Any decent CNC machines around $2,000?

[Bugsysiegals]

While browsing 8020 extrusion I came across 8020 carts, link below, and seen a CNC inside one of the carts.  I've lots of cabinets to make for my house (kitchen, dining, bathroom, laundry room cabinets, etc.) and wondered whether a CNC would be a valuable tool for these projects and as well as many others.

I can break 4 'x 8' sheets down with the TS55, cut precision cuts on a cabinet saw, use a router and LR32 for shelf pin holes, etc. but wonder whether it would be better to break the sheet down to rough sizes and let the CNC make do all these operations including blind dado's, door/drawer routing, dovetails, etc.  It seems it would reduce human error in addition to being faster for some operations.

I'm not familiar with the quality one can expect from a $2,000 CNC machine which leads me to this post ... are there any decent CNC machines in this price range and would a smaller CNC like this be a valuable tool for cabinet making and other projects?

FWIW - I'd heard to stay away from belt drive CNC so maybe this isn't the right CNC but the Shapeoxo XXL size seems like it could handle most cabinet parts.  Otherwise I really love the portability of the Onefinity for a small basement shop but it's just being shipped to the public now so there's no telling if it's really a quality product or not.
https://faztek.net/garage-systems.html

 

[WillAdams]

I work for Carbide 3D which produces the Shapeoko XXL and other sizes, as well as the Nomad --- like most things in life the drive system one selects for a CNC is a matter of tradeoffs. For the belt drive these are:

- inexpensive
- fast
- forgiving of errors and problems and easily replaced

Could we make a machine which used lead screws all around? (we now use that standard on our Z-axis in the Z-Plus) Of course --- it would also be a lot more expensive and would be less forgiving of user error.

The machines work well:

-https://community.carbide3d.com/t/hardcore-aluminum-milling-on-an-s3/9744
-https://community.carbide3d.com/t/chippendale-newport-ri-desk-legs/10214

when used w/in their limits with appropriate feeds and speeds and tooling.

By way of comparison there's a list of the currently available machines at:
https://www.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/wiki/index

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Thanks for your reply with this information, much appreciated.

 

[ryanjg117]

[member=60777]Bugsysiegals[/member], I've been looking for a fixed CNC for some time, and currently leaning toward an Avid (formerly CNC Router Parts) 4x4 machine because they're local to me, and I can assemble it with 1 or 2 people. Also they have a pass through design, so I could potentially load in a full 4x8 (as long as it's properly supported on both ends) without even having to cut it.

Like you've noted, many opt for a smaller machine such as a 4x4 or even smaller, and first breakdown full sheetgoods with a tracksaw or sliding tablesaw. If you're interested in CNC, I recommend first learning CAD and CAM. You can start with SketchUp for CAD, or Fusion 360 if you're a bit more ambitious. Fusion also has a well built out CAM module, so you can take your designs right to the tool. Lots of resources out there for woodworkers interested in learning SketchUp or Fusion.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

[member=60777]Bugsysiegals[/member], If you're interested in CNC, I recommend first learning CAD and CAM. You can start with SketchUp for CAD, or Fusion 360 if you're a bit more ambitious. Fusion also has a well built out CAM module, so you can take your designs right to the tool. Lots of resources out there for woodworkers interested in learning SketchUp or Fusion.

Ive used Sketchup a few times but more so Fusion360 to create models for my 3D printer. I’ve not used any CAM module so will have to check that out, thanks!

 

[blaszcsj]

I have an Xcarve for 4 years now. I bought into i when it was on kicks starter and upgraded it to the xcarve. At the time it was the best supported and had the easiest to assembly electronics assembly kit. It does well with wood and carving. I have done simple signs to floral carvings on it. Cant shake it for that. Anything bigger in y direction (gantry width), would start comprimising the rigidity. For wood/plastic, cant complain, decent machine.

 

[kevin clifford]

I have had a Shapeoko xxl for a little over a year and it has been fantastic. Took about 2 nights to put it together and I already had a cabinet built for it when it arrived. Solid machine and thus far zero problems. Added a dust boot from Suck-it and the ct15 is dedicated to the cnc with a cheapo cyclone bucket lid.

 

[Vondawg]

[member=67313]WillAdams[/member] ...wow! Thanks for the links...I think...I got side tracked for an hour! Following different posts, especially Vince.fab
Thanks again very interesting (and out of my wheel house)

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Thanks for the feedback everybody!

 

[mkasdin]

$2000 is the jumping off point. Figure $4,000 on up for an accurate, fast machine. It’s nice to have an auto (Tool) bit changer but then your looking at the $10k + range. I didn’t see the velox cnc machine. I’ve talked with the owner a few times, they can custom build the cnc machine. I’ve also spoken to Avid and Shawn at zenbot cnc. All the CNC machines have their pluses and minuses. I think most of these cnc machines are cutting mdf sheet goods for cabinets? The high end  Commerical machines are $20- 40k, medium price is $10-15k. Dropping down to a smaller shop and lower production the machines are $5-8k... Hobbyist and 1-2 man shops are in the $3-6k sub $4,000 you have a smaller footprint, but you can still index your workpiece to double your format - just a matter for time vs money and how much Patience your willing to devote. Just my $.02