Hi all,

I´m considering the purchase of an Excitech SHM0609 or similar. So I´m contacting a few different manufacturers from China which seem to be selling the same exact model with very slight variations.

The point is I´d like to have a Z-axis travel about 150-200mm, so I can have enough clearance for a 4th rotary axis, but the Z-axis is usually 100-120mm in these machines.
So some manufacturers tell me they can customize the Z-axis for an expanded travel of 150 or 200mm, there´s no problem at all. But other ones tell me they can´t customize the Z-axis for me because that could affect the machine´s precision.
So is this true or is it just an excuse?

I´d really appreciate any advice or suggestion about this. Thanks.

Hi all,

I´m considering the purchase of an Excitech SHM0609 or similar. So I´m contacting a few different manufacturers from China which seem to be selling the same exact model with very slight variations.

The point is I´d like to have a Z-axis travel about 150-200mm, so I can have enough clearance for a 4th rotary axis, but the Z-axis is usually 100-120mm in these machines.
So some manufacturers tell me they can customize the Z-axis for an expanded travel of 150 or 200mm, there´s no problem at all. But other ones tell me they can´t customize the Z-axis for me because that could affect the machine´s precision.
So is this true or is it just an excuse?

I´d really appreciate any advice or suggestion about this. Thanks.





cenicero, i know of a chap in Australia who has recently ordered an Excitech with an increased gantry height. Therefore i can only conclude that the resellers cannot be bothered with special orders, but the manufacturers would not have a problem with it.

Rocket.

It may effect the precision being longer, as there is more leverage on the head and it could bend more during machining (depending on the load).

I'm also keen for a 4th axis. Have a SHM0609 on order already. I'm going to look at a solution that mounts to the Tslot, but with the main mechanism off the end of the table. Therefore not losing height Z-axis travel due to the 4th axis being offset from the Tslot.

Hi everyone this is my first post. I am interested in getting details of the Exitech machines.
have sent email but have not rec'd reply. Want small machine to carve wooden panels

I am also trying to contact Excitech..... without success. Never had a problem getting in touch with Taney in the past.

I know that there is a new person named Terry in their international department. Maybe Taney is away?

Can somebody who has dealt with Excitech very recently please post an Email address.

TIA

Rocket.

I was CC'd on several emails between Excitech and my freight forwarder today.

I'm not sure who handles the UK, but Jerry is handling Australia now and has been quite prompt on replies and finding out details to questions.

Thanks Eclipze.

I am not familiar with what CC`d means - assume it may mean that you also received the Email exchanges between the two parties?

I hope that Taney is still with Excitech - always feel comfortable dealing with him.

Do you have the Email address for Terry?

Being badgered by wife to go out to dinner. Back later.http://cnczone.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

Rocket.

Jerry
jerry2311-hotmail-com (symbols removed to avoid bots spamming his email).

CC'd = coutesy copied. I got a copy of the emails, just as a courtesy :)

Hmm... dinner, sounds a good idea Rocket!

I spoke to Taney a few days ago, and apparently he and a significant number of people at Exitech have left (presumably to start up their own reseller/factory as he can still source cnc routing machines). Don't really know what to make of this, I'm hoping its just a matter of bigger and better things for him (read as more $$). Prices are equivalent and the specs are the same, although to hear Taney say it they are better quality. I'm writing that off as marketing but even if they are half as good as the others he has sourced I'd be happy. Hard to beat the prices.

At the risk of repeating myself, does anyone know whether the 0609 models have NEMA23 sized motors? I'm acquiring a 0609 model router but already have a control system.

Thanks,
Javier

P.S. There is some risk in a reduced precision with an extended height gantry as others have said due to a reduction in stiffness in the gantry and increased potential for deflection when cutting, particularly metals.

EDIT: Forgot to post the email address. I contacted him on tomhua_1@hotmail.com

Thanks for the info Javier and Eclipze.

This puts a whole new slant on things. Taney for me - was the face of Excitech. He is IMO a very honorable man, and the fact that he has not answered my Emails tells me that he does not want to pinch his old customers away from his ex employer. Understandable.

Javier, maybe send a PM to forum member " jubee ". He has the machine you mention and would know the answer to your question.

After seeing Graham Hutch`s photos of his twin Excitechs, we have decided to buy a second 1500 x 3000 machine. Anybody who has seen his photos would appreciate that he has a superb setup. Our workload is increasing greatly and a second machine will give us more flexibility to develop other products without the worry of tying up the main machine.
Will still be well behind Jim ( cabnet ), he is about to receive his third machine. ( Camaster ). Good on ya Jim!.

