My understand is a CNC machine is very expensive, even the cheapest one. We are talking US$2,000 and above. You can build your own with some knowledge. Someone suggest this site for starters. http://www.thingiverse.com/
Ebay often has diy cnc kits that include stepper motors and the controller. There are free plans for cnc machines all over the net as well as free software.
There are much cheaper DIY CNC machines out there.
The two I know of off the top of my head:
Shapeoko - You can source/manufacture all the parts for this one yourself but kits seem to be available every couple months.
Zen Toolworks CNC - I have this one in a 7x12x4 format. It seems good but I have not been able to get it to actually work without skipping steps yet, still working on it. I think it is the software(EMC2) and electronics and I am currently working on replacing them.
I have the Carvewright I just got it today and will be running my BR this weekend. I ordered mine directly from carvewright.com
But as far as CNC or Kits This is the ultimate resource for DIY CNC. they sell kits that you supply the wood but they send everything else included the cad files to take them and have the pieces cut locally. http://www.buildyourcnc.com if you have the time and the inclination you can build a a professional level machine for about $800 with the Scratch kit and the electronics. Then you are probably looking another few hundred. for the software for build the tool paths and all that.
software is also one of the reasons I decided to start with theCarvewright first it has a very use friendly software and for about $199 you can get the STL importer.. It runs on mac and PC and can slice sculptures in to layers to be glued back together. Defiantly something consider if you don't have any experience with geode or CAM software.
Try going to this site: cnc machines for sale, Seguinmach. I'm sure you'll find something of use and suitable for your budget.
Have a great day!
Adam Worth
I think this CNC is also used in the metal fabrication technique.I have heard about this from the Bayview metals Inc from the Canada.Its good they are following this CNC. http://www.bayviewmetals.com
Aye guy. I was under the belief that a cnc machine has a minimum of 3 axis this being x axis y axis and z axis. Also know as length width depth. I dont think ive ever seen a 2 axis machine.