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Looking to buy a CNC

SouthEastMIsigns

New Member
I'm in the same boat and have currently narrowed our search down to the Multicam Apex 1R, Vision VR48, and Techno HD/Atlas 4896. I would suggest narrowing your search and then reaching out to each company. They will conduct 1 on 1 video demonstrations or even visit your shop. What I have learned is it really comes down to what you plan on making with your router and what options you need or can pass up.
 

GaSouthpaw

Profane and profane accessories.
Like any equipment, it depends on what you're going to do with it. Yes, Zunds are fantastic, but they're not really made to cut aluminum.
For a fab shop type environment, MultiCam and AXYZ would be my top choices. For finishing printed panels and such, it'd be the Zund or an Esko.
 

montrealsigns

New Member
Like any equipment, it depends on what you're going to do with it. Yes, Zunds are fantastic, but they're not really made to cut aluminum.
For a fab shop type environment, MultiCam and AXYZ would be my top choices. For finishing printed panels and such, it'd be the Zund or an Esko.
Thanks
 

SignEST

New Member
Buy one that has LOCAL service available. Best piece of advice that I can give!
It could be possible to get away without having a 'local' service specific machine if your area has a guy who maintains and repairs CNC machinery. Will not help with the software side though.
 

d fleming

Premium Subscriber
Axyz 6012 cnc router table. 10hp colombo spindle with pneumatic quick release. 8 tool auto changer vac table w 10hp airtech pump.
From his ad.
 

GP

New Member
Axyz 6012 cnc router table. 10hp colombo spindle with pneumatic quick release. 8 tool auto changer vac table w 10hp airtech pump.
From his ad.
May be a little too large of footprint - but that seems like a good price. Can you attest to the condition? Is their ad on here?
 

TimToad

Active Member
I'm not trying to scare you off buying one, just hoping you'll consider the following.

Our shop on average does a couple routed HDU signs per month, several custom shape cut panels from a variety of materials, etc. and we still can't justify the purchase of one. Our next door neighbor is a custom woodworking shop with a 5'x10' AXYZ, 8 tool changer, multizone vacuum, 10hp cutter who gives us a reasonable wholesale rate and has all the above mentioned issues AND maintenance, bits, payments, insurance, etc. to worry about.

We only have a 2,500 square foot shop and at times it barely fits all we have going on. They do all of their own work on it, our work and the routing work of several other local businesses and there are times when it sits idle.

Do you already have the workload to justify its purchase and dedicated space to accommodate a machine that is:

A.) Big
B.) Loud
C.) Consumes lots of energy
D.) Throws a lot of dust and particulate into the air no matter how good of a vacuum system you purchase
E.) Requires a person capable of operating a complex and potentially dangerous tool that includes some degree of computer knowledge along with being able to look at files and properly prep them for pathcutting.
F.) Has constant upkeep issues to deal with in order to preserve its value and functionality.
 

d fleming

Premium Subscriber
May be a little too large of footprint - but that seems like a good price. Can you attest to the condition? Is their ad on here?
Yes I can attest to its condition. The young man selling it takes exceptional care of his toys.
 
Sorry to Thread Jack, do you have one of their CNCs? do you like the workflow with it? do you have their camera system?

Yes we have one of their SmartShop 1 60x120 table. We really love the machine. Everything is saved out of vcarve to a USB. USB stick in the controller and run the job from their. Keeps the CNC unattached from the computer and we never have a program fail or stop. Suction on the table is awesome. Easily holds down aluminum through a 3/4" sheet of MDO plywood sacrifice board. We don't have the camera system I don't believe this came out until one of their newer models. Has some very good tools. What I really like is if we ever have an issue, which has been twice, I call and I speak to someone in this country who knows what they are talking about. They don't just read a script to me to figure out what's going on. The two times we had issues it was because of our operator changing the scale the motor uses to determine what's an inch. Love the machine.
 
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