These new developments at Excitech cause me to pause and check out all avenues before proceeding with our purchase. I may even go to China to suss things out a bit. Will start by checking out Alibaba.com

Rocket.http://cnczone.com/forums/images/icons/icon11.gif

cenicero, i know of a chap in Australia who has recently ordered an Excitech with an increased gantry height. Therefore i can only conclude that the resellers cannot be bothered with special orders, but the manufacturers would not have a problem with it.

Rocket.


It may effect the precision being longer, as there is more leverage on the head and it could bend more during machining (depending on the load).


P.S. There is some risk in a reduced precision with an extended height gantry as others have said due to a reduction in stiffness in the gantry and increased potential for deflection when cutting, particularly metals.


Thanks all for your advices. I think I´ll go for 150mm in Z, which seems to be a good height but still not excessive.




I'm also keen for a 4th axis. Have a SHM0609 on order already. I'm going to look at a solution that mounts to the Tslot, but with the main mechanism off the end of the table. Therefore not losing height Z-axis travel due to the 4th axis being offset from the Tslot.

As far as I know the SHM0609 is prepared for working with only 3 axes, there´s no a connection for a 4th axis.
So how are you planning to modify the electronics?

About the mechanical part, if you find that solution in a commercial device please let me know!

Hi Guys,

I've been dealing with Jerry for my order and he has been fantastic. Absolute pleasure to deal with.
We have had Z axis increased to 300mm to allow us to cut deeper molds for our composite tooling and am aware we will have to reduce cut rates to prevent higher loads and possible precision errors. On the other hand we are only cutting soft materials.

I've start counting the sleeps until our CNC arrives which makes me feel like a kid again when you used to count the sleeps till christmas.:)

Jerry email address is jerry2311@hotmail.com which has worked every time for me.

Simon

Thanks Eclipze.

I am not familiar with what CC`d means - assume it may mean that you also received the Email exchanges between the two parties?

I hope that Taney is still with Excitech - always feel comfortable dealing with him.

Do you have the Email address for Terry?

Being badgered by wife to go out to dinner. Back later.http://cnczone.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

Rocket.

As far as I know the SHM0609 is prepared for working with only 3 axes, there´s no a connection for a 4th axis.
So how are you planning to modify the electronics?

About the mechanical part, if you find that solution in a commercial device please let me know!
The mechanical side is probably something I'm going to make myself. So I can optimize the jaw size and clearance with respect to the gantry.

The DSP controller is definitely only 3 axis. Apparently there is a 5 axis in development. I designed my previous controller, and plan to convert over to Mach3 when I do make 4th axis. But I wanted the DSP system to start with (only $350 difference), so I have something to run it straight away, something to machine the 4th axis with and later as a backup.

creating 4rth axis can be as simple as moving the x (gantry in my world) drive to your a or x drive motor on the lathe, or if the controller has the capacity such as mach three or wincnc (i have never seen dsp or syntac) then you can simply add another drive, one would want some extra gantry height as with the excitech type machines i think working off the table is not possible. camaster developed a side mounted lathe and my new machine has it in the center with a removable table and a 12" z clearance

jim

Simon, thanks for posting.

Good to see that you are happy with the service from the new bloke - Jerry.

Will send him an Email.

Very keen to hear your appraisal of your new Excitech after it arrives.

How many sleeps left until it arrives?

If you want some MDF offcuts to practice with - we have plenty. Just bring a trailer down and you can fill it up. Mostly 9mm thick. It will only go into the scrap bin otherwise.

Rocket.

check this out.

jim

Well it is obviously in China...... Heavy Duty machine. Looks very chunky.

What are you saying? Is this the new Mc Grew special?

Rocket

there have been "breakups" by all of the players in the importation of these routers in the US, the importers have not been paid by a major distributor and new "company's are popping up, so this machine is new and advertised in the US. the plant you see is probably where some of the people you guy's disscuss get thier routers. i am kinda hoping you will go to china!! the router i am showing you i am pretty sure the pic was taken in the last month and reflects the growth of the side mounted lathe for 4rth axis work.

jim

Certainly changing times. Victims of the Global economic downturn no doubt. Not good news about the distributor not paying the importers.

On a more positive note. I sent an Email to Jerry at Excitech today. He responded quickly and went on to explain that it was mostly salespeople that left, and they still have the same crew making Excitech machines, and have strict quality control practices in place.

