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First CNC for Furniture ProductionQuestion
Forum Responses
From contributor R: You should also look at Techno's LC Series machine. Great value that will give you a big return. From contributor W: Since your main purpose for the machine is to cut 5/4 hardwoods, it might be advisable to look at a used heavy framed machine. A new machine that fits in your budget is going to be very lightweight. Machining solid wood furniture parts with a lightweight will require you to do a lot of sanding after the parts come off the machine. You can get a good used heavy frame machine several years old (easily within your budget) that will produce a very good surface that requires minimal sanding. Be sure to purchase the machine from someone who will help you learn to use it! The previous owner may have needed higher machining speeds (NBM, etc.) that are less important when machining hardwoods, so you can get a good machine at a value.
From contributor D: I would strongly recommend looking at a heavier used machine for your application. There are a lot of older machines out there that do not move fast enough or are not big enough for the high production guys, but still have several good years in them. I would look primarily at Heian and Shoda machines. Kitako is also a good machine, but there are not very many out there. All three machines are usually pretty simple and come with the best supported controls in the world (Fanuc). Parts are available for controls all the way back to the early 80's and phone support is free. Post processors for these machines tend to be plain vanilla, and communication is straightforward ASCII file transfer via RS232. Support for used equipment is a real issue, and should be factored into your budget. If you have no CNC experience, I would allow $3K to $5K for hiring someone to set up your machine, train your people, and be around to answer questions down the road.
From contributor A: I agree with the last couple of posts. The very idea of machining 5/4 solids on small, lightweight machines sends chills down my spine. The aluminum machines and other lightweight machines were originally made for thin plastic sheet cutting for sign making, and they did seem to work okay on 1/2 plywood sheet stock for a short time, but they just will not last long enough to justify the investment. A good used Shoda, Heian or Andi would do you well. You should be able to find machines from the mid to late 1980's to early 1990's for prices starting as low as 25k. But be sure you find a company that can install and train you on the machine and help with programming as well.
From contributor C: When you are looking for a used machine, make sure that the head configuration is what you need to do the job.
From contributor J: Do your research on software before buying a machine. Decide on the product you intend to make. Develop a "show me" attitude and be sure that the proposed software will run on the proposed machine. It's your money and if the vender can't show you how to make the product you want to make, then how can you do it? The software is the key to success. Spend a portion of your acquiring money and travel to look at the system in action before you buy. Remember, you are buying a wood machining system, consisting of software, CNC machine and training before you sell your first product. Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
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