Al,
I bought a new Cue Monster from Jimmy AKA Billiardbum 6 years ago and have been totally satisfied with the level of execution and repeatable accuracy I have been able to attain on my 2d geometry for creating inlay parts and pocketing in the cues. I only use my machine as a dedicated single use making inlay parts and pocketing. The a axis also can turn butts and shafts and that is a great utility to a lot of CMs.
Other than changing the drive belt on the spindle now and then the machine has been 100% maintenance free other than keeping it clean.
Jim has been a prince to deal with after the sale and has helped me out numerous times concern software and computer issues I encountered.
If I were you and opt for the Cue Monster, I would make sure I got the quiet NSK Spindle with Unique's DC motor set up instead of using a router. High accuracy concerning TRO and very very quiet. When i figure the number of hours I run my machine, I would go batty if I had to listen to a loud router in my shop. No thanks!
If you are not familiar with Cad/Cam I would highly recommend taking the 3 day seminar that Bobcad offers. They travel all around the country and you can hook up with a class schedule. Before I took that class I was pissing in the wind wasting a lot of time and energy. It is worth the time and expense involved.
Good luck in your CNC journey. It is a lot a fun and is very rewarding skill set at the end of the day.
JMO,
Rick