It put my mind at ease.

Regarding a possible trip to China - our aluminium supplier came in to see us yesterday. He is of Chinese origin. Wants us to go over to China with him soon. Would be a good advantage having a person who speaks the language with us.

Rocket.

I've ordered a SHM0609 through Jerry. They were booking the cargo a couple of days ago. Probably have it by end of July. I've got some info on Australian importing costs (Excel) and order process etc... but will one put it all together in one concise lot along with my assessment of the CNC. It will be pulled apart before use to re-grease and check assembly. Then I'II give it a run on a few jobs. I've done a fair bit of CNC'ing, so I know what I'm looking at and should be able to give a good assessment of current quality and usability of the Excitech machine. Perhaps some videos too :-)

I have gone for the HSD spindle upgrade thought, as the spindle is just too important to the quality of the machining for me to overlook.

Looking forward to it all. I've simply outgrown my current CNC.

Congratulations Eclipze, I am sure you will be happy with your purchase

We also opted for the HSD Spindle on our Excitech a couple of years ago. It is 3.5Kw and has performed flawlessly. Here is where i have a question for you. This came up a while back -

Machines of different sizes can be made as 380 volt three phase which works ok for our 415 volt three phase in Australia. Then there is 220 volt three phase - is this what is used in the USA? Can it work in Australia?
Then there is 220 volt single phase which would work in a standard 240 volt outlet in Australia. But to use single phase - i believe we are limited to a maximum 1.5Kw Spindle. Is this correct?

Eclipze, we look forward to your assessment when your machine arrives.

Rocket.

Standard wiring gives 10A circuits. Which at 240V is 2.4kW. So if you plugged a 3.5kW into a 10A circuit, the circuit breaker is sure to trip. It will come down to how much juice the machine and spindle is consuming, which is dependent on the load it's driving. Startup current could also cause a circuit to trip.

If your running a big machine with bigger power requirements, your best to discuss with an electrician to avoid problems.

I on need the 1.5kW spindle, and I've got a 15A single phase circuit already.

One other reason I went for the HSD was the weight savings. 3.3kg vs 5.6kg for the stock spindle. Will give faster acceleration movements for the Z-axis with lower weight, and ultimately quicker 3D constant velocity machining. Bring it on :banana:

I've simply outgrown my current CNC.



Why am I not surprised. :D

Greg

I have attached a few photo's of when the machine arrived.

I must stress that this is the first time I have ever physically seen a cnc-router! (except in pictures)!!! This means I have nothing to compare it too.

My first impressions are very positive. The machine is VERY sturdy, weighs approx 200 kilos. Unfortunately there are not many instructions (in fact the DSP instructions are the only ones of any use).

Luckily I have spent the last 6 months researching, teaching myself CAD, CAM and had some .nc files all ready for when the machine arrived.

Once I had fully cleaned and greased the rails, ballscrews etc I was able to test the machine. I found the DSP easy to use (it was already pre-configured for the machine) I managed to produce some very successful 3d milling runs on the first evening of having the machine! The results were fantastic :)

The standard "chinese" 1.5kw spindle that came with the machine is very quiet and appears to be good quality.

Finally to echo the comments of everyone else here, Taney was a pleasure to do business with and has been very helpful at every step of the process.

I am a very happy Excitech customer :)

Hi, please forgive but I believe I am one of your customers. \wishing to enhance my work with carvings. Was on the verge of ordering the same machine for Exitech when I came across your blog. Would appreciate if you could spare a few minutes to give me some guidance. Regards Tom (Perseo)

Hi Rod,

Our CNC should have been loaded on the ship today so hopefully it should be about 25 sleeps away, Im guessing.

Mate, I would love to take you up on your offer because we will need some practise material for a while, until we get our heads around this new technology.

I'll give you a call to tee up a time that suits you best.

Cheers,:cheers:
Simon
Simon, thanks for posting.

Good to see that you are happy with the service from the new bloke - Jerry.

Will send him an Email.

Very keen to hear your appraisal of your new Excitech after it arrives.

How many sleeps left until it arrives?

If you want some MDF offcuts to practice with - we have plenty. Just bring a trailer down and you can fill it up. Mostly 9mm thick. It will only go into the scrap bin otherwise.

Rocket.

Hi Simon, Those 4 weeks will go by very quickly.

Just call in when it is convenient for you. I am there everyday from 9.30am. The factory closes at 3.30 everyday - so anyday between those times is fine.

Matty Zee - if you see this - i have the clock from Tassie in the boot - call over anytime.

