First CNC table router purchase advice needed!

[bjones]

I have a shopbot and honestly, i've come across nothing it can't do for the 15k it cost me for the 48x96 table with a 3 horse spindle, vacuum etc. It cuts signfoam, plywoods etc like butter. I can't haul ass with it like you can with the more expensive brands, but i'm also not a CNC company..

 

[Biker Scout]

Here's something that's totally cool! A guy wanted to get a Casino Sign project, and many company's were bidding on the same project. So, he came up with the design, and used the router table to make a table top display to present with his bid.

Yeah, he won the bid.

Anyway, the table top model was made on the very same machine that I have too.

I've said this before, but I'll say it again... "CNC Routers Kick A$$!"
I always try to think of non-sign related projects for mine.

 

[BlueRidgeFabrication]

In that price range a new Shopbot is a great choice. All of the signs on our site were produced on a Shopbot and we've been very happy with it. We looked at a lot of manufacturers before we went with shopbot and after following along on their forum for a few weeks - we decided to go with them. Before the shopbot I had worked on another "Big Iron" cnc table in the $40k range - and when I say I worked on it I actually worked on it because it broke down all the time. Our shopbot has been running strong and smooth since the day we bought it.

Having said that - we have just switched over to Multicam - but for the price you just can't beat the shopbot.

For used tables, I would say go with a brand name and just make sure it runs tight and accurate. Get them to make some test cuts and show what it can do. Listen and make sure it runs smoothly on all three axies.

 

[econolinesigns]

Look for a used AXYZ router. We have had ours for almost 10 years with no problems. Only had to replace a few parts (which they walked us through). Never had to buy a service warranty. Can still call them today with questions and they help us as if we bought it yesterday. They sell used machines as well as new.

 

[Steve_mi]

Go to ebay and search for Shopbot, they have this currently;

Quote "Shopbot PRS Standard 96"x48" CNC Router. This unit is about 2 years old and in very good shape. Comes with 4G controller, Shopbot control software, PartWorks disk, Porter Cable 7518 router with 1/2" & 1/4" collet and several 1/2" &1/4" upcut,downcut ,compression bits and ball nose bits. $7,500 buy it now. "

It is in Morrisonville, New York and local pick-up only.

Probably a $15,000+ system with the stuff he lists.

Unless you have a background in machining I would recommend you look at Shopbot or Multicam turn key systems. Lurk in the shopbot forum at;
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/discus.cgi
for a while to get the feel of CNC in general.

Also, there is a CNC forum at cnczone.com that cover a lot of ground, but is slanted to building your own or hot rodding your CNC.

Steve.

Disclaimer: I don't have a shopbot or multicam, but covet them. I bought an "independent" brand and had one heck of an unsupported learning curve.

 

[james mcgrew]

i am extremly happy with my camasters (3) definantly worth a lokk i have the x3 and a single z

jim mcgrew

www.camaster.com

the owners support forum is here

www.camheads.org

 

[GB2]

In that price range a new Shopbot is a great choice. All of the signs on our site were produced on a Shopbot and we've been very happy with it. We looked at a lot of manufacturers before we went with shopbot and after following along on their forum for a few weeks - we decided to go with them. Before the shopbot I had worked on another "Big Iron" cnc table in the $40k range - and when I say I worked on it I actually worked on it because it broke down all the time. Our shopbot has been running strong and smooth since the day we bought it.

Having said that - we have just switched over to Multicam - but for the price you just can't beat the shopbot.

For used tables, I would say go with a brand name and just make sure it runs tight and accurate. Get them to make some test cuts and show what it can do. Listen and make sure it runs smoothly on all three axies.

Larry...I'd be curious to know if you could briefly outline some of the pros and cons of the Shopbot vs the Multicam since you now have good experience with them both. Thanks!