New router what to get?

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Gundawg
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New router what to get?

Post by Gundawg »

I have a 2008 4x8 PRS standard ShopBot now and I am considering upgrading to a more rigid machine to machine some aluminum and gain a tool changer. I am not wanting to spend $100K. What machines are out there I have been looking online @ CamMaster & Shopsabre. I like the idea of ball screws on the drive system but I don't know anything about these other brands and if they are considered an upgrade from a ShopBot. I would like to get a Haas Gantry Router but they are priced out of my budget.

Mike

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zeeway
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Re: New router what to get?

Post by zeeway »

You will certainly find a lot of Camaster fans here. You can also research at cnczone.com on user experience with most brands.

Angie

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Adrian
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Re: New router what to get?

Post by Adrian »

What sort of size aluminium parts? A proper milling machine might work better.

cabnet636
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Re: New router what to get?

Post by cabnet636 »

I have owned several camasters including the x3 and the ATC (currently) feel free to find a shop with one and go see for yourself, CAMaster has Plenty of Owners who Have purchased CAMaster after having owned the machines mentioned. there are no known cases of this in reverse ! feel free to call or come by I love showing my machine !
James McGrew
http://www.mcgrewwoodwork.com
CAMaster ATC 508 24/7 http://dropc.am/p/EJaKyl

Gundawg
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Model of CNC Machine: ShopSabre IS 510/Trak Bed Mill/Sharp VMC

Re: New router what to get?

Post by Gundawg »

I have decided on the Shopsabre IS 510 it seems to be the best machine at this price point for my application. If Camaster had a ball screw machine in that size I would consider their machine. The FMT Patriot came in a close 2nd.

I have a CNC mill I am looking to do plastic sheet goods and some drilling on long aluminum extrusions the lack of cutting area on the mill makes it unsuitable for much of my work but I use it when I want to machine something heavy.

The machine will have an HSD 5HP spindle with 10 position tool changer. I plan to make a vacuum table myself like I did on the SB in a portion of the table and use aluminum extrusion on other portions of the table for clamping down some vises and fixtures for drilling aluminum extrusions.

Mike

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Re: New router what to get?

Post by Ollywood »

Lot of Camaster lovers here!

I have an FMT Patriot 4x8 with atc. It's been fantastic, very easy to use and has an industrial controller, so lots of physical buttons etc to use while machine is running, easier than a mouse IMHO.
I looked at the main players in this price point - CM, SS, TCNC, and settled on the Patriot after 6 months of research.

I'm now upgrading, and FMT is letting me trade in my 4x8 for a 5x10. That's pretty cool.

In the end the main factors I chose FMT were;
Footprint - smallest of these machines.
Company - FMT is part of DMS who make true industrial, aerospace routers. Larger company, more intellectual power and experience.
Controller - see above
Build - very well designed - sometimes I wish you could pass long boards through, but that footprint!
Pricing - I liked that I could build it on the website and get exact cost and options. I found that when I looked at similar machines, I took a while, and then they were as much as the FMT. Didn't like some of the salesmen at some places.
Support - has been excellent.
Options - easy to understand.

Advice
Always buy your second machine first, especially if it's used in business.
Never buy a machine without a tool changer - it really is a game changer and will pay for it's self very quickly.
Buy a vacuum machine if you can afford it.
Get a bigger vacuum than the base model - I have a 8.6hp Becker RV, great at 1/4 table, some issues with small parts when nesting.
If you're doing solid wood like me, get a rotary vane, quieter than a blower, better hold down if you fixture correctly.

Welcome to PM me if you want more info.

cabnet636
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Re: New router what to get?

Post by cabnet636 »

This is good advice

"Always buy your second machine first, especially if it's used in business.
Never buy a machine without a tool changer - it really is a game changer and will pay for it's self very quickly.
Buy a vacuum machine if you can afford it.
Get a bigger vacuum than the base model - I have a 8.6hp Becker RV, great at 1/4 table, some issues with small parts when nesting.
If you're doing solid wood like me, get a rotary vane, quieter than a blower, better hold down if you fixture correctly."

I will add Never buy a machine with a job waiting on it, there is a learning curve even on a second machine"

Mt CAMaster ATC 508 is now 5 years old with No Breakdowns or Issues, it is my 6th CAMaster
James McGrew
http://www.mcgrewwoodwork.com
CAMaster ATC 508 24/7 http://dropc.am/p/EJaKyl

ger21
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Re: New router what to get?

Post by ger21 »

cabnet636 wrote: "Always buy your second machine first, especially if it's used in business............................................... it is my 6th CAMaster
Does that mean you didn't take your own advise, 5 times now? :P
Gerry - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com

cabnet636
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Re: New router what to get?

Post by cabnet636 »

I never.sold the last ome.till the new one.was.in and up :wink:
James McGrew
http://www.mcgrewwoodwork.com
CAMaster ATC 508 24/7 http://dropc.am/p/EJaKyl

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