Rocket.

excellent. thanks Rod. will pop in tomorrow...

Hey Simon, if you need any help with the software side of things, i also have V-Carve pro and would be happy to help you out getting you going.

Hi Matty Zee,

We are going to purchase Vetric Cut-3D so we may call upon you for some help along the way. Rod and Ramon have been a huge help so far, can't wait till she arrives and we have plenty of moulds to cut.
Thanks.

excellent. thanks Rod. will pop in tomorrow...

Hey Simon, if you need any help with the software side of things, i also have V-Carve pro and would be happy to help you out getting you going.

Just got a email from Jerry saying our CNC is in Qingdao port waiting for shipping on Wednesday. He has also given me a photo of our CNC on the production line and the first thing I noticed was how tall the extended Z axis looks, very cool.:cheers:

Simon, It really looks the goods. These are very sturdy machines.

The process from here should be - Excitech will send you the bill of lading and other documents. Don`t be slack like i was - Forward the documents to your Receiver/ Broker as soon as you receive them.

The ship will probably take your machine to Melbourne, and then it is brought to Adelaide by train - unless your ship comes via Adelaide.

I will do a google search and see if i can ID the ship.

Exciting times for you.

Rocket

Thanks for the heads up with the freight paper work and I will forward it straight away to our broker.

I beleive the router is coming direct to Port Adelaide harbour as stated on my invoice.
I'm not sure on the ship ID yet, hopefully will get all the paper work this week.

Simon, It really looks the goods. These are very sturdy machines.

The process from here should be - Excitech will send you the bill of lading and other documents. Don`t be slack like i was - Forward the documents to your Receiver/ Broker as soon as you receive them.

The ship will probably take your machine to Melbourne, and then it is brought to Adelaide by train - unless your ship comes via Adelaide.

I will do a google search and see if i can ID the ship.

Exciting times for you.

Rocket

Hi, Rocket
I sent PM to you 2 days ago.
I need some help choosing CNC router.
It would be great if you could reply to my PM.

I have not dear'ed to run my machine in to any aluminum but I'm tempted
now since I need some machine parts made.
I ordered the mist cooling but this has not been mounted since I have been mostly cutting wood.

So have any one tried this and in case where you able to do so without adding the mist cooling setup? I'm kind of hoping to leave this out since running water on the bed sounds like a bad idea.

K

You can cut aluminium without mist cooling. But you should use a lubricant, like cutting oil, tapping oil or a 50/50 mix of kero/water. If you cut too fast or too deep, you'll generate too much heat and the aluminum will stick to the bit and cause it to break. I machine aluminum on a much smaller machine with only a 0.8kw spindle, just with cutting oil.

Hi, Rocket
I sent PM to you 2 days ago.
I need some help choosing CNC router.
It would be great if you could reply to my PM.

Sorry for not replying to your message earlier. Have just had a fast look at the forum at night without logging in. Will log in everytime now.

Rod.

:)

Early in this thread Jim ( cabnet636 ) put in a post - " Just be who you say you are ".

Things are about to change in our business and i just wanted to mention this change in the interest of disclosure, and make the following points.

1) We operate a family business manufacturing built in robes in Adelaide, South Australia. We have NEVER sold CNC Routers. This is about to change. We are possibly about to become involved in a small way in the CNC Router industry.

2) I will continue to sing the praises of Excitech CNC Routers. I am very thankful to what our Excitech has done for our business.
If anybody sends me a private message on the forum asking which machine they should buy - my answer will be " Excitech ". In fact if anybody has any questions for me - please - keep it on the open forum.

I will not divulge on the forum about the nature of our intended involvement in this industry as i believe it would be unfair to the Forum and Excitech.

I remain an absolute ambassador for Excitech.

So please - do not send me any private messages.

Rocket.

Can some one please tell me what diameter the dust hood hole is. I want to order some dust extractor hose before it arrives. TIA

Can some one please tell me what diameter the dust hood hole is. I want to order some dust extractor hose before it arrives. TIA


Hi Simon, You will need 100mm hose.

Can you please let me know where to buy it locally? Ours is pretty cactus and Ramon has been asking me to get new hose for ages - but i have no idea where to get it from.
As you can see - our hose has been patched in quite a few places.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg34/rocket67/DSC02350.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg34/rocket67/DSC02351.jpg

Do you already have a dust extractor? If not - we have only this morning bought one from EPTS on Research Rd. It is a Ledacraft - 240volt which cost $379
This is to replace the one for our panel saw - which we bought on Ebay for about $200 about 2 years ago.

