[MEBCWD]

Charlie, you are using the term figurines. Are you talking about silhouettes are are you talking about 3D relief carving?

If you are talking about silhouettes you could get by with a smaller entry model CNC machine and use free software to design your project, output gcode files, and run the machine. You could also consider a scrollsaw.

If you want to make 3D relief carvings then I would recommend a better CNC, still in that hobby level but better and tighter build. You mentioned the Shark and that would be one of those machines. The Shark comes with Vectric design software (VCarve will come with some free 3D relief models) so that is part of their cost. If you are interested in a CNC Shark 510, their 24x24 machine, it is selling right now with the $799.99, 2HP spindle for free.

As you noticed some of the small CNC machines use routers, spindles are usually an option. Some of the super small Chinese machines come with a spindle but it is really under-powered but the CNC itself is too small to use even a small trim router.

One thing to remember is a CNC machine is just another tool in your shop to help you produce a project. It should be used when the task calls for it, just like you would not use a handheld router to rip a board, you would use your table saw.

 

[MEBCWD]

As CNC becomes more and more popular people will upgrade and maybe I will slide a used unit in the shop when Mama is not looking.

You can check on Facebook Marketplace, and Craig's List to see if any used ones are for sale in your local area. There are a few around here right now and I'm sure there are other ones available elsewhere.

 

[MEBCWD]

The important thing to remember about creating 3D models on the computer is to learn your software and use it often. Play with it as often as possible and when you don't have a model to work on try different techniques to see if you can build your skills and find short cuts when working on models.