Help! So confused. Need recommendation for CNC Router / Table

[letterworks]

Just to add to this, I would go with Avid CNC kits over shopbot. Shopbot, to me, is a little too quirky and happy to kling to it's hobby roots. And you have to assemble them anyways and the AVID pro line is just better parts and probably within your budget but a little more DIY.

However, if you need to use multiple tools *at all* then forget any kit style and look for an ATC used as you will never regret having one.

 

[letterworks]

AKM1325C1 is a basic ATC cnc router, which can not only meet the needs of auto tool-changing, but also has a very cheap price. AKM1325C1 with 9.0KW ATC spindle and 8pcs linear type auto tool changers, while improving production efficiency, it can also save labor costs, which is suitable for mass production.
Basic configuration:
9KW ATC Air Cooling Spindle
Auto Tool Magazine
Mach3 Controller
Leadshine Easy Servo Motor
Helical Gear and Rack Transmission
5.5KW Air Vacuum Pump
3.0KW Double Bags Dust Collector
Rotary Axis
Optional:
Disc Tool Changer
Cutting Saw
Italy HSD ATC Spindle
Horizontal Spindle
Boring Unit View attachment 156547

"Mach3" in the specs, syntec control in the pictures. Amateur.

 

[RetepK]

I recently bought a Shopsabre 4X8 with vacuum but no tool changer for 25k with shipping. It's a very stout fast machine and very easy to run. I am a one man sign shop. Also these guys deal in a lot of used routers. They usually have a couple dozen. https://www.kdcapital.com/used-cnc-routers/

 

[Steve-P]

ShopSabre RC8 is a good entry level 4x8 machine that falls within your budget. https://www.shopsabre.com/cnc/router/rc-series/ The PRO series will be about 50% more, but adds more
features.

 

[SignEST]

no response

CNC Mechanical Kits | Avid CNC

CNC Machine kits and parts bundles offered by CNC Router Parts to build interesting and innovative CNC machine designs from other manufacturers.

www.avidcnc.com

Sounds about what you're looking for. Light duty, simple movements and you have your own Homeless Depot router. Building your own is not worth it unless you're some sort of a CNC genius. Assembling the kit should be doable for anyone.

 

[signdudegraphix]

We’re a mobile shop doing mostly wraps and signs, but have recently gotten requests for letters cut out of ACM. We purchased a Shaper Origin from shapertools.com. It works great for small jobs, but wouldn’t recommend it for a production shop. We’re considering the yeti smart bench from yeti tools because we need the portability.

 

[signdudegraphix]

We bit the bullet and got the yeti Smartbench precision pro from digital woodcarver. After a bit of a learning curve, with the V-Carve Pro software and the Smartbench, we are getting fantastic results with cutting 6mm MaxMetal with wrap vinyl applied. Very accurate machine and you can cut edge to edge on a 4x8 sheet.