"CNC, but I thought that would be more expensive? And could the plans/design for one (in CAD software) be use by either type machine?"
It depends. We have CNCs at work that can be fed a drawing from a computer, & others that have to be manually programmed by the operator.
Naturally, manual programming takes time & skill, both of which have to be paid for. The computer to CNC method isn't exactly cheap either, because the resources needed may be quite expensive - the software we use at work cost around £4000, (about $7000) but of course you could do your own design & take it along to get it machined, so long as the data is compatible.
@ TheGoose
"Cool, I love this stuff. It's exciting to me like micro computers were in the 80s."
Yeah, I understand, because I was there & it gives me the same kind of buzz.
It seems that the DIY 3D printer community has a pioneering spirit, similar to the early computer scene with people helping each other to get something up & running, aware that THEY are the ones creating the future.
Might be worth your while doing some research & maybe getting in touch with some of these people to get first hand feedback about what's possible ? You might even find someone willing to print your pizza box.
