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  1. #1
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    Default CNC Router for Under $2000?

    Hi WWF,

    Likely stupid question but was wonder if you can get a half decent CNC router for under $2000?

    Total newbie to the topic but was thinking it might be useful to have something in the shop that could handle around 800x800.

    All suggestions/ criticism welcome

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  3. #2
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    Default

    The Workbee seems to get some decent reviews makerstore.com.au sells the mechanical kit for around $1000 for a 1000 x 1000 table size. Once you add electronics, motors and the other bits and bobs I suspect that it would be a bit more than $2000 though, depending of course on the quality and strenght/torque that you’re getting. I’ve never bought from makerstore so can’t say whether they’re good or not and never used the Workbee though. The reviews do seem to say they’re pretty good but then again there seem to be a lot of people who want to either upgrade them or make them stiffer out there.

    How stiff and powered is has more to do with what you want to build with it. I made one 10 years ago with about a 1100 x 600 working area. I use it for guitar building. As a matter of fact its for sale since I just upgraded to a commercial machine. What do you want to build with the cnc?

  4. #3
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    Default

    I am not really sure what I want to make but figured it would come in useful from time to time.

    Every birthday (in August) I like to fit the shop out with a new tool.

    I typically make furniture of all shapes and sizes.

    Just now I am making wardrobes with round door handles. Think the CNC would make the door handles a lot easier to make

  5. #4
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    Default

    Makerstore.com.au looks pretty good.

    Think there is a steep learning curve to understand all that is required

  6. #5
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    Default

    There definitely is, all takes a while, especially if you’re not familiar with designing things in CAD. There’s also CNC3D.com that sells cnc parts and kits, they’re located on the Gold Coast I think. I’ve bought from them before without issues.

  7. #6
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    Default

    Last time I priced a 750 x 1000mm Workbee with all the bells and whistles and a 1.5kW air cooled spindle and VFD, it as around $2800.

  8. #7
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    Default

    DIY - maybe

    Only if you price your labour at zero

  9. #8
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pippin88 View Post
    DIY - maybe

    Only if you price your labour at zero
    My labour is always free as it is a hobby - an increasingly expensive one [emoji4]

  10. #9
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    Default

    Cnc3d.com looks a lot more expensive than the workbee units from makerstore.com.au

    Why would one need a 1.5kw trimmer - that is about double a normal trim router?

  11. #10
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    I bought a XYZ Carve. Based on Shapeoko.

    With a trimmer router it comes in today at $1,820 for the hardware.
    You then need bits, software and workbench, dust extraction etc.

    You don't need a 1.5kW trimmer, the larger units are spindles. A trimmer works fine, however a spindle is next level re noise and power and runout.

    I used a trimmer router for a couple of years no problems, until I wore it out and the runout got pretty bad.

  12. #11
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    Default

    Check out Bluecarve cnc. They are made in Melbourne and service is excellent.

    Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

  13. #12
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    Bit more research suggests the workbee z access limitations (about 30mm) is why it is cheaper.

    The Lead CNC, though more expensive, looks a lit more versatile

  14. #13
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    I have the workbee and I’m happy with it so far, I’m just getting into it and learning CAD. The limiting factor is the Z clearance as you mentioned. I have the 1.5kw water cooled spindle and it is far quieter than a trim router. Be aware that a CNC runs for far longer than you would normally use a trim router for. I had mine running last weekend from 8:30 am until 5pm both days. By the end of it I was a bit over the noise from the spindle and dust extractor.

  15. #14
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    Turns out you can configure a Workbee for about $1700.

    Ended up with a Lead V3 and smashed through the budget barrier [emoji12]

  16. #15
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    Default

    Don’t keep us in suspense
    What did you end up buying? My tax return comes in this week
    Last edited by Lappa; 9th August 2021 at 07:24 PM. Reason: Started another thread

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