Buy -or- Build (My experience)

When I started I had a basic understanding of what a CNC was but had no idea on how it worked. Figuring out a design program compatible with a pre-built CNC machine seemed difficult enough at the time, I did not think it would be in my best interest to also take on the task of completely learning the workings of a CNC machine. To me it seemed obvious to choose a pre-built machine.

I figured out what I wanted my CNC to be capable of in terms of bed size and tool capabilities (router, spindle, laser, or 3D printer). Once I had my needs defined I started to price out machines and very quickly found that bed size is a premium and the convenience fee for pre-selected options lacks subtlety.  This prompted me to entertain the idea of CNC kits seriously for the first time. 

While searching for CNC Kits I realized that I did not understand the terminology used for majority of the components and functions needed to build a working CNC. Kits are exactly what the say they are kits. In most cases the kits were leaving me needing to source and verify components as well as compatibility which now seemed to exceed my capabilities. I now wondered if the premium and convince fee of pre-built machines were justified?

Of course it does. The good news is that I found that most of the machines I looked into had more good reviews than not. I was still not completely comfortable paying the cost of a pre-built machine and  while the customer service is good from smaller kit suppliers if not better than larger suppliers, they often specialize in their category of machines and are not a one stop shop for information or parts. I would later come to my own conclusion that if Customer Service needed to solve a problem they would turn to a Community. I would determine this once I realized that business hours are commonly included in Customer Service descriptions and health/strength are commonly included in Community descriptions. 

While I was searching for a CNC solution I had a loved one who had already completed two CNC builds point me in the direction of Dave's website and CNC kit. The reason I was pointed in the direction of this brand is there is something more than a product and Customer Support, this brand has a community behind it. 

I chose a Gatton CNC Kit due to the community and support that was available for the product. With very little knowledge on the workings of a CNC machine the videos that Dave has on his website walked me through how to build his kit. Dave's videos also takes the time to explain how and where I can customize and make my build fit my needs. Sounds simple right? Well it is very clear that making the CNC building process as simple as possible is the design and intent of Dave's product, and the community is a vast source of knowledge that supports it. While I am not able to purchase all the parts from one place I am able to get all my information from one community.  Here is the biggest piece of advice that I got from watching the videos. Watch all the videos before you purchase if you are unsure if this kit is for you. If you decide to buy, once you get your kit re-watch all the videos before you begin your build. At very least watch a video and build the section in the video and the move onto the next video.  

In order for me to figure out what components I needed I had to define what I wanted my CNC capabilities to be. Once defined I started to draw out my concept on paper with a reverse engineering mindset. This included the electrical (power, drivers, wires, connectors) and structural (bed size, base size, orientation). This allowed me to research components even if I did not know the terminology of the component, I did understand the function of the component that I was looking for. At times I found that what I thought was one component  was a combination of components and if these components were separated their individual functions started to make sense. The more things started to makes sense the more I was able to customize my build with confidence. Since I purchased the Gatton CNC Kit with Plans I had a head start on what hardware and components I needed to get the Gatton CNC up and running. Then I referred to my drawings and was able to best estimate the additional hardware and components needed to customize my build.