Which cnc laser or router???

[Aitch1969]

Some advise please my friends..

I am looking for either a laser or router CNC
For mainly cutting up to 5mm Birch ply.
Also possibly acrylic sheet

Pieces will mainly be small up to 100mm Square.

Cost is a major issue. So either way this is a tool for me to do something with rather than a project in itself. I have no problem building from a kit. Software needs to be simple, easy to use. And on a simple Windows laptop.

I am leaning towards a router as this gives the option of engraving and shaping also.

Main considerations are something that actually does what it says on the tin reasonable accuracy +-0.1mm and clean cuts.

I'm not planning constant commercial use just personal hobby use but still first project will be region of 500 components.

Any help and guidance much appreciated.

Thanks
Aitch  ;D

[jono44]

Your better of with a router cnc it will not only cut what you want but will cut aluminium, carbon fibre and other softer metals as well as
thicker hardwoods. A cnc router is just more versatile. You download i think demo's of software, i use UCCNC, lots of people use Mach3.

[Aitch1969]

Your better of with a router cnc it will not only cut what you want but will cut aluminium, carbon fibre and other softer metals as well as
thicker hardwoods. A cnc router is just more versatile. You download i think demo's of software, i use UCCNC, lots of people use Mach3.

Thanks jono44

Any suggestions as to a reasonably priced machine

Thanks
Aitch

[jono44]

So it depends on what you want to spend anything less than £800 before you start to get a good solid machine your looking at something like this.
Link

If your only doing things 100mm square than anything else is overkill.

[Aitch1969]

So it depends on what you want to spend anything less than £800 before you start to get a good solid machine your looking at something like this.
Link

If your only doing things 100mm square than anything else is overkill.

Thanks again.
I'm sure that would do the job and seems the same machine is sold by many sellers.
Just concerned about software now. All reviews suggest supplied software is pants!!!

Machine says work area is 30x18cm but if I'm reading it right it may only actually be 14x10cm??

Thanks
Aitch

[Aitch1969]

OK that's about in my price bracket. Wondering if the upgrade version is worth the little extra

link

Seems to be just for the better chuck and bits?

Thanks Aitch

[Aitch1969]

Thanks for the advice

I went in total opposite direction and have ordered an ender 3

Aitch