Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
- scubanimal
- Vectric Craftsman
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- Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 9:16 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Stinger1 24, Shark HD2 Pro, Aspire,
- Location: San Diego
Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
All,
I've decided to upgrade from my current shark to a more capable machine. I think I've narrowed down to either a Shopbot Buddy BT48 or a CAMaster Stinger 1 24, both are 24x48" cutting areas. What I want to be able to do with my next system is both rotary (4th axis) and edge (dove tails) which means having an indexer/lathe and the ability to vertically hold the material with the head able to pass over to do the cutting. While I'm leaning towards the CAMaster, I'm not sure given the configuration that it can actually do edge/end cutting of a wide board. I was wondering if anyone has experience with both those systems, and can pass on their experiences? Or if anyone has done edge cutting on a stinger1
Thank you for any and all advice; this is a lot of money and would really like to make the right decision.
I've decided to upgrade from my current shark to a more capable machine. I think I've narrowed down to either a Shopbot Buddy BT48 or a CAMaster Stinger 1 24, both are 24x48" cutting areas. What I want to be able to do with my next system is both rotary (4th axis) and edge (dove tails) which means having an indexer/lathe and the ability to vertically hold the material with the head able to pass over to do the cutting. While I'm leaning towards the CAMaster, I'm not sure given the configuration that it can actually do edge/end cutting of a wide board. I was wondering if anyone has experience with both those systems, and can pass on their experiences? Or if anyone has done edge cutting on a stinger1
Thank you for any and all advice; this is a lot of money and would really like to make the right decision.
- Rcnewcomb
- Vectric Archimage
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Both are good machines with active user forums.
I'd suggest each company to put you in contact with an owner near you. Ask them if/how they would approach the vertical holding.
I'd suggest each company to put you in contact with an owner near you. Ask them if/how they would approach the vertical holding.
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop
- scubanimal
- Vectric Craftsman
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- Model of CNC Machine: Stinger1 24, Shark HD2 Pro, Aspire,
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
I started there, CAMaster has not been replying to my questions, they'll give me a quote, but have not been very good at answer tech questions. I'm a member of both of those forums, but as is expected those folks are partial to their respective brand. This forum has such a wonderful diversity as well as experience I thought I could get a bit more insight. Both are good machines, just hoping to go in with my eyes open, and my expectations managed.
thank you
thank you
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- Vectric Wizard
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Most of the Camaster users that I've seen cutting dovetails have mounted a fixture to the rotary axis, on the side.
Gerry - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com
- highpockets
- Vectric Wizard
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
I don't have a dog in this hunt, but it seems if CAMaster isn't being responsive to tech questions now (before the sale), how responsive are they going to be after the sale?
John
Maker of Chips
Maker of Chips
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- Vectric Wizard
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- Model of CNC Machine: CNC Shark Pro, Probotix Meteor 25" x 50"
Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Clamping vertical to cut joinery on the end of long boards is a rare capability of heavier machines.
I regularly cut dovetails, box joints, tenons, etc., on a simply jig I attach to the front rail of my Probotix Meteor. Their dual Y motor open frame design leaves the inside frame area open for a variety of unusual furniture cuts.
4D
I regularly cut dovetails, box joints, tenons, etc., on a simply jig I attach to the front rail of my Probotix Meteor. Their dual Y motor open frame design leaves the inside frame area open for a variety of unusual furniture cuts.
4D
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- Vectric Craftsman
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
I use the overhanging section of the Stinger to engrave on the edges of some of the cutting boards that I make. I made a fixture that makes it easy to clamp them vertically.
Euan
Euan
- scottp55
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Perhaps toss this dog into the mix.
http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/desktop-max.htm
If it was only cutting area, I would have bought a shark and been very disappointed, compared to the regular Desktop accuracy and repeatability.
Just mentioning, supposed to be even more accurate than mine:)
scott
http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/desktop-max.htm
If it was only cutting area, I would have bought a shark and been very disappointed, compared to the regular Desktop accuracy and repeatability.
Just mentioning, supposed to be even more accurate than mine:)
scott
I've learned my lesson well. You can't please everyone,so you have to please yourself
R.N.
R.N.
- scubanimal
- Vectric Craftsman
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- Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 9:16 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Stinger1 24, Shark HD2 Pro, Aspire,
- Location: San Diego
Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Thank you all for your comments. If I can mount long boards for edge cutting next to the indexer that would work.
Yeah the slow ->non responses have not helped my confidence in CAMaster.
The desktop is 2'x3'. And I'd like 2'x4' cutting area.
Thx all
Yeah the slow ->non responses have not helped my confidence in CAMaster.
The desktop is 2'x3'. And I'd like 2'x4' cutting area.
Thx all
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Why the buddy rather than a fixed table ShopBot?
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- Vectric Wizard
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
With the buddy you have the option of going longer at any time by adding a longer power stick.
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Yes but the stinger doesn't have that option so if that's a priority why compare the two which is what I was getting at.
- CrowsWW
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Have you looked into other CNC?
here is another dog in this fight - Look at http://www.shopsabre.com/ they make some real nice machine and the tech support is amazing
here is another dog in this fight - Look at http://www.shopsabre.com/ they make some real nice machine and the tech support is amazing
Troy Crow
Crow's Woodwork's
I have a day job to support my wood habit!
Crow's Woodwork's
I have a day job to support my wood habit!
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- Vectric Wizard
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
Also with the buddy it is easy to upgrade it
Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??
I have a cammaster stinger and a large PRS shopbot. The shopbot is my goto machine, the stinger used for indexing and secondary projects when shopbot is busy. I started with the shopbots (PR) and may be I'm just more comfortable with it, but support and rigidity wise, I'd go with shopbot. I do like the way the indexer is on the stinger.
I'd prefer a full size machine to a buddy though, project sizes have a way of growing and you can always cut smaller projects on full size machine. Buddy takes up twice as much room if you get to using full sheets of material with a powerstick.
Just my 2 cents
I'd prefer a full size machine to a buddy though, project sizes have a way of growing and you can always cut smaller projects on full size machine. Buddy takes up twice as much room if you get to using full sheets of material with a powerstick.
Just my 2 cents
Ken Zey
Rogers, AR
http://www.CedarSlabSigns.com
http://www.lookoutmercantile.com
Shopbot PRS Alpha 72x144
Rogers, AR
http://www.CedarSlabSigns.com
http://www.lookoutmercantile.com
Shopbot PRS Alpha 72x144