Quote Originally Posted by Henrik View Post
The other alternative that I keep returning to is building a cnc router. I'd be going for a welded steel fixed gantry design with an effective work envelope of maybe 50 x 60 x 10cm.
If you have the equipment and knowledge to do this then It's a no brainer to DIY IMO. If you want a very strong machine that doesn't take up much space then have a look at Sean's in link below.
Build this style machine in steel and you wont get cheaper for the same strength (use supported rails thou.!!). It will match any cheap mini mill. Problem with Mini mills and aluminium is the spindle speed.? Far too low to give decent feed rates. Higher spindle speeds are much better in alu and mixed with flood coolant then you can shift some serious material and still have a very nice finish.

http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/router...t-machine.html