Trim Routers & Home Builts
I had used a Rigid trim router in my home built for the first few months. I have ruined one and had it replaced by warranty but the "whine" of the motor really was getting to me, and by me I mean my wife and therefore me by association. The runout and overall destruction motor by having a trim router run for 1 to 2 hours straight at a time is hard on the bearings and brushes. Some of the intricate Vcarves and 3D shapes can really take some time on the machines.
I have since built a mount for a PC 690 and we are all much happier.
I got the CNC bug a little over a year ago when the Carvewright came out. I Built mine for $600 then have added Mach3 & Vcarve. The plans available on CNCZone.com are great. I would like to upgrade to a 'bot sometime in the future. Joes Hybrid 4x4 looks pretty decent, and right now I am having a hard time trying to decide if I should just build another, or by a BT32/48. If I go with a 'bot, I will go with a standard. From what I have read, you would rarely use the cutting speeds of the Alpha in a hobby situation. I would like to get a spindle for the noise factor - but the price is definitely a limiting factor.
I have heard that the Joe's Hybrid 4x4 can be built for $1600-$2400 and be able to use half sheets of plywood with great results.
$0.02
- Rob