Which CNC Router to choose, and what are the costs

[magicniner]

The spindle capacity on the stepcraft machine looks a bit lightweight to my eye,

- Nick

[Painted Letters]

Hi Nick,
Thanks for your reply, I am having my misgivings about the stepcraft.
Although it's a fairly cheap machine, it is will over £2000 which is a lot to spend if it takes several passes to cut 18mm, then needs resting to cool down.
But the hike in prices between this one, then the heavier weight ones seem drastic.
SO hard to make that step.

[mekanik]

welcome to the forum,
just a word regarding the availability of a decent off the shelf CNC machine.
Not all, but the majority of available machines are not a very good investment.
There are guys on the forum that will build a machine to your exact spec using the correct mechanical and electronic components,and it will perform superior to the majority of equipment you will find commercially available (unless you have very deep pockets),
put a request in freelance jobs & requests.
kindest Regards
Mike

[Painted Letters]

Hi Mike, that is a fantastic bit of advice, and just goes to show my naivety as I wasn't even really aware of such a service.
I definitely don't have deep pockets, this is a new venture which I am hoping to initially save overheads on my existing business, then gradually generate income on top of that.
I will post something on the jobs and requests page, and take it from there, thank you :)