4 Cheap CNCs for your home
My parents just picked up a Dremel tool for me for my birthday and I'm a bit smitten with the possibilites especially after learning about the open source Dremel powered CNC movement. I learned about the projects through the awesome Kickstarter site when I saw posts about MyDIYCNC ( http://www.mydiycnc.com/) which is the Dremel CNC solution. It is currently sold out but it was funded and they are currently backlogged. While this is a basic kit with a very low cost of entry there is a wide range of other inexpensive CNC solutions. Below is a summary of my research which maybe someone else will find useful. Check back again to see progress.
MyDIYCNC ($230 - $580)
The cheapest of the systems and Dremel based they sell complete kits or detailed instructions for as little as $15. This is a nice small entry system which I'll use as a gateway CNC for bigger systems to come. For now I'll purchase the documentation and get a feel for the extent of the project. More on that later.
micRo-kit CNC ($700 -$1800)
Very slick looking kit made of metal and plastic parts that look easy to bolt together and get running. Uses a router The size looks a little small and because of the premade parts it looks like you're stuck with this size.
Build Your CNC ($1300 - $2300)
Uses a router and detailed instructions on building a desktop sized CNC machine. Looks like they have great documentation and community support. The CNC appears to be very easily modified and there are a number of cool hacks on the site for things like 3D printing and even T-Shirt printing!
FurnLab CNC ($2500 - $7500)
Full sized CNC project yet to be funded ( Support them! ) on Kickstarter. This is an awesome project aimed at the serious hobbyist and maker who needs a fullsized and full featured CNC machine. I think I'll have to work up to this one.
Posted
by Paul R
