Choice of Machine

[mezalick]

Greetings All,
I'm not sure if this is the correct sections to post this but anyway.
I'm looking to upgrade my CNC machine. Something in a 48" x 96" (+-).
It appears that there are several differant makers out there.
Any suggestion as to your favorite?
Michael

[tmerrill]

Michael,

I believe the number of good machines are increasing so there isn't going to be one right answer. Much will depend on money constraints, how the machine will be used, need for retaining resale value, etc. If you have the money and space, I highly recommend you stay with your thoughts of a 96x48 size machine and possibly consider a 96x60, especially if you see yourself cutting Baltic Birch sometime, which comes in 60x60 sheets.

I have had my ShopBot 96x48 since 2002 and have absolutely no complaints. It was purchased for hobby reasons initially, but as time goes on I'm getting more and more work by word of mouth. Might have to get serious here shortly regarding becoming a business. I recently installed an electronics upgrade that increased speeds and resolution. I'm getting cuts now that are very smooth. Besides the hardware, I think ShopBot's forum is outstanding and parallels this one for people willing to go out of their way to help another owner. If you have never been to their site, the address is http://www.shopbottools.com, and I would suggest spending some time on their forum. There are many posts by people trying to decide on a machine and you can read their question and the member's responses.

Another brand that seems to have great support is CAMaster, and there are a couple of forum members who own and operate them. I'll let them supply details and praise.

A new machine just getting out shows great promise and I notice they choose to go with the best software around (Vectric!). It is a combined effort between General Tools, a Canadian company with a reputation for excellent woodworking tools, and Gorilla CNC. The following link will take you to their website. I'm not sure where you are located, but they have a demo truck that travels around. It will be in my area within the next two weeks, set up at a local woodworking store.
Link: http://www.gorillacnc.com/home

Good luck and keep us informed.


Tim

[Adrian]

There is a good section on the main Vectric website that covers machine selection and gives a list of all suppliers. http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/ ... chines.htm

I'm currently in the process of deciding which large machine to buy as well. It's looking like a Shopbot for me but I'd like the exchange rate to move a bit in my favour first!

[mezalick]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.
I have been following a few forums like this and there are all just as friendly.
I did forget about the Vectric website suggestions.
There are indeed many options to consider but for me it needs to be about speed and accuracy.

Michael

[cabnet636]

i am sure all know i have a CAMaster (actuallytwo) http://www.camaster.com and next to shopbot probably the strongest support forum out there, http://www.camheads.org these machines offer a tremendous and complete offering of capabilities in all price ranges and sizes. one of the best features in addition to the industrial nature by which they are built is free and constant support beyond the sale, these guy's literally taught me cnc!! there are some differences in machines that can be best identified by first compiling a list if work to be produced then looking for actual applications for which this work has been done on each machine, go see the machines cnc owner's are proud if learning and producing work and they love showiing them off. on mine if you give me a call and have high speed internet i can let you watch mine work and let you produce a file live and online from your computer while watching it work on the webcam!! this capacity has proven invaluable as any time i have had the next learning curve or adjustment camaster can get online and "bada-bing, badfa-boom" i am back operating!!

i could go on but i think my passion has been shown!!

oh an by the way CAMaster now has a dealer in Ireland

803 518 2074

[mezalick]

Thanks James,
Love your work.
My direction will be in a slightly differant direction than what might be expected.
I do not want to compete in the sign business, too many much better than me out there.
So, talking, meeting and compairing is the what I have been doing for a short time.
Still much to learn.
Michael