I'm new to cnc and I'm looking to buy my first machine. Since I'm looking for a used machine, I've decided on a Shopbot since there seems to be a great support network on this forum. Being able to disassemble the machine is also plus, that way I can get it in through a 36" door instead of having to cut a hole in the wall.
I run a custom photo lab, and I'll be using it to cut the 1/4" acrylic and 3mm dibond panels I use for mounting prints. I'm currently using a track saw, so I'm looking to help automate cutting as well as provide cleaner edges on the acrylic to reduce or maybe even eliminate the need for sanding before flame polishing.
I've found a couple of machines I'm considering, and I'm looking for advice on which one you think would be best for my application. One is a 4x8 PRT Standard with a 4G upgrade and HSD Spindle and the other is a 5x10 PRS Standard with the Porter Cable Router. I use 4x8 sheets almost exclusively, so I really won't be using at the extra capacity of the 5x10 machine and it'll take up more of my 23x13' shop room. They want $8000 for the PRT (which maybe seems a little high compared to others I've seen on the classified's here, although it has very low hours) and $5500 for the PRS.
Will I be happy happy with a router, or do I need the spindle? Is the there enough advantages to the newer PRS that it would be worth getting it and then upgrading to a spindle?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Noah