Replies

1. 
   mikeinohio | Jan 21, 2022 04:27pm | #1

   I bought a Next Wave Shark cnc and have been happy. They have a few models within your price range and how much you spend depends on the size of your craft projects .

   The Next Wave Shark HD500 is on sale right now for $2700. That includes a very good software package and allows for projects up to 13 inches by 24 inches by 7 inches high.

   You supply the 2hp router and you supply a Windows based computer.

   I bought the Next Wave Shark SD100. It's their least expensive machine at $1100 and can do projects 12 inches by 13 inches and 3 inches high. I supplied the 1.25hp router and a Windows based computer.

   The included software is Vectric corporation's Vcarve Desktop. It's very good and it's popular enough that there are loads of tutorials on YouTube to help you. This software can't design 3D carvings from scratch (you would need to upgrade to Vectric's ASPIRE software) but it can import 3D files created on other software and add them to your project.

   Mike

2. 
   spog_uk | Jan 21, 2022 04:50pm | #2

   It really depends what you're going to use it for -- 2D, 3D, large parts from 8'x4' plywood sheets, small project details, etc.

   I have a Shapeoko XL, which should fall into the price bracket you mention, that I use for creating router templates for complex parts, and occasionally for machining other jig-type paraphernalia. Works great for that. Can do a decent job of engraving text etc as well. Capable of full 3D carving, but requires a fair amount of fuss to get feeds and speeds right to leave an acceptable finish. I prefer doing my carving work by hand to tinkering with that, but if doing a production run of the same item, I'd probably reconsider, as the marginal cost/benefit calculations swing. I don't use it for any joinery work.

   As for software, the provided CAD software from Carbide is very basic, but I swear by Autodesk Fusion360. A bit of a learning curve, but there are lots of online resources and it's hugely capable. I use it for most projects regardless of whether the CNC has anything to do with it. Also gives good 3D renders with textures to give a clear idea of how something will look -- great to put together in a project/proposal folder along with plans/technical drawings etc. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for their free packages (either personal use, or small business/startup with < 10 employees). It can generate gcode for a very wide variety of CNC machines.