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Searching and comparing a couple of CNC Routers

2K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Semipro 
#1 ·
I have a small CNC Router Made by Next Wave Automation. It is a Piranha, first generation. It will cut 12 inches 12 inches. I am looking to up grade. As with all things, Value and dollars always play an important part. I am looking at two different machines, (1) is the Larger X-Carve, which is kit that has to be put together. It requires about 10 hours to put together. (2) THE other machine is a (Shapeoko XXL). This machine which has a 33 inch cutting base whereas the (X-Carve) has a 31 inch cutting base.
My question is has anyone on here ever used either of these machines. I asked about the X-carve in an earlier post sometime back and the results and reviews were not great. However, since that time, there have supposedly been upgrades made to the frame, which seemed to be the biggest issues. If any one has used either of these two CNC Routers, I would be interested in knowing. I am a hobbyist at best, so size and space is of importance as is the amount to be spent.

Any and all suggestions would be welcomed. i enjoy the Forum and find great information here and respect those who participate and bring news and education to each of us.

I thank and welcome any and all thoughts. If you have something funny to say, I appreciate that also.

Taggwatts1
 
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#2 ·
I bought an x-carve 500mm kit mainly to see how useful it could be. It sits unused in a room in my basement. The belt drive strategy is IMO the weakest link the design.

If you want a CNC more useful than that Piranha then I suggest looking at the smaller offerings that Probotix makes. They have a V90-MK2 that has 20" x 13" x 5" cutting area, and comes assembled ready to run including PC and controller less plugging together all the cables. Cable chains, limit switches, e-stop, etc. You can likely use the router you have been using in your Piranha, or a better one from many possible choices. You already have VCarve Desktop (I'm guessing) which will have post processors for the LinuxCNC controller software on the V90.

Probotix also sells their Comet for about $500 more than the V90-MK2. 25" x 25" x 5" cutting area and beefier steppers than the V90. VCarve Desktop will work here too.

4D
 
#3 ·
Frank
Have thought about trading, next wave offer full retail trade in for the Piranha?
 
#6 ·
I didn't know Next Wave did trade-ups...



The only company I was aware of that did trade-ups was Legacy. Does Next Wave also do that? I looked at their web site but didn't see it. I have their Ready2Rout system, so I am somewhat familiar with the company, and I had not seen it or heard of it before this.

Larry
 
#4 ·
Thanks to both of you. Yes I have thought of the trade and would do so, except I think at times this small unit still has a great use for me . I may make the trade. I have looked very seriously at the Shark Routers. I do not know much about the Probotix, but I will definitely look into it now.

Thank You
Tagwatts
 
#5 ·
If you want to keep your other machine then I vote for a small Probotix. But........get a size bigger than you think you need (want). You'll use it down the road.
 
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