Newbie making his 1st CNC machine purchase

[Sonofgus]

I am buying my first machine and I am still undecided about which one.My price range is around 8k to 12k.It will mostly be used to make Adirondack chairs out of plastic composite or wood.I would like a spindle,Aspire software,dust collection system.I'd like to buy my 2nd machine 1st if you know what I mean?Something I can grow into.Any advice on a good machine would be appreciated. Rob

[bob_reda]

You can probably get a good used shopbot in that price range for the things you are looking to do. The software does have a transfer fee, not much, but even used it is at least $1000. The spindle is another $2500 or so.

Bob

[kartracer63]

Rob,

If I had to do it over again, I would have popped for the spindle. Man, that router is loud!

[Sonofgus]

You can probably get a good used shopbot in that price range for the things you are looking to do. The software does have a transfer fee, not much, but even used it is at least $1000. The spindle is another $2500 or so.

Bob

Wheres a good place to look for a good used machine other than this site?I'm a little leary about buying used as well.

[Sonofgus]

Rob,

If I had to do it over again, I would have popped for the spindle. Man, that router is loud!
Vacuum systems seem like a huge expense,what other options do I have for what I want to do? I know I'm asking total newbie ?s ,so please excuse me and I appreciate all help..TY

[myxpykalix]

Rob,
I don't think you need to be afraid of buying a used machine. They generally hold together well, they hold their value, and usually you are not buying someone else's problems when you purchase used.

I installed a vacumn system when i first set mine up and frankly never use it. Almost everything i cut is not full sheets of plywood and i just don't trust the vacumn for holding smaller stuff. I think you could grow into a vasumn system if you need it.

I also started with a router. The spindle would be quieter but i could buy 10 routers for the price of one spindle and 6 years later i'm only on my 2nd router. The cost of repairs and upkeep made me shy away from it. That too you could grow into if you felt you needed it.

I bought the biggest machine along with a indexer and made a custom table because i wanted to be able to run my indexer without having to regret not doing it later.

[Sonofgus]

Rob,
I don't think you need to be afraid of buying a used machine. They generally hold together well, they hold their value, and usually you are not buying someone else's problems when you purchase used.

I installed a vacumn system when i first set mine up and frankly never use it. Almost everything i cut is not full sheets of plywood and i just don't trust the vacumn for holding smaller stuff. I think you could grow into a vasumn system if you need it.

I also started with a router. The spindle would be quieter but i could buy 10 routers for the price of one spindle and 6 years later i'm only on my 2nd router. The cost of repairs and upkeep made me shy away from it. That too you could grow into if you felt you needed it.

I bought the biggest machine along with a indexer and made a custom table because i wanted to be able to run my indexer without having to regret not doing it later.
Ty and I appreciate the advice.