8 x 4 CNC router buying advise

[Simon89]

Hi,

I’m in the the early stages of researching buying an 8x4 CNC router and not sure what machines to look at? Unfortunately a lot of manufacturers don’t advertise their prices, which instantly puts me off.

The machine won’t get a huge amount of use in my workshop but I hope it will give me the flexibility and control I need that subbing the work out doesn’t. As such I don’t need anything super fast and tool changing is likely out of my price range

I am liking the look of the CKJ, in particular the entry level R13

spec I need
8x4 sheet size
Single phase
Ready to go, I don’t think I fancy a diy build kit with ongoing tweaking

thanks

simon

 

[RobinBHM]

I’m not a CNC expert nor have one, just interested.

At first glance it looks good to me, they seem to be a genuine company, which can actually properly show it working.

lots of these 8 x 4 machines are Chinese imports with cheap components often non standard and low build quality.

For the price you won’t get an industrial woodworking CNC like a Biesse, Masterwood, Felder etc for that sort of money unless it’s pre 2005 and using out of date software.

A half decent Biesse or Masterwood from a dealer would be a lot more - but then you would get a fully industrial machine designed to work full time - lots of small woodworking shops buy one of these on finance, I know a 4 man shop that does stairs - he bought a Masterwood with software package. A complete stairs takes about 2 hours

 

[Keithgrif]

Saw the offering from Trend at the weekend at Makers Central, a small footprint/ packaway tool ideal for infrequent use perhaps. 8x4 capable for about £6k up. Might be worth a look.
Trend Yeti CNC SmartBench - CNC Machines - Products Trend Tool Technology

 

[cowtown_eric]

I think I'm fortunate to live in Calgary Alberta Canada and being a member of #Protospace-a maker space.


I did a conversion of the lowest price 4x8 cnc simon89 mentioned, converted it to CDN$ and to put makerspaces in perspective, that 6234 pounds equivocates to 15 years of membership to my makerspace with 24/7 access to a 5x10 Precix single head 3axis, and access to licenced v-carve pro, with shared costs of maintenance and ancilliary costs.

IF YOU PAY 2% INTEREST TO FINANCE IT, THAT MAKES IT 20 YRS OF MEMBERSHIP

Eric

 

[Simon89]

Yes I think decent support could be worth a lot of money and time!

the trend looks quite a clever bit of kit but doesn’t have the flexibility I am looking for that a gantry machine will offer

maker spaces do look good value and are a great access point for many. I think for my business needs the convince of being able to run the machine as and when I need should cover the additional cost. I know the 20mins drive to Screwfix is enough to put me off ‘just popping out’

 

[Sporky McGuffin]

for my business

These three words definitely suggest getting something off-the-shelf with good support.

 

[Simon89]

yes that was some really key information! - I have a VAT registered business. while I enjoy what I do, I don’t have the time for hobby woodwork / tool repairs.

 

[houtslager]

Hi,

I’m in the the early stages of researching buying an 8x4 CNC router and not sure what machines to look at? Unfortunately a lot of manufacturers don’t advertise their prices, which instantly puts me off.

The machine won’t get a huge amount of use in my workshop but I hope it will give me the flexibility and control I need that subbing the work out doesn’t. As such I don’t need anything super fast and tool changing is likely out of my price range

I am liking the look of the CKJ, in particular the entry level R13

spec I need
8x4 sheet size
Single phase
Ready to go, I don’t think I fancy a diy build kit with ongoing tweaking

thanks

simon

I grabbed the mk 1 of YETI CNC, it is a stable user friendly machine. Great team behind it, and it's ALL BRITISH BUILT. Get in touch with Andy or Aaron.

Ho pe this helps.
Karl