What machine to buy!

[komatias]

Hi,

10K will get a good mid range machine that should come with its own software. I have a chinese one but have been eyeing up ones from a company called CTR. Not contacted them so not sure of prices but like the look of their machines in the photos. They claim to be UK made too.

Nothing beats going to the see the machines though.

In terms of software, the CAD side is pretty basic. You use programs that can make vector graphics like corel draw, adobe ilustrator, autocad or inkscape (free) and that is then translated to whatever the machine reads. Some machines are able to etch greyscale which is a huge plus as you get 3D images engraved nicely.

To give you a feel for the power requirement:
40W will cut 3mm birch ply at full power traveling at around 2-5mm/s
50-60w will cut the same at 12mm/s and 6mm at 3-4mm/sec

I would go for 80-100W just to be on the comfy side.

You should also consider where you are going to install the machine. They produce a shitload of smoke and thus you will need extraction.

Best of luck in you adventures and keep us posted!

regards George