Looking for the impossible? A cnc router for 1k? is it possible?

**i2i** · 09-08-2012

Originally Posted by rdebourbon

Hello & Apologies for hijacking the thread and not using PMs - but I can't seem to send a PM yet.. I've been reading the forums here for a few weeks now and finally decided to join yesterday!

Mainly @ JAZZCNC & Jonathan - You guys seem to be pretty confident that a better quality DIY CNC can be built for about the same sort of money as a 6040.. I'm really keen to get a CNC project up and running at home for various hobbies etc - and have been considering a 6040 (after reading loads of OK-ish reviews) but TBH am not keen on spending all that money to get a kit that seems to have a lot of common problems (circuit grounding / bed surface / etc).. I am really keen to try and build a comparably sized CNC for similar cost but am feeling more than a little overwhelmed by all that needs to be covered..

Both of you have stated that you are willing to help users with designs, and your many posts in other threads do indeed show this to be the case.. My main point of interest is in the rough costing & BoM that JAZZ said he had worked out, as well as good cheap sources for all the parts (without massive lead times) and any recommended designs for a starting point.. There was also a hint earlier in this thread that such a project could be sourced in a few weeks and then completed in a month (which I think is a little ambitious for me considering general lack of fancy equipment like drill presses etc but am willing to give it a go).. I am very very keen to get started on this project (have a goal for some personalised Xmas gifts!) so would be very interested to hear your input as to how to tackle this behemoth..

Things to bear in mind:
1. My Limited engineering background & lack of access to advanced workshop tools (presses/lathes/mills etc).
2. End project is mainly going to be used for PCB machining (needs to be precise), wood carving and occasional aluminium/brass work.
3. Final machinable area should be of similar size to 6040 (basically anything over 300mm square with approx 10-15cm Z-axis would be perfect for my needs)
4. High Feed rate not of great importance - more interested in precision than speed.
5. Would prefer a fixed bed design..

I know I'm asking a lot from you guys with little to offer in return, but I'm hoping that you may be able to provide me with the needed help to get this project out of my head and into my garage so I can stop saying "if only I had a CNC setup.."

Hope to hear from you..

Ray

Hi, i have a Denford Microrouter here that i can do to you at £1200 with Mach3 setup on a computer ready for you to use. I also have a vac bed and axminster extractor available for it.
It's A3, and fully enclosed case, so no mess all over your workshop.

**JAZZCNC** · 09-08-2012

Originally Posted by i2i

Hi, i have a Denford Microrouter here that i can do to you at £1200 with Mach3 setup on a computer ready for you to use. I also have a vac bed and axminster extractor available for it.
It's A3, and fully enclosed case, so no mess all over your workshop.

rdebourbon if your serious about a machine and it's in decent condition which I don't doubt it is then snap i2i hand off before someone else does.!!

**BikerAfloat** · 11-08-2012

Hi All,

These machines have started to appear on eBay, they look more sturdy then the Chinese ones and come with UK Support. Black Cat CNC Machine 600x400mm cut area. EU Support / Warranty | eBay

Just a thought,

Cheers,
Geoff