Tell you what Randy, CNC opened a Whole new world for me. I've been doing electric signs for years, but since recently buying one I want to do other hobby's with it :D . They are bigtime money makers and can make your life so much easier. I just bought a Shopbot CNC Router for everythign included under 20k. Wiring, dust collector, router bits, software. I don't really know anyone else personally who does what I want to do with it, more due to competition. I have one good friend but he mostly uses it for cutting the aluminum for his channel letters with some lite duty lettering. I've mostly been using it for lettering and some interior signs. I jsut bought some V-carving bits and engraving and plan to take some time teaching myself as much as I can. I have no one to teach me so I plan to take a 3 day ArtCam class over at Shopbottools in North Carolina. IMO and I don't have to much experience with it yet but since I bought the router from shop bot and want to learn a software they carry and use I might as well learn from them. I don't think the class is very much either, $500.00 for 3 days, cheap compared to what I will be able to do with that knowledge.
Here's a few pics of my router and what i've done with it.
So for the power and control you have for under 20k is very nice, I got the 3HP Columbo HF Spindle on mine, and still have not attached the mist cooler yet. It roars through material with ease. I'd peep out their site. :beer:ShopBot Router