I’m looking to get into a new to me CNC and have moved in the direction of the Longmill after reading various posts on here and some research.
I figure used is a good way to get into it without breaking the bank whole masking sure it’s something I will stick with. I’m hoping in getting something used it is all ready to go. MK1 or MK2 look like they would do me fine.
I am open to anywhere in the GTHA - London, Hamilton, Kitchener, Toronto or anywhere in between.
I’ve seen a few pop up on Marketplace but seem overpriced (MK1 - no bits, table, etc looking for $2000). I can get a new 2.5 Beginner’s kit for $2270 with warranty and technical support. Are these overpriced or am I looking for too much in the used world?
Welcome to the forums. Are you talking about the marketplace here or outside the forum? I have seen units for sale for half that in “our” marketplace. It’s just a matter of patience and maybe some negotiation skills -I have neither so I got me a new one-
If you browse our market, you might get an idea on what to set a reasonable price at. 2k is way to high for a minimal unit.
Maybe someone looking to sell a unit stumbles onto your post and you have your unit running next week, maybe you find your unit halfway next year.
Use this time to get into cnc. There’s a lot to learn, even when not having a machine yet. Somethings are even better to learn while you don’t have a machine luring you to do cool stuff instead of rewiring outlets, redesigning your table to be able to do joints via vertical clamping or all sorths of other tedious chores you wished you had done before the machine clugged up your spacetime.
One thing is for sure, you have chosen a road you have never navigated before. It’s not an easy route without bends, putholes, mud, cracks ‘n’ snakes, but if you enjoy wide views, wildlife, forrests, desserts and some offroad driving, you are in for a treat.
And when you are stranded or don’t know how to go forth, just shout out and we’ll give you a wee push in the right direction.
Thanks for the reply. No, not here, FB Marketplace, etc. I have seen some of the ones that have been for sale on here and look like they were good deals. I’m not in a rush so I will keep my eyes peeled and in the meantime I’ve been working on learning what I can.
Hello @Mike81! I would like to welcome you to the group. @Spamming_Eddie is a good guy and very helpful and friendly. He is a good snapshot of the people you will encounter here. That, in my option is what makes Sienci Labs such a good group to be associated with.
Patience. Something that most people are lacking. Me too, but I am getting better with it. I would be more than happy to sell you my LongMill at a good price, but I doubt you want to drive to Iowa. I have my heart set on a 48x96 AltMill when they become available. But I am being patient and not hurrying off looking at other brands. When it happens and the timing is correct, I will end up with one. It would be much easier cutting cabinets on an AltMill versus my table saw. Wrestling with 4x8 sheets of 3/4" plywood is for young guys, not some old fart messing around in the shop.
To copy what Eddie said, there is much to do before getting your CNC Machine. You could make sure you have a computer capable of operating your design software. Suggestion for you is pick anything from Vectric. It seems to be the “gold standard” of design software. I also like that you can buy a lower version and when you outgrow it, upgrade for the difference. If you have the money now, I would invest in Carve Pro. It hurt initially, but its capabilities are good.
Anyhow, if you have any questions, just ask. If I don’t know the answer, I can easily make one up! No really, if you have questions, just ask. We have all been in your shoes. Again welcome!
Jake
No really, if you have questions, just ask. We have all been in your shoes. Again welcome!