Rocket.

Hi Rod,

Thanks for the info and you can get the hose from,

Carba-Tec Adelaide
27 Magill Rd
Stepney, SA 5069
Australia
ph: 08 8362 9111
fax: 08 8363 0271
email: adelaide@carbatec.com.au

They have 4" hose for $14 a metre.

I do have an extractor and it's a 3 phase unit which I have had sitting in the shed for a few years.

Cheers

Hi Simon, You will need 100mm hose.

Can you please let me know where to buy it locally? Ours is pretty cactus and Ramon has been asking me to get new hose for ages - but i have no idea where to get it from.
As you can see - our hose has been patched in quite a few places.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg34/rocket67/DSC02350.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg34/rocket67/DSC02351.jpg

Do you already have a dust extractor? If not - we have only this morning bought one from EPTS on Research Rd. It is a Ledacraft - 240volt which cost $379
This is to replace the one for our panel saw - which we bought on Ebay for about $200 about 2 years ago.

Rocket.

Simon, Thanks mate.

At $14 per metre it is not terribly cheap, but we do need it - so i will go and get some tomorrow.

The Excitech has been going flat out all week. We have been very busy trying to keep up with orders for Routered panel doors. The dust that you see on the spindle in the photos is because Ramon has not had time all week to turn the machine off in order to lube it and clean it.

The scrap pile of MDF offcuts is really building up. I hope you can come and get some soon - please!

Rocket.

...The scrap pile of MDF offcuts is really building up....

Rocket.

I have the same problem! Is there any way to shred this or even burn it?

give it to a local school!!

jim

give it to a local school!!

jim

Now that seems like a very good idea. Might make some phone calls today. Schools in Australia used to have woodworking classes - have no idea if they still do.

Our offcuts are quite big - Most are around 600mm wide x 1800mm high.

cocobolo, burning them is probably not a good idea as they contain some chemicals that could give off some nasty fumes.

Rocket.

I am considering buying a shg0609 as I have space constraints - a cellar shop with access through an angled cellar door which limits the height and width - the shg0609 will make it, the shm0609 assembled will not.

I want to use the machine to cut 3/4 plywood shapes - prototyping furniture - not for production.

Two concerns, power to cut 3/4 and noise?

I believe the SHG0609 has smaller steppers... not sure about the rails etc.., but I suspect it's not equivalent (in case you weren't aware).

Noise is always an issue. Spindle, cutting, dust extraction. You will probably want to run some sort of dust extraction. Even a vacuum for small work, but that adds to the noise. You'll have less noise if you do multiple passes with smaller depths of cut. I believe more expensive water cooled spindles can be quieter too.

Rocket67,
As you cut a lot of MDF panels/components, I wonder what you use as a spoil board over your vacuum table?

I can't run my new 1325 machine yet (waiting for rotary phase converter) but want to plan ahead as I will be cutting a fair bit of MDF and ply panels.

By the way, 600mm wide x 1800mm high remnants ares not a bad dimensions...I wonder what the rate of a 20' container to Barbados would be?

Norbert

Rocket67,
As you cut a lot of MDF panels/components, I wonder what you use as a spoil board over your vacuum table?

I can't run my new 1325 machine yet (waiting for rotary phase converter) but want to plan ahead as I will be cutting a fair bit of MDF and ply panels.

By the way, 600mm wide x 1800mm high remnants ares not a bad dimensions...I wonder what the rate of a 20' container to Barbados would be?

Norbert

Norbert, We tried using 2 pieces of board for our spoilboard - but were losing too much vacuum, so we bought a 3600x1800 plain mdf board and cut it to size. From memory it is 16mm thick.
Then Ramon had to machine the spoilboard as there is a slight dip in our table. The special bits to machine the board are very expensive so he just used a standard cutting bit, which took about 3 hours to machine the whole board. Did the job well. We then screwed the board to the table and ran tape around the edge in order to create a seal.

Last week we ended up filling the mercedes van with offcuts and paid $50 to dump it. Pity really - but it had to go.
The cost of a container to send the offcuts would make it uneconomical.

If any members in South Australia want some offcuts - just send me a PM.
The size of the offcuts are about 600mm x 1800mm x 9mm thick. They are created when we cut out large panels for inlaid mirrors in our robe doors.

A good source for offcuts of MDF would be cabinet makers or wardrobe manufacturers. Must be some close to you in Barbados Norbert.

Rocket.

