Piranha

[dhellew2]

I am thinking about adding a small cnc to free up my large cnc. It will be used to make small items, including lithophanes.
Anyone using the Shark Piranha? Comments?
How about the CNC Shark Routing System?
Or other accurate systems under $3k?

There are no stores here to look at any CNC within 200-miles.

Thanks, Dale

[4DThinker]

If you are interested in a Piranha, you might check out the Piranha FX, a combination of 3D printer/Laser cutter, and CNC router based on the same design.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/17 ... e-anything

It has been funded, which means they will be making them.

The larger CNCs made by NextWave have flex/sag problems partly due to the plastic used for structural parts and the large capacities. The small dimensions of the Piranha should minimize much of that. I have one (CNC Shark Pro) at home and we use a later model Shark HD 2.0 where I work.

A smallish CNC I've had my eyes on is the Xcarve CNC that Inventables is selling (starts shipping April 30). The small version has 12" x 12" capacity: https://www.inventables.com/technologies/x-carve

4D

[Bob Jr]

Good morning Dale.
Here are some links over on the CNC Shark website: http://www.cncsharktalk.com/search.php? ... ds=piranha
I demonstrate the Piranha at our local Rockler store, so I have some experience, but it's limited. I like this machine.
Z travel on the Piranha is about 3"
The Y travel extends past the table about an inch...This could accomodate end cuts when material is clamped to the front of the machine.
Use a stylus to select files on the pendant...fingers are too big.
I also have a Phoenix cnc which is similar in size to the Piranha. Great machine for craft sales.

Bob

[Gundawg]

ShopSabre just came out with a desk top. If you have another router and your not a newbie it might be a good system they have no user forum so it is just tech support but they can walk you through things if you need the help. I started with a Shopbot 4896 machine they have a great user forum but I wanted a better machine and upgraded to the Shopsabre IS510 it is a great machine after a few bugs but it would be nice if they had a user forum to talk to other users.

Mike

[dhellew2]

Thanks for the feedback.
I have seen the piranha demonstrated at a Portland OR wood show (5 hour drive) but since my primary interest is lithophanes I am concerned about maintaining the same accuracy and detail as my full size CNC.

I also have a 12x24 50-watt Epilog laser.

Dale

[Bob Jr]

OK Dale,
I have cut a litho on my CNC Shark, and today, on the Piranha at Rockler.
Same plastic, same tap file, .125 ball nose bit,
The Shark:

Shark Litho

The Piranha:

Piranha

Shark-Piranha:

Shark, Piranha

Poor photography, but I don't see any difference by checking them side by side.
Bob

[dhellew2]

Thanks Bob, I really appreciate your feedback and testing. They do look the same. Pretty impressive for an inexpensive machine. Dale