Quote Originally Posted by Brianh View Post
What do yo think? Am I making a sensible choice?
Hi Brian,

Nobody can really say yes or no to that question because we each want different things from a machine. However, as you are probably aware I build and sell CNC routers (Here in Uk) so I do have a bit of a unique perspective.? And, no I'm not trying to sell anything here just passing on my experience.!

Many of the customers who have bought one of my machines started with an Ooznest or Shepoko type machine, so they are great for learning, but every one of them said the same or very similar things about them which is they are flimsy, slow, limiting and become frustrating as they tried to cut larger or better parts.

Some of them tried to improve or upgrade them but quickly realized they were flogging a dead horse as the foundations are too weak, so decided to cut their losses and buy a properly built machine. Hence coming to me.!

So my two pence worth is if you only want one to learn CNC and don't expect too much from them then go ahead buy one. However, be aware CNC is very addictive, and when the bug bites these machines DO very quickly become limiting and frustrating when you try to cut more advanced or require higher quality work.
Also, by the time you factor in other things which are missing like a decent spindle they are not as cheap as they may appear, which is something else nearly every customer said was that with hindsight they wished they had saved the money and bought one of my machines from the outset.

But hindsight is a wonderful thing when you have it which is why I mention it here so others like yourself can make decisions with a little help from others hindsight. (Though the sceptics will just say I'm chasing sales,!! . . . Which I'm not because don't need to use tactics like that, my machines sell them selfs)

Good luck and welcome to the joys of CNC.