Rocket, if I understand you correctly, your spoilboard doesn't have any perforation??

I have read somewhere that MDF is porous enough to omit the perforations but I have a hard time accepting that without actually seeing it. My pump generates (or is supposed to) -85 bars of pressure but until I get the rotary phase converter I can't experiment. On some other forum I have read that some use pegboard as spoilboard. So let me know if you/Ramon added holes to the MDF spoilboard.

Oh, about the remnants...I was only half joking and if it weren't for the 9mm thickness I would check it out more carefully. I find it difficult to understand why you haven't got a truck at your door waiting to pick up the stuff and leave a case of Foster's behind....unless, of course, you are located way out there in Alice Springs.

It might still be viable to import for someone in need of 9mm. Say a 20'FCL ex-Australian port would cost me roughly the same as ex-China (about USD 2900). A 20' container can hold about 14-15m3 of MDF (due to weight limit). For the 9mm MDF that would come to about 1450 m2 or USD 2/m2 (or USD 0.19/square foot) Hmmm....what can I make with 600x1800x 9mm MDF

Norbert

Norbert, We do not have perforations in the spoilboard. It is plain MDF.

We started with a 16mm thick board in order to give us a margin for error - just in case we miscalculated the cut depth and plunged a bit into the table top. However Ramon is now very capable and now when he cuts right through the board he can leave an onion skin thickness and leaves no marks on the spoilboard. Therefore if you are experienced - you could use a much thinner spoilboard. However it is important that you surface your spoilboard in order to ensure a perfectly flat surface - preferably on both sides of the board.

I cannot see how you could use pegboard and still create enough vacuum. You will be surprised at how well MDF works for your spoilboard.

When ours was machined we created a rebate on the top so that we can have a guide for the correct location of every board - see photos below.

It would not be practical for us to fill a container with offcuts. We could not store enough to fill it. In order to obtain maximum discounts from suppliers everything is ordered in bulk quantities and the place is always full to the brim with packs of melamine board, aluminium extrusions and blocks of mirrors.

Rocket.

Hi Rocket,

Sorry I haven't had a chance to call by an pick up some MDF off cuts, I've been flatout.

From memory can you remeber how much you paid for the Australian Port Charges when you got your CNC.
I've just received my invoice as the router has arrived.

Did you get some new dust extractor hose?, I've got mine already to go.:cheers:

That is great news for you. I figured that it arrived in Melbourne on Monday aboard the ANL Warrain, and then by train to Adelaide?

Call in anytime to get some offcuts - we end up with 20 - 30 per week.

Have not been to get the new dust extractor hose yet - too busy.

I do have the figures from the Broker for our first machine. Have to go pick up the missus from the shops now. Will post all the charges upon our return. I agree that they seem excessive. The waterfront crowd seem to pull charges from anywhere. But you cannot argue with them or they will just hold up your shipment.

Rocket.

Here are the charges from 14 December 07. These prices were for a 20ft Sole use container.
$1799.66 GST
$76.90 Electronic Entry Fee
$25.00 Integrated Customs System
$30.00 Lift On Lift Off
$89.50 Port Service Charge
$240.00 Terminal Handling charge
$113.00 Quarantine Processing Fee
$25.00 Quarantine Entry Fee
$65.00 Bill of Lading Fee
$12.50 Maritime Security Levy
$65.00 Release paperwork Pickup
$370.20 Cartage ( to our premises)
$150.00 Professional Fees ( Receiver/Broker )

$3061.76 Sub Total
$107.22 GST
$3168.98 Grand Total.

I would expect that LCL freight would be cheaper.

Rocket.

Thanks Rod.

I think someone is trying to fill their pockets with ours.

This is my invoice from the broker,

Australian port Charge - $1386.64
Terminal handling fee - $404.24
Delivery order - $50
Sea cargo reporting - $20
Channel deepening fee - $30
CMR Compliance - $15
Import processing fee - $20
Terminal Security fee - $10
GST - $992.69
Customs electronic entry fee - $70
Quarantine fee - $49
CMR Compliance fee (again) $35
CNAC fee - $52.90
Customs Clearance - $155
Quarantine entry lodgement/Doc release - $55
Postage/tel/tlx/fax/etc -$18.50
Fuel Surcharge - $19.73
Delivery to my home - $156
Crane hire - $195

Grand total of $4209.94

Holy crap, what a load of crap. What are your thoughts.
This was also LCL freight.

Hmmmm..... Appears to be a bit of overcharging here!

