My first CNC router

Er10111 said:

My budget will be around $2400. I will be doing cabinets, some 2d sings and also 3d carving. Yes the onefinity is backed up for months. I'm just not quite sure what’s out there other than the big names which I’ve noticed you can get more bag for your buck elsewhere.

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As far as I know the One can't cut 48" wide so that takes it out of the running for you right there.

I am not sure what machine with a controller you can get that starts with a 48" wide cut capacity.

EVEN an Avid Pro version kit with no controller and router at 48" wide by 24" deep(expandable limitless for length) cost 3600.00:


If you go Avid Non Pro version you are at 2450.00 for a 4' x 2' and that is 100% what I would suggest. Then you can always make it longer and while you build it and save for any controller you think you want or buy parts and build your own controller.


You might want to build a JOE EVO2, learn a lot and over time while you build it up better: Even if you never build an EVO(The only version on Joes I would build, it's a rack and pinon and mine worked great for years until I sold it) it is well worth the fee to join. Paying for the joecncforum gets you tons of info and friends on the private joecnc forum: Forum Membership


Or double your budget and and wait it out while you save, learning while you save is far more fun.

Er10111 said:

I can get the onefinity for about $2400, but of course then I need software, tooling which I am not including to the initial price. The only reason I was avoiding the shapeoko was because its belt driven. Thanks for all the info guys, still can’t decide.

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There is zero wrong with belt drive if the design works and has a proven track record. I put 2 kids(of the 6) through college with an 18" belt drive that uses a little dewalt router(I could place a Hitachi 1.5 hp on it).

My belt drive is 8 or 9 years old, runs perfectly, I bet I get near 2 grand for it when I sell it with controller, computer and toys. The original belts on it still work perfectly as well. At the time I bought it I had to work inside my home and needed something small, it enabled me to stay with CNC after a move and let me keep running my business for years until I got back into a full blown shop and back to larger machines. My little belt drive was and still is a workhorse and it cuts no different than my current large all metal R&P or any of my previous lead screw or R&P home made or store bought machines. Other than speed there is no difference in end result of my projects. The limitations on my belt drive are not the belts, but is the router size and width. If the machine was scaled up I just can't see how it would be the belt drive holding it back. It is far more rigid than many would think.

After using so many many different types machines I have found they all work.

On your budget if and a person that had the fire to get into CNC as fast as possible this machine right here works. I know they work and they last so I have no issue suggesting someone purchase one, even though it is belt drive and plastic. I actually own one(everything I linked to I current owned or still own plus more). Even with two other working machines in the shop I still hold on to my 16" version of this belt drive, plastic router system:


With your budget the the best choices from my perspective on your budget the Avid still comes first, a Zenbot second or a joencnc if you have the mentality to build a machine form scratch. Now if you decide you don't need the 48" cut width for plywood then my recommendations change. Again, most every machine on the market right now works and is fun to use, no matter the tech. I will say used machines generally sell for so much less maybe they are worth a look.

I have to say I just was not and am not impressed with the onefinity or any copy of that machine. I owned one and sold it in less than a month to a friend that liked it The zenbot even being plastic and belts, in my shop, to my eye, proved to be more robust and stiff. Yes, the onefinity works, but for me I had a nagging feeling I should slap a laser on it, not a router. That of courser is just my opinion, many guys love them and they work great for them, but for a bit more money there are so many more robust designs out there(again just my opinion form actual use).