[Mulcahy]

987 has used a shopbot bt-32 (the cheap one!) since 2013. Its great for fast prototypes in aluminum, MDF and plastic. As far as accuracy goes, it is not accurate enough to make transmissions and gearboxes, but can make anything that can take a tolerance of 0.010". A part that would take all day on a 3d printer, can be made in a few minutes on a shopbot and will be much stronger. Ours has a standard wood router spindle, which has been able to cut 1" aluminum, but I would recommend keeping it under 1/4" for most aluminum parts. We have had success with plastics and wood up to 3" thick.