Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

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scubanimal
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Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by scubanimal »

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.

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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by Rcnewcomb »

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.
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop

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scubanimal
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by scubanimal »

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

ger21
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by ger21 »

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

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highpockets
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by highpockets »

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
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4DThinker
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by 4DThinker »

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

eph210
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by eph210 »

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

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scottp55
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by scottp55 »

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
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scubanimal
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by scubanimal »

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

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Adrian
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by Adrian »

Why the buddy rather than a fixed table ShopBot?

fixtureman
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by fixtureman »

With the buddy you have the option of going longer at any time by adding a longer power stick.

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Adrian
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by Adrian »

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.

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CrowsWW
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by CrowsWW »

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
Troy Crow
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fixtureman
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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by fixtureman »

Also with the buddy it is easy to upgrade it

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Re: Shopbot Buddy or CAMaster Stinger1??

Post by kzeyus »

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
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