Quick intro from a newbie in North Wales

[Kitwn]

Hello everyone,

I’m a hobby woodworker of many years and have decided to dive into CNC and am about to order a new machine from Ooznest. I don’t have much space so will be limited in size (750x1000mm machine). I know some members on this and other forums look down on the Ooznest as it is cheap compared to what is available for professional use and may have rigidity issues. However, they do have some good reviews and the price is affordable (just). Also a big plus is that they are in the UK where I live so just a phone call away.

As for software, I will be ordering Vetric Cut2D and may upgrade to VCarve Pro at a later date if and when I feel the need.

What do yo think? Am I making a sensible choice?

Regards

Brian

Welcome to the forum Brian. Another option to consider is that with your woodworking skills you should have no difficulty doing as many of us here have done and begin by building a wooden-framed machine, possibly using more robust supported round rails instead of plastic wheels on aluminium profile and more powerful motors. Choose the purchased hardware and electronics wisely and you'd be able to re-use many components in a later upgrade once you are confident that you're going to make use of it and have gained the experience to know what you want and how to achieve it.

Your post suggests that your budget is limited (who's isn't?) and a well-designed DIY machine is going to be better for a given price than anything you will purchase. You must already have good skills with handtools and some workshop space so I would suggest you consider the build option before buying anything. You'll have no shortage of advice and help from the members here.

Kit

[Brianh]

Two very interesting comments, thank you.

I have sent an email to jazzcnc because I am really interested in all my options.

As for building my own machine, this isn’t something I had thought about. It’s an interesting idea but the technical/electronic aspects of building one scare me a bit (read ‘a lot’). Plus I wouldn’t know where to start designing something as complex as a CNC machine.

I will keep reading and listening on here. I think I have come to the right place.

Regards

Brian

[Kitwn]

Two very interesting comments, thank you.

I have sent an email to jazzcnc because I am really interested in all my options.

As for building my own machine, this isn’t something I had thought about. It’s an interesting idea but the technical/electronic aspects of building one scare me a bit (read ‘a lot’). Plus I wouldn’t know where to start designing something as complex as a CNC machine.

I will keep reading and listening on here. I think I have come to the right place.

Regards

Brian

The biggest obstacle to building a machine is your own confidence, or lack of. Once you decide to get started the worst is over, though it does become a major project in it's own right. That's either good or bad depending on your personal circumstances.

Kit