I have built my first cnc about 2 years ago. Although it was ugly it worked quite good.
Now I moved to US and considering to buy a small cnc this time. I loved building it although it was hard for me to do since I was lacking the tools even to work with mdf but now I don't have any time or place or tools to make one myself(If I had those I would definitely build my own since after all those experience it would be a fun and rewarding experience).
My previous machine was using a dremel 395 and it was noisy. It was a high pitched noise and even without cutting it was disturbing. I don't want to disturb any neighbors although I believe my new vacuum cleaner is just as noisy and most probably I am exaggerating.
About the machine:
-I'll use it for hobby mainly on foam, thin plywood and sometimes mdf. I want to be able to cut soft metals but it will happen very rarely.
-The machine should be working no more then several hours a week.
-Since I'll be using it at home the cutting area of 10-14" x 20-24" would be quite good although I may go a little smaller.
-Quietness is important. I'm not expecting a whisper quite machine but the noise level should not disturb any neighbors. Btw I've heard high volume music in the corridor but can't hear anything while i'm inside so I guess it will be easier stay in non-disturbing noise range.
-I'm thinking of a small Makita router and and enclosure for preventing the noise and dust problems.
-The machine must be easily assembled requiring no special tools, not cutting etc.
-I may go up to around 2K budget(machine itself not the electronics).
Two of the machines I'm thinking of are :
K2CNC 25x15 router : The machine seems like a solid aluminum machine with few parts but I don't know how easy to assemble it.
Fireball V90: A hobby grade cnc
http://www.probotix.com/FireBall_v90_cnc_router_kit/
price is quite cheap, it seems it assembles easily. However it is mainly mdf and I'm not sure if it will last long.
Since I'm buying the machine I wander if it is more reliable and quiet if I go for a aluminum machine.
I also wonder if there is an easy solution for enclosure for cnc. It is really hard to build.