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Which CNC is a good fit for me?

5K views 25 replies 11 participants last post by  MEBCWD 
#1 ·
Hello, Im looking to buy a CNC and with so many options its hard to narrow down which one is the best option.
The project Im working on is basically going to be 6"x8" x1.5" deep wooden dishes made from poplar. I need to make about 400 of these.
I would like to get a 4'x4' not sure if its possible with a budget of 7k-8k.
I need it to be able ship and be at my house with in 2 weeks or so.
I was looking originally at the avid cnc but there lead time is 6 weeks

Whats some other good options??
 
#2 ·
I do not know about lead times, but I use a router on my Samson 510 CNC table. Samson 510 is the "Big Brother" of the PlasmaCam table. I have a lot more fun ROUTING with my plasma table than I do cutting metal with a plasma torch mounted to the carriage. With that said, I DO have the software upgrades that increase the price. I have Advanced Design (not needed if you design the G-Code file elsewhere), advanced Machine Control, Advanced Height Control, the Customizable Size Upgrade and the "Full 3D" upgrade (really only 2-1/2 D)

How much Z do you need? If you are carving deep into wood, the PlasmaCam only give you 2" of Z, however a man named John Derby makes a kit that extends the Z to 4".

I also have just received the first two of 25 rail riser kits for these tables. I financed the project, and my good friend John put them together for me. My kits will give you 6" of Z travel but you must buy the Customizable Size upgrade from PlasmaCam for $998.00. I have no control over that.

The Go Torch is the 2x2 version of the PlasmaCam. It costs $3,000.00 at GoTorch.com, but it ONLY comes with basic machine control. To carve bowls, you would need to spend about $7,000.00 on additional software, and another $1,000 if you need more than 2" of Z.

I guess this is not a solution for you. Where are you located? If you re close to me in Franklin, KY (South of Bowling Green), perhaps We could join forces on this project!

Otherwise, you are on your own. There are a lot of CNC routers out there, and they are NOT "all the same." The Laguna is nice. The Shop Bot is great. JD Squared makes a 4x4 table that can run a router. The list goes on, and on, and on ...

I got tired of the 2" Z height limitation on my PlasmaCam table, so I did a mod that makes my table the only one like it!

Joe

 
#14 ·
I do not know about lead times, but I use a router on my Samson 510 CNC table. Samson 510 is the "Big Brother" of the PlasmaCam table. I have a lot more fun ROUTING with my plasma table than I do cutting metal with a plasma torch mounted to the carriage. With that said, I DO have the software upgrades that increase the price. I have Advanced Design (not needed if you design the G-Code file elsewhere), advanced Machine Control, Advanced Height Control, the Customizable Size Upgrade and the "Full 3D" upgrade (really only 2-1/2 D)

How much Z do you need? If you are carving deep into wood, the PlasmaCam only give you 2" of Z, however a man named John Derby makes a kit that extends the Z to 4".

I also have just received the first two of 25 rail riser kits for these tables. I financed the project, and my good friend John put them together for me. My kits will give you 6" of Z travel but you must buy the Customizable Size upgrade from PlasmaCam for $998.00. I have no control over that.

The Go Torch is the 2x2 version of the PlasmaCam. It costs $3,000.00 at GoTorch.com, but it ONLY comes with basic machine control. To carve bowls, you would need to spend about $7,000.00 on additional software, and another $1,000 if you need more than 2" of Z.

I guess this is not a solution for you. Where are you located? If you re close to me in Franklin, KY (South of Bowling Green), perhaps We could join forces on this project!

Otherwise, you are on your own. There are a lot of CNC routers out there, and they are NOT "all the same." The Laguna is nice. The Shop Bot is great. JD Squared makes a 4x4 table that can run a router. The list goes on, and on, and on ...

I got tired of the 2" Z height limitation on my PlasmaCam table, so I did a mod that makes my table the only one like it!

Joe

https://youtu.be/Klc1zRpfHu8
Great job Joe ,I haven’t seen that done before . I subscribed to your channel.

Wesley , I found a used Stinger for sale . You may want to check for used machines if your ok with that
 
#3 ·
Welcome to the forum, Wes! Add your first name to your signature line to clear the N/a in the side panel. Add your location, as well.

If you need it that quickly then you're left with used or whatever store has one close to you. Or farming out the job, if that's an option. Do you already have the CAD work drawn up for these dishes? If not, how good are you at computers and CAD/CAM?

We like photos so show us where you'll be working, your tools, projects, etc. whenever you're ready.

David
 
#13 · (Edited)
Wes looks like the biggest problem is the 2-week limit you have on delivery. A 4x4 Avid with NEMA 34 steppers and plug and play electronics would be right at your budget. That would be without spindle or stand so you would need to provide a spindle or router and a stand. There are a lot of happy Avid owners.

Here is one that was listed in Irving. I don't know anything about it but it is local if he still has it... https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/615538715900952/

It is also listed on Craig's list... https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/d/irving-cnc-router-table/7073309288.html
 
#20 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello Wes,
I don't know if you would be interested in a LAGUNA IQ 24" x 36" ROUTER but I have one that is a year old and in excellent condition.
Here are the specs ;

Motor: 3HP 220V / 20 Amp Single Phase
Spindle: 3HP Industrial Single phase Continuous Duty Liquid-Cooled
Spindle RPM: 6,000 – 24,000 RPM
Controller: Hand Held
Ball Screw: On All Axis
Gantry Clearance: Optional 10″ Gantry
Machine Work Table: 24 inches X 36 inches
Machine Foot Print: 39½ inches X 50½ inches
Work Envelope: 24 inches X 36 inches
Weight: 425 lb

This unit has very limited use, making wooden nameplates, engraving wooden urns and wooden award plaques. The limited use in the past 3-4 months has been due to my wife's illness. I am selling this for $7200.00 and that will include ASPIRE software.

Let me know if this unit is of interest.

Good Luck in your search . . .

Dave
 
#21 ·
A Probotix Meteor would fit your price range and be a good machine for your needs, as well as a good sized bed for most of what you'll probably ever do. Plus it's a plug and play. Connect the limit switches and wires and hit go. Get the spindle if the budget permits. Then you can decide down the road if you want to go bigger and faster..... which means more money.
 
#23 ·
I have a 4 year old Nebula. Made from aluminum extrusions. Mine just sits on a table and haven't had any problems. You can get their stand (a bit pricey in my world) if you want. The new ones have additional z height. I still use mine even though I upgraded to a Avid CNC. I can run them both and make some serious dust. The Probotix will give you a good look into the CNC world and then you can go from there if you want to really get into it. It was a great first machine to dip my toes in the water and understand how things work - plus put out some production with it. No plastic like Next Waves.
 
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#24 ·
Dave - I removed your personal email address from the post above; not a good idea to post that in the event someone picks it up and uses it for spam purposes. Please use PM for contacting Gary about your CNC. Sorry to hear about your wife's illness.

David
 
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