Watch BEFORE You Buy a CNC Router in 2024

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

I'm not interested in CNC'ing wood but rather looking to make small aluminum or brass parts. Is there a good CNC for that?

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.

great content Andy.

First of all let me say you inspired at most my transformation (or upgrade if you like) from IT expert and bunch of 1s and 0s into Geppeto :) So when weird noises are coming from our backyard .. I blame you. Art is a journey, an exploration of the soul that manifests on canvas. The time invested in creating each piece is a reflection of passion, dedication, and vision. However, I've come to realize that the value of this time can vary greatly between my own perception and that of potential buyers. You see, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. What might take hours to perfect might be perceived differently by someone else. This divergence in perception is what makes art so profoundly unique and personal. Therefore such a "making of" and tutorial videos are precious and important to bridge the gap between the artist's intent and the viewer's appreciation, creating a deeper connection and understanding of the value embedded in every hour spent on an art piece.

What specs do you need in a machine for it to be able to do fancy intricate stuff like the hattori samurai etc. I'm a retired tech and I don't want to spend money on something that I will regret because it is limited and I have to pay and learn all over again with another one.

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

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.

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.

Hi Andy! I'm thinking of buying my first CNC but I'm on a budget so I found this BulkMan3D Ultimate Bee CNC Kit that have the size and price I would be ok with. Assembly is not a problem for me but do see possible weak points in their design or some other reasons not to go with BulkMan3D:s Ultimate Bee CNC Kit? I live in Finland so I need to think about where to order, delivery cost and VAT...😅

Such an underrated video 👍

The marketing & selling is by far the hardest, ive done it all, spent money creating my own website, ive set up facebook page insta page, etsy, craft fairs, made videos to help market my products etc and im still struggling..i make a few sales here and there but i find you get alot of time wasters who dont want to pay at the last minute, also craft fairs here in the uk have high fees, making it extremely difficult, and shops arnt interested in buying bulk because they get there products from china.. i probably would of sold my cnc at this point but i still like having it there in my workshop as something to use as a hobby, im pretty disappointed though

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