CNC machines get less expensive

[Zox]

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=31661

The included user software looks like it was designed for a VIC-20, but supposedly the device will accept "G-code" files from external software.

[pnolan48]

Sorta neat for what it does. But the bits have been "oversold" since I began looking at it. When I looked July 7, the bits were oversold until July. When I looked today, they were oversold until July 16. What good is a router without bits? Am I correct that this is a 2-D router?

[Zox]

Am I correct that this is a 2-D router?

Well, mostly 2-D; it says the maximum depth of cut is 15mm, which is certainly respectable.

And unfortunately, it requires 4mm shank router bits, which are not exactly common. I smell a razors-and-blades business model here, since the bits are stupidly expensive compared to 3.5mm (i.e. 1/8") Dremel bits.

I guess I'll just have to continue my attempts to mount a Harbor Freight rotary engraver into my Silhouette cutter...

[pnolan48]

Well, mostly 2-D; it says the maximum depth of cut is 15mm, which is certainly respectable.

And unfortunately, it requires 4mm shank router bits, which are not exactly common. I smell a razors-and-blades business model here, since the bits are stupidly expensive compared to 3.5mm (i.e. 1/8") Dremel bits.

I guess I'll just have to continue my attempts to mount a Harbor Freight rotary engraver into my Silhouette cutter...

LOL! I missed this one. I am thinking that, if I looked around enough, I could find an hulking, obsolete CNC, and probably the DEC mini or Sun workstation that controlled it, just for carting it away. I might have to rent a flatbed (or a BIG pickup) and a forklift--oops, those would blow the budget.

[Zox]

If anyone was thinking about getting the Click-N-Carve machine, it's currently (through Dec. 10) on sale for $1200, marked down from $1600.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=31661&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V2253