Need Advice on New 5-Axis KS Desktop CNC Machines
My background/use case: I’ve never used a CNC machine before, but I want to get a 5 Axis CNC to start making metal prototypes of my inventions (two novel hand tools and a clipboard). The tools need to be made in steel, which I plan to heat treat after CNC, so the ability to machine carbon steels like 4340 is critical. The tolerances need to be rather tight, another factor in the final machine choice.
In trying to work with a Chinese company and having a nightmare with them continually changing the prices (weeks or months after the designs were approved, quoted and paid) has led me to want to learn how to make these prototypes myself.
I understand that desktop machines are easily outcompeted by many of the brands and machines that most of you use. However, I have very limited space in my garage, and as I’m coming from 3D printing, the idea of having a desktop machine that has intuitive CAM SW similar to what I’m used to with 3D printers makes sense for me and my use case— if and only if they’re capable of machining steels (as they vaguely advertise).
I’ve narrowed the options down to three, and created a table comparing the specs. If I’ve left off any specs that would be helpful in terms of giving feedback, let me know!
Thanks in advance!