My friend was considering makera CNC mill. I told him 200 watt spindle is a joke. So...

[TorontoBuilder]

What are the best options in the 3 to 5K CAD range

Envelope large enough to make useful parts, and rigid enough machine to mill aluminum with ease.

Those who bought DMC2 mills, are you still happy with the choice?

 

[Sqought]

Omio cnc router is very productive in aluminum plate with the right machining strategies. It’s the go to machine for high school robotics.

 

[Mike R]

That novakon was probably the best. I had a DMC2 mini mill for a short period of time but the Tormach landed in my lap at the same time so I didn't use it much and eventually sold it off. It was pretty ridgid for its size, and very quick, I'm sure that its quite capable within its rather small work envelope. My biggest gripes would have been:
1. The very DIY anti backlash arrangement on the ballnuts. It works but I worry about it coming apart/loose or imparting too much preload.
2. The "enclosure" leaks like a sieve. Could really use a better thought out design there.
3. Sold without a control enclosure and the board that is designed for Mach3 choice is piss poor. Should either not include or include something better. I had zero intention of using Mach 3 but the way the wiring is designed you need to do a lot more to bypass the mach3 interface board.
4. Work holding will take up a bunch of your available Z height if you try and use even a tiny 3" vise. Can't really drill with it, just not enough height. Small pecks can be done and spotting your drill locations for manual drilling is the workflow that needs to be done, short large holes can be interpolated...

 

[Mike R]

A cnc ready Taig is a good option too if you can help out with control system.
https://taigtools.com/product/5023crext-micro-mill/