanding of pros and cons:
Bridgeport is a beefier machine. Parts are easy to find and cheap. Most Bridgeport CNC retrofits seem to be heavier, stronger, and faster than the IH.
IH gives me variable speed spindle, and new machine with support and no worries.
IH would be easier to enclose to catch coolant.
Neither one gives me the spindle speeds I wish I had for plastic - I think I'll do some sort of engraver attachment to the head if that becomes a problem.
I think costs are pretty near a wash.
Any thoughts and collective wisdom that I can shamelessly take advantage of?