Watch BEFORE You Buy a CNC Router in 2024

Great video Andy! Looking forward to your upcoming classes! 👍

Great video Andy. Keep up the great work. You referenced a video link at the end but I did not see it come up.

Thank you so much for this video. I am really jumping in to CNC and I think complete purchase is the hardest step after you figured out some of the items you listed.

Too many people get in to CNCs thinking they are plug and play. I can’t tell you how many people I have seen ask, “I don’t know anything about computers. I bought this CNC, what do I do now?” They are usually trying to sell it not long after or say it’s been in a box for a year and they need to sell now.

Andy you got this spot on and its more important to know the software first. I have been learning and its hard for this old man but i am getting it but it's a lot to learn sr. thanks for the video and look forward to your class later Andrew

Good video that I wish I watched when I started around 10 years ago! I started on a Shapeoko3, then upgraded it to an XXL. Definitely going from Carbide Create to learning Vectric vCarve Pro was the biggest jump for me. Now after making many guitars on the SO3 I sold it and getting a OneFinity Elite. Similar in price to an SO5, but can definitely run faster and I liked the idea of closed loop motors. I still love Shapeoko's and recommend them to everyone. I sold my XXL to a good friend, which I wouldn't do if I didn't think he would also be successful with it. Now with a Masso controller on the OneFinity, I'll be back to learning again. That's the one thing with CNC's is that you will never be done learning!

Interesting video Thank you. I design and resin print 3D models. Some parts though need to be metal for strength such as landing gear, etc. I am looking at a CNC machine to do these parts for me. Getting one or two parts done locally in Australia is cost prohibitive (set up fees of $500+ at times) so doing it myself might be a better way, can you suggest a desktop CNC machine that might have a bed size of at least 300 x 150 mm and capable of cutting 4mm aluminium.

Do you have any videos about cutting small, detailed cutouts? I have tried using a 1/8th in. straight bit and a 10 degree v bit on 1/8 in wood but I keep breaking the small fiddly parts. I saw a video about sandwiching the wood between two other pieces of wood but I would rather avoid turning a 5 minute cut into a 20 minute cut.

great content Andy.

There are a lot of good points in this video and I agree with the majority of this but... the second hand market is flooded with last generation CNCs. If you want to "get the feel" or "test the waters" so to speak then buy a second hand benchtop CNC. If you are determined to buy a new CNC then buy your second CNC first. If you are going to invest the kind of money it takes to get a quality CNC then look at it's ability to be upgraded. Don't buy any CNC that isn't capable of using a ATC Spindle. There are several available for less than $5k. The new AltMill from Sienci Lab can be had complete for 2/3 the cost of a Onefinity Elite. Look at the future because within two years ANY cnc without closed loop steppers and ATC capability is going to have a resale valve of rotten lettuce.

Love your videos. I took delivery of my shapeoko pro 5 in January. This is the most fun I've ever had making stuff. I had a controller failure about a mouth in. But I got it fixed, and it's running strong now. The only thing that gets me as of now it the feeds and depth of cut. I'm trying to get that worked out. But thanks for the videos and keep them coming. Always enjoy watching them.

Started with a Xcarve and for a while was mad that I went too small. However, If I didn't get the confidence pushing that machine to its limits, I dont believe I would of made the leap to a 4x8 Avid. Great video

My CNC is limiting me. I was an idiot and bought one without ball screws and linear rail. But I still can mill aluminum or plastic. Making some money producing adapters for dental cleaning machines. My next one, without electronic, will cost 3,5k€ for the mechanic alone.

If you want to play for hobby with the machine then buy anything you like or is within your budget, there are no beginners when it comes to business , you commit to it, get the best machine possible and then learn to use it up to its max not the other way around. You cant learn anything on a whimsy underpowered machine, if you value your time and end mills. That is my advice for both groups. All other questions like material sourcing, work holding etc. you should answer to yourself using time until the machine arrives

Andy, great video as always. I’ll have to agree and disagree respectfully. I bought my CNC in January and without knowing anyone with a CNC or CAD/CAM software. I jumped aboard head first. I knew the CNC and software would be pricey, but looking back over the last three months, the additional ‘stuff’ I needed up front costing more. Other than you and Garrett from IDC woodcraft, that’s about all the knowledge I had. I ended up buying a Sienci MK2 48x30 and enjoyed assembling and learning all about it. When there is an issue, I could figure it out. I started with making some stuff for myself and family members. Word of mouth spread quickly and now have requests from many and I can barely keep up with demand. I’m just about to break even with all the expenses I started with, and just put in an order for the Altmill which is a beast! Thanks to your inspiration and knowledge to go from 0-100 and I’m not even a pro yet. I still have lots to learn but excited to become better with every project. I may sign up for your course since there is so much to learn. And I haven’t even begun selling online yet. Still in awe how a project I designed from scratch goes through a computer and I stand beside my CNC in awe as it comes alive.

Where is the best place to learn about CAD and CAM. I want to know that I can figure that out before I pull trigger on a CNC

What do you think about a print nc cnc 30"x48" cutting area with ball screws and linear rails? I've built a 5c cnc lathe a plywood router 18x48 with 1 1/2 hp spindle. I've also retrofited a cnc sherline mill with my own controller. I used inkscape and grblgru for all my machines. Grblgru is totaly underated to power any machine in my opinion. I make metal spin tops that spin for 10-13 minutes. I developed a base to go with it that is adjustable for different size tops and it prolongs spinning times by 4 to5 times. I never got around to selling because life got in the way. Now I'm close to ready. Ive invested years and thousands of dollars in learning building and using cnc machines. I cant ever seem to get to the selling part though. What product can i start with. I lack the skill to make money. Any advise would be much appriciated.

Insightful video! My only recommendation is to add bullet points on screen…you move fast 😃

Thanks, @Andy, for the insightful video! The aspects you highlighted are often underestimated and can lead to failure. Your insights may have convinced me to opt for a Shapeoko over the OneFinity.

Just watched this and now I'm convinced my toaster is the ultimate CNC machine! 😂