My next CNC project - a PrintNC router

[thriller007]

I paid $1200 for the kit which included:
VFD
2.2KW watercooled spindle
Water pump
4 lengths of linear rail
6 rail blocks
4 stepper motors
4 stepper drivers
ER20 collet set
5 limit switches
1/2 metric tonne of hardware
Cable chains
Steel for the frame was about $100
$90 for a custom Teensy 4.1 breakout board
It will have a working area of 32" w x 24" deep.

I almost pressed buy on a Sienci Longmill before deciding to go this route but they were too big and I also wanted to be able to mill aluminum.

I am still undecided as to what direction to go. Ironically I think the Sienci Longmill is my top choice right now. I don't have a lot of time for building. I wish there was someone in Southern Alberta that has a Longmill so I could look at one of these in person. Also the same for a print NC.

 

[DavidR8]

I am still undecided as to what direction to go. Ironically I think the Sienci Longmill is my top choice right now. I don't have a lot of time for building. I wish there was someone in Southern Alberta that has a Longmill so I could look at one of these in person. Also the same for a print NC.

I won’t lie, building the router was not a trivial thing.
I think what really matters is understanding what kind of work you want to do; size and material are the key factors. If you have a desire to do any work with non-ferrous materials then buy the stoutest possible machine you can get.