Replicator
New Member
Any advice on a good CNC Router that has great versatility and a fair market value 
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CNC Routers . . . Best Value with Performance
- Thread starter Replicator
- Start date
mtmdesigns
New Member
depends on what you plan on cutting. Multicam routers are very reliable and easy to use.
Replicator
New Member
Any other Router owners want to jump in and make any suggestions . . .
I was hoping to spend about $8000.00 . . . !
Is it possible to spend that amount and still get a decent piece of equipment ?
I was hoping to spend about $8000.00 . . . !
Is it possible to spend that amount and still get a decent piece of equipment ?
OK, my take on this is to look for good control software- not jazzy stuff like ArtCam but the boring program that controls the actual machine- if this is rubbish then you will struggle.
Size- go for the biggest machine you can get. Small, desktop machines are pointless- you can cut letters but that's about all.
Spindles- get a good make, this is one of the most expensive parts of the whole system. I am fortunate that my ELTE spindles are made in Italy and I can get them repaired quickly and at a great price simply by shipping them back to the manufacturer.
Stepper V Servo- if you can, get servo. If you can't get the best quality stepper motors you can. Motion control motors range from dirt cheap to mucho expensive- you get what you pay for.
Vaccum hold down- you need this.
Auto Tool Change- if you can afford it 3D work gets so much easier.
Servicing & parts- when you are established downtime costs you big time. You can pay for a tech guy to do this or I prefer to really understand the machine and do this myself.
Where to buy- there is a US based site that always has a heap of used machines for sale. Personally I'd rather have a used top brand router than el cheapo new one. Can't recall the name of the site by a google for used cnc should bring it up.
What do you plan to use routing for? I found routing to be brilliant for wood and plastic but metals... forget it (hence the reason for buying waterjet)
Size- go for the biggest machine you can get. Small, desktop machines are pointless- you can cut letters but that's about all.
Spindles- get a good make, this is one of the most expensive parts of the whole system. I am fortunate that my ELTE spindles are made in Italy and I can get them repaired quickly and at a great price simply by shipping them back to the manufacturer.
Stepper V Servo- if you can, get servo. If you can't get the best quality stepper motors you can. Motion control motors range from dirt cheap to mucho expensive- you get what you pay for.
Vaccum hold down- you need this.
Auto Tool Change- if you can afford it 3D work gets so much easier.
Servicing & parts- when you are established downtime costs you big time. You can pay for a tech guy to do this or I prefer to really understand the machine and do this myself.
Where to buy- there is a US based site that always has a heap of used machines for sale. Personally I'd rather have a used top brand router than el cheapo new one. Can't recall the name of the site by a google for used cnc should bring it up.
What do you plan to use routing for? I found routing to be brilliant for wood and plastic but metals... forget it (hence the reason for buying waterjet)
Replicator
New Member
Looking for a 96x48 . . . for routing wood, corian, etc.
If you remember the name of that site you referred to . . . Let me know !
Poconopete
New Member
cnczone.com/classifieds/index.php always has machines for sale.
You can also find some on shopbots forum talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/11097/11097.html?1186695288
You can also find some on shopbots forum talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/11097/11097.html?1186695288
Shopbot
I have had a shopbot 48 x 96 for 5yrs and it has been a work horse used mostly for shapes. I have cut 1/4" aluminum for 3 days in a row with no problem. I do very high detail carved signs. Make sure that you get good software (ARTCAM PRO) THE BEST in my book. MY EXPERIENCE.
I have had a shopbot 48 x 96 for 5yrs and it has been a work horse used mostly for shapes. I have cut 1/4" aluminum for 3 days in a row with no problem. I do very high detail carved signs. Make sure that you get good software (ARTCAM PRO) THE BEST in my book. MY EXPERIENCE.
SignManiac
New Member
Replicator check out www.ez-router.com
I've yet to see anything comparable in that price range. With a decent spindle, vacuum holddown and dust collector you would still be way under $20k. It's a solid steel table and comes pretty much plug and play.
I only wish my Multicam would have been that inexpensive.
I've yet to see anything comparable in that price range. With a decent spindle, vacuum holddown and dust collector you would still be way under $20k. It's a solid steel table and comes pretty much plug and play.
I only wish my Multicam would have been that inexpensive.
Service Sign Co
New Member
There is a site called dovebid.com. A friend recently bought a cnc there.
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Replicator
New Member
I think the shopbots are pretty awesome . . . !
Any thoughts on this manufacturer ?
http://www.dynacnc.com/default.asp
They are local to us and seem to have a good line of products and support !
Any thoughts on this manufacturer ?
http://www.dynacnc.com/default.asp
They are local to us and seem to have a good line of products and support !
Replicator
New Member
bump!
michigansignguy
New Member
I have a dyna made router. I am not sold on dyna or their customer service. I know some other customers who are less than happy also. Feel free to contact me If you would like a more specific answer.
Pro Image
New Member
AARON_INK.
New Member
CNCrouterstore.com is great! I just bought a MultiCam from Kevin over there and it was a great buy. I might have a Gerber Sabre 4x4 (true cutting area 54"x54") for sale. If this is something your interested in hit me up!
Aaron
Aaron
Columbia Signs
New Member
We bought a Multicam MG series router. It seems like a good router, but I don't know much about routing. This is our 1st router and we're having trouble getting anyone that really knows anything to be able to help us. The Multicam reps are good at knowing how to make it work, but I my trouble is figuring out what to do with it!