Yet Another Noob. Looking for Kit or Guide

[JAZZCNC]

You won't get a Kit that is any good and if you do find one it will probably be equal to your total budget just for the frame. Like that flimsy rubbish you showed is £450 just for the frame without any motors etc.

I've given this advise many times to those on Low budgets with around £1000 and it's Wait and save up.!! . . . 1K just isn't enough to get a fully working decent machine but it's over half way. Like Neil suggests 1.5k is realistic minimum and even then you'll have to DIY every thing your self and shop careful.

If you try to build with 1k you'll end up wasting money as you'll probably end up buying cheap nasty components that are not suitable. End result will be an under performing and likely unreliable machine. Honestly your better not bothering and saving up.

Or build the machine in phases and save as you go along but still buying the correct parts. I've helped many people who are skill or equipment limited has well has budget limited build machines this way and while it takes longer you end up with a great machine custom built and worth having that is often worth twice it's component cost. Rush and you will regret it.

[RatherBeMaking]

Thanks guys

Your advise makes sense to me and I would rather spend a bit more and get a machine that will last me a few years.

I will limp along with my current machine and start saving.

Expect me back in a few months with more questions :)

[Clive S]

Thanks guys

Your advise makes sense to me and I would rather spend a bit more and get a machine that will last me a few years.

I will limp along with my current machine and start saving.

Expect me back in a few months with more questions :)

Why wait a few months with the questions its amazing how much you can learn from just following the forum input and asking question on anything you do not follow. Good luck with the hopefully new build. ..Clive

[RatherBeMaking]

That is a very good point actually.

I will need something to aim for. Without the option of a kit or guide, I'm going to need some pointers about which direction to go. I'll list my requirements that I need from the machine and perhaps we can go from there.

Predominantly woodworking machine. All types of wood, sheet, soft, hard, etc. I sometimes run acrylic sheet, but mostly wood. (It would be nice to play with aluminium in the future, but bottom of the list of requirements)
Spindle needs to take up to 1/2" router bits (My current machine has a 4mm shaft/collet) I would consider 1/4" bits at a push.
Max working area 600x1000mm. With ability to feed work through the bed. Z height can be as little as 75mm, but 100mm would be better.
Speed is not as much of an importance over cut quality. I'm running mostly V Carve signs.
I guess software is straight forward. My current machine is locked into rubbish. Mach3 or 4 would be fine.
Dust Extraction can come later. I don't have any at the moment.

In terms of building the machine, I have no metal working facilities, so alu profile would be preferred. I'm confident with wiring, electronics, soldering etc. I have kit-built a couple of 3D printers before.

So where do I start? Which of the many builds posted here should I follow for ideas?

[RatherBeMaking]

From an inexperienced point of view, I like the 'look' of the OX CNC Machine

http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/ope...c-machine.341/

But I understand from reading here that the wheel system that it uses is not the best design?