Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Best CNC solution for Getting Started

Without some indication of the size of the work area it is really
difficult to answer your question. Also, the requirements for working
with metal and wood are quite different - wood tending to require much
higher spindle speeds and feeds and metal requiring much higher rigidity.

Additionally, I don't know about anyone else, I virtually never mill
wood on my NC machine, but sometimes I use my metal bandsaw to cut wood
and I always regret it as the wood chips mix with the oil and coolant
and make a huge mess...

I would look into Intellicad as it is free (or close to) and mostly
compatible with AutoCAD.

--C.S.

>Hi,
>
>I am a newbie and interested in purchasing a complete CNC milling
>machine setup which includes the design software, CNC controls, etc
>to get a completely automated hobbyist setup from the start. I will
>be working with metal as well as wood and plastics. Typical projects
>will be cutouts, slotting, drilling, engraving, and 3-D molds. While
>I am going to use the machine and software only occasionally as a
>hobbyist, I am willing to spend the bucks for the best and most
>popular solutions for the hobbyist market. I would appreciate
>your unabashed and totally biased :) opinions on:
>
>1) What you recommend for the best complete solutions and the
>typical prices of these solutions.
>2) Links to online stores for these systems.
>3) Most popular CAD programs (Windows PC based) and CNC Milling
>machines used in the Hobbyist CNC community.
>
>Thanks,
>Steve