I’ve been intrigued by the idea of a CNC machine for years now and have been holding a spot in my garage for a 4’ x 4’ (ish) system. I think this will be my big tool purschase in 2019.
Taking some time to do some research over the Christmas break, I’m having a hard time seeing what machines (both DIY/home brew designs and commercial) are presently a good idea. So far about the only characteristic that I’ve figured out is that I’d like a cutting surface of at least 36”x48”x6”. After that it’s all a bit confusing. Some of the links that I’m coming up with are pretty old so it’s hard to tell what information is current vs what is evolving.
Are there any guides to machines, current for 2019, giving an overview of relevant systems? I’d be up for a home brew design if the cost difference make it worthwhile.
So far it looks like the easiest turn-key solution is the (upcoming?) Laguna IQ or PowerMatic system. The most versatile is the CNC routerparts.com 4x4 system and I can’t really figure out if there are any decent DIY designs that I could realistically use.