Your Port Charges $1,386.44
Our Port Charges $89.50

Your Terminal Handling Fee $404.24
Our Terminal Handling Fee $240.00

Yet my understanding is that LCL Freight Charges are lower due to the cost being defrayed over the quantity of different shipments within the larger container.

My guess is that you have been massively overcharged on Port Charges.
Greedy SOBs!!!!!!!!!

Might be worth a phone call to Customs or Consumer affairs to check it out.
Think i will stick with our Receiver Broker for our inbound shipment.

None of these fees are for freight because the router was free on board, Jerry gave us free freight.
I think I will make a few calls tomorrow.
So who are you using for your new inbound item?
What have you got coming?

Reminds me of a Mustang that we had shipped direct from Los Angeles to Adelaide. The Broker in adelaide charged us like a wounded bull! Could be the same Broker that you used. Does their name begin with a"V"?
Since then we bring in the cars through Melbourne and go pick them up over there.

We will use Leyshons for our shipment arriving mid August. Can`t write much about it here - other than to say it is 3 machines. Will show you some pictures when you call in.

Maybe find out if Brokers have a regulatory body? Time to make your Broker accountable.

Rocket.

The SHG0609 steppers are indeed infantile, however, the upgrade to 4.5m/N steppers that are standard on the SHM0609 is $250 USD. The main difference between the two is the covered axis.

The next upgrade issues are:

- 2.2kw spindle - will that be louder - I am inclined to upgrade.
- 150mm Z axis - requires redesign - I am not inclined to take the risk.

I already own a 1 hp dust collection system and am quite aware of the sound issues - my shop vac is quieter and might make the grade.

I am already familiar with CNC routers as I am replacing my home built based on conduit and skate bearings which I must ruefully admit is not meeting expectations. The SHG0609 is not much more expensive than the cost of building a better machine.

My brokers invoice and paper work look genuine enough, he has attached the P&O invoice which has all the excessives fees on it. I'm going to ring P&O to find out what the hell the Port charges include.
My brokers company starts with "D".
WOW, three items coming, can't wait to see the photo's.

Well after making lots of phone calls today, it appears that all the fees are OK.
The terminal handling fees have gone up from the 1 Jul and the port charges are what happens when you send it LCL, because we are sharing a container these are the unpacking/ handling fees. They are charged at $105 per cubic metre, still a load of S**T.
It will be interesting to see what they try to slug you Rocket for your stuff.

I guess one good thing is we get the GST back, which is about $1300.

I will take some photo's once she arrives.

Oh well - looks like we just have to eat it. As you say - at least you can claim back the GST.

Our machine came over in a " Sole Use Container ", for which we paid $1,860. All things considered, they will get us one way or the other. But the savings still make it viable to import.

I believe that the Chinese government is subsiding export freight at the moment - hence the free shipping.

Might be a thought to start a thread in the Australian/New Zealand section of the forum titled " Import costs - China to Australia ". We could each list our Brokers invoice amounts after receiving our machines and name the Broker in each capital city. This would eventually give a good comparison between Brokers and point machine buyers in the right direction in terms of expected costs at this end of the shipping, and the best Broker to use in each city. Just a thought.

Moving along - look forward to hearing of you receiving your machine and posting photos.

Rocket.

(nuts)

Details are very sketchy right now. We are taking a short break and i am getting this second hand.

It would appear that " free shipping " from China may not be " free" at all.

Our Broker is absolutely fuming mad. Seems that he has received some figures from the Melbourne based Receiver/ Unpacker of our machines. The figures appear to be inflated. Upon enquiring about this he was informed that they had received word from China to charge a quite high amount.

The question is this - Exactly WHO has told them to overcharge?

Our people are currently trying to find out what the heck is going on. Hopefully someone was incorrect with the figures. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to get to the bottom of this ( maybe ) skulduggery!

In the meantime i would suggest that anybody currently considering a purchase from China should defer it.

Also - could anybody who has purchased a machine over the last year or so please post the amounts they were charged at the receiving end of their purchase.

All that anybody would ask is a fair go. However if you should pee in our pocket and then try to tell us it is raining - you will receive the firehose in return!!!

So come on guys - post your charges! But perhaps do not name the Broker.

I will post more as this plays out over the next week or so.

Rocket.

I hate to think how much they are trying to charge you Rocket, because it sure sounds like they have got you arced up, maybe our fee wasn't so bad after all.
Just got a phone call and our machine is on its way to our place, I will take lots of photo's and post them this afternoon.

