I am just entering the foray of deciding which, if any, CNC machine might be best for me. I am exclusively a hobbyist who, to be honest, is looking for a new toy for my woodshop. I am looking forward to the challenge of learning something new and to creating projects with the new-to-me technology. I've never done CAD before but I'm pretty software proficient and have learned several other high learning curve systems. I predominately make small tables, chests, boxes and lots of turnings. Adding CNC generated inlays to small projects (like box lids) is what is currently motivating my interest, but I would expect to evolve. I have also considered and done a fair bit of research on laser systems, but I'm leaning towards CNC routers. Either route, I would rather buy a high quality tool even if it was overkill for me. My max budget is $20K although I would prefer to spend less. I would really appreciate any and all advice regarding the following questions as well as any other considerations I may have neglected. I would even be grateful if someone talked me out of it . Here are some questions:
1) CNC vs. laser for inlays ?
2) Camaster vs. Legacy ? It seems to me Legacy has better training and there is a Legacy focused CNC user group in my area (Denver). Although Camaster seems to be the choice of this forum, no ? Better build quality ? I have registered on the Camheads forum, but it has been a week and my registration has still not been approved so I can not post there.
3) If Camaster, I have debated between a Stinger I or a Stinger II. Either way I would want a spindle upgrade and FTC. I'm not sure about lathe ready or not. I do a lot of turnings and could see myself using this in the future, so maybe at lease "lathe ready" ?
4) How dependent will I be on using MDF ? I try to avoid it when possible (toxic, carcinogenic ?) Are other substances such as HDP feasible for spoiler boards ?
Thanks so much if you can advise me.