Beginner in CNC trying to decide on number of axes

**doc7** · 17-05-2017

I did some more research and coupled with your suggestion the answer seems clear - get a 3-axis machine and eventually add a 4th axis.

I, however, don't really know the market and a suggestion for the way to go will be appreciated. I was looking at the Openbuilds Ox but it doesn't seem to be very robust so I kinda shy away from it.

**Greeny** · 17-05-2017

Hi,
Ox's aren't very well thought of here, certainly not for aluminium. http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/9738-...OX-cnc-machine

In terms of bang for buck, the general concensus i have picked up is you will get a lot better machine if you make it yourself.
Take a look at some of the builds here to get a feeling of what can be done. http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/253-DIY-Router-Build-Logs

If you are thinking about buying, post the specific machine here and ask for opinions, there are alot of very knowledgable people here who will give you an honest opinion. Try to include as much info as possible such what materials you intent to cut. General questions like "whats the best cnc machine to buy" rarely get replies.

Cheers

**doc7** · 17-05-2017

I have been on the internet for the past couple of days and I have somewhat better understanding of this entire endeavour. Until something better comes along as an alternative Omio will be my choice of machine.
I have been looking at both the X6 and X8 and I lean more towards the X6. The X8 is bigger and that's nice but if I ever upgrade to larger work area I'd like to have a taller machine too.

I'd like to ask for advice on is which flavour of X6 to choose? There's the X6 USB and the X6 EPL. In the USB version a computer links to the router and feeds it gcode and the EPL version reads a storage device with gcode on it, if I understand correctly. I don't use computer for my 3D printers and I like it that way but I'm worried that the EPL version allows for less versatility in terms of the program that spits the gcode. Is my thinking even right? I'd like to get a second opinion on that.
Links to X6 USB (https://www.omiocnc.com/products/x6-2200l-usb.html) and X6 EPL (https://www.omiocnc.com/products/x6-2200epl.html)

The general way I would ideally approach this entire business is to buy a decent, not too expensive router now and when I have decent amount of experience build a great machine myself. We'll see how well it all turns out, hahah.

**Greeny** · 17-05-2017

I have no experience of omio, but there are a few members here who do.
There is a good discussion here http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10673...sheet/page5#49

Not so good stuff here.
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10078...-2200L-machine
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10618...ck-there-of%29

Cheers

**doc7** · 18-05-2017

Thanks for your input.

I realise it can break and if I bought it there are no guarantees but I want to get something usable that I can get to work with from the start, not have it delivered nonoperational and then making it work like I suspect most of the ebay routers are.

**A_Camera** · 18-05-2017

Originally Posted by doc7

Thanks for your input.

I realise it can break and if I bought it there are no guarantees but I want to get something usable that I can get to work with from the start, not have it delivered nonoperational and then making it work like I suspect most of the ebay routers are.

The X6 is not an ordinary eBay router. If you buy a general 6040 THAT is an eBay router I'd worry about.

Normally I don't think you'd get it delivered non-operational, but you should not expect it to be plug and play. I don't think you can buy any of these machines, regardless of price, and expect to unpack it, put it on the table and start using without spending an hour or two, (or even more) with adjusting screws, installing parts, squaring and so on. Remember that even the best machine makes a long travel and requires some installation and adjustments. Yes you can be REALLY unlucky and get a pile of useless crap, but the probability of that is really small, considering how many of these type of machines are sold. Of course, if you worry too much you could contact a local dealer and pay extra for the risks he is taking and for the warrantee he is giving for you, but otherwise just buy one. Another option you have is to contact somebody who actually is building these for sale. Try JAZZCNC of this forum. Maybe he can build one for you, but I am pretty sure it will be considerably more expensive - but also better - than the X6 since he needs to pay the same price for a pint

as you have to.