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A few makers sent this in... SEARS now carries a a computer controlled CNC machine for under $1,799 (USD)
"Compact, computer-controlled, 3-dimensional woodworking machine with an easy-to-use interface. It allows a novice to make a complete project without a shop full of tools.The unique configuration allows it to perform many other woodworking functions, including ripping, cross cutting, mitering, contouring, jointing and routing. The CompuCarve can work in most soft materials, including wood, plastics (polycarbonate or cast acrylic) and certain types of high density foam. Set includes CompuCarve machine, (1) 1/16 in. carbide carving bit, (1) 1/8 in. carbide cutting bit, CarveWright Memory Card, starter software package, (2) 1/4 in. bit adaptors, vacuum bag adaptor, bit removal tool, hex wrench, owner's manual and Quick Start Guide." - Link.
Perfect for the home Fab-Lab...
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You have to check out the videos on CarveWright, whence this was apparently rebranded. It has 0.005" resolution, automatic depth setting (reads bit tip!), automatic stock size checking (finds edges!), and carves at crazy fast speeds. It can also do a handful of canned routines, sans-computer, like "edge routing, cross cutting, jointing, mitering and beveling." The software appears to use simple height-fields (greyscale images where white is higher, black is lower), and so you can merge patterns instantly, and automatically, and drag them all around to line them up however you like. I want one, and a place in which I can make the noise to use it!
http://www.carvewright.com/
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But it's limited to the CW patterns and can't use standard G-Code, so you can't import files from other programs like bitcam, artcam, RAMS, or vectric. Seems kind of one dimensional that way.
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According to CarveWright's FAQ, they are working on an "advanced" software package that can read and write G-Code.
For comparison's sake, what turn-key CNC devices are available for less than $2000 that CAN read and write G-Code?
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One thing you can do is use Coreldraw or Illustrator for a lot of your design work... then export it as a gray-scale and import in the Designer program... while not giving you the flexibility of G-Code, you can still do some cool stuff with it... I have a gallery over at http://www.allcw.com that has a bunch of pictures of things people have created with it....
I'm also looking forward to the advanced package though that will import Autocad, etc.
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Yes i would recommend corel draw software too. It can make amazing things.
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cnc machine shop
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