Buying a machine that can only do one thing
 
Whenever we buy a tool of any kind, it is impossible for us to foresee all the uses to which we will put it over the years.  When buying a CNC cutting machine, it is sound reasoning to buy one with as much versatility as possible.
 
At a bare minimum, your machine should be capable of both plasma and oxy-fuel cutting.  Oxy-fuel produces better results in steel 1/2" and thicker, and can be used to cut steel up to several inches thick.  You may think you will never cut anything 1/2" thick, but do you know for sure?
 
It is even better if you buy a machine that can be also used for spotting holes for drilling, drilling aluminum, cutting shapes in the side or ends of tubing, routing of wooden shapes, engraving, etc.  You never know for sure what your future needs will be.

Buying a machine from a new company
 
The best way to ensure that you will be able to get continued technical support, replacement parts, new accessories, etc., for your machine is to buy it from a company that will still be here when you need them.  Many new companies go under in the first year or two.  Don't let your investment go up in smoke if that were to happen to the manufacturer of your system.
 
We are constantly getting calls from owners of machines built by companies that have gone out of business.  Since they can no longer get parts, they have no choice but to totally retro-fit new electronics.

Buying a machine constructed of proprietary parts
 
As mentioned above, it is important to make sure you will be able to get replacement parts if you should ever need them.  A good way of ensuring this is to purchase a machine that is largely constructed of standard, "off-the-shelf" components available from industrial supply houses.  Avoid machines that are largely constructed of parts made by the manufacturer.
 
In designing our Torchmate machines, the only mechanical parts that cannot be purchased from W.W. Grainger, McMaster-Carr, MSC, or another industrial supplier are the plasma cut brackets that come with your kit.  Since you can cut these yourself in the unlikely event that you would need to replace them, there is no way you will ever be unable to get replacement parts.

Trying to build your own machine
 
Most people who have a need for a CNC cutting machine are metal fabricators, who given enough time, could probably design and build the mechanical part of a coordinate drive cutting machine.  However, just because you may be capable of doing something doesn't necessarily make it the smartest thing to do.
 
While the physical machines may look simple, it took us hundreds of hours of experimentation, construction of prototypes, and modifications before we felt they were ready for the public.  Since then, our machines have undergone further refinements based on customer feedback and suggestions.
 
Spending hundreds of hours of your time and ending up with an inferior machine with no warranty is false economy.  The time would be better spent using the machine to do what you intend it to do.  Those who want to save money by doing part of the fabrication can do so by purchasing one of our Torchmate CNC gantry kits.