I received the port charges a few days ago and made a few enquiries. I originally got a quote from a freight forwarding agent, however the invoice they passed on to me was higher than expected +$150. It turns out that his quote was only valid if he handled the freight forwarding Australia. Despite my freight forwarder offering his services at a cheaper rate, they were rejected. Excitech insisted on using Globelink. Jerry sent me the costs, but they were less than Globelink's actual invoice (which I obtained a copy of).

Bit annoyed, as Globelink have written their own cheque and there is no accountability for cost justification. Seems a waste of money paying the inflated cost for no reason. Excitech are offering free freight, CIF to port, but this does not cover all the port charges.

Just as rough figures for other Australians to budget on, I've spent AU$5200 on a machine (SHM0609 with HSD spindle upgrade), $580 on gst, didn't have to pay ~$320 in duty (5% duty+gst) due to a current exemption customs have, and paid $1300 in port charges and delivery fees. Should arrive later next week :-)

WOW, what a long and exciting day. The truck driver had a challenge getting it to fit down the drive way and unload. We ended up lifting it the CNC up with the crane and placing it on some skates to position it in the shed.

It took us about 30 minutes to level it out with my Dad super spirt level (half a thou in a foot percision). Wired it up and she fired up perfectly.

Now we just have to work out how to operate and program it correctly.:rainfro::rainfro:

few more photo's, I really love the remote DSP station.

crank it up!!!

jim

That control box looks to be a good set up. Is the DSP cable secured at the bottom?

Glad to see that you enjoyed some celebratory cheer.

I`m with Jim - CRANK IT UP!

Rocket.

Decided to finally take the plunge as the AUD has recovered a bit.

Will be paying 100% of the SHM1325 tommorow (got cash need it in the bank), apparently he has one built already

I had a look at some of previous posts to see which program people use for cabinets but I can't find it. Actually, the cabinet carcass is not a problem but I am looking specifically for a program geared to (MDF) cabinet doors which would allow me to change the style of the 'panel', allows me to insert a STL or DXF file for decorating the 'panel' (or other part of the door) and be easy on the wallet.

Something along the lines of 'Free Doors' http://home.centurytel.net/bwclark/ but with the options mentioned above would be great. Obviously it wouldn't be a free program but the only one I have seen so far is Door Pro which, at US$ 8000 is out of the question. Something inexpensive as Cabinet Parts Pro doesn't do doors or drawer fronts. At least not as far as I can see on their website.

Maybe you are using such a program or have come across it during the course of your business and don't mind sharing your knowledge?

I am primarily interested in the machining of doors and cabinet components on a subcontract basis and not the manufacturing of complete kitchens.

Norbert

Hi Norbert, We were looking for such a program.

The link below is to En Route MDF Door Cad. It is excellent software and would do everything you need - as long as you are happy to spend 5-6k.

For our wardrobe door designs, Matty Zee and Ramon were able to make a program within V Carve Pro. Firstly they designed the patterns manually, then were able to fine tune the program so that now there are only a few steps to enter the dimensions of the door required and distance from edge of board to routered design. Works well for us.

Check out this link to En Route http://www.routercad.com/WebPages/MDFDoorCAD.html

Rocket.

The link below is to En Route MDF Door Cad. It is excellent software and would do everything you need - as long as you are happy to spend 5-6k.



Thanks, Rocket

MDF Door Cad looks good and is probably what I would need (or rather want) but at 5-6K it has to go on the back burner for the moment.

I have several good CAD programmes (one of them 3D) plus I have periodic access to Artcam. Apart from that I am considering buying the more affordable Vectric Aspire since ArtCam is not always available to me.

A second look at 'Free Doors' showed me that one can play around with various tools and and a V-bit can give you a sharp corner at all the 'stiles' - 'rails' junctions. See http://home.centurytel.net/bwclark/Using_Free Doors.htm I consider the latter a 'must'.

So, for the moment it looks like I have to go the same route as Matty Zee and Ramon are taking. Still, that MDF Door Cad looks very good to me......

Norbert

Thanks Rod.

I think someone is trying to fill their pockets with ours.

This is my invoice from the broker,

Australian port Charge - $1386.64
Terminal handling fee - $404.24
Delivery order - $50
Sea cargo reporting - $20
Channel deepening fee - $30
CMR Compliance - $15
Import processing fee - $20
Terminal Security fee - $10
GST - $992.69
Customs electronic entry fee - $70
Quarantine fee - $49
CMR Compliance fee (again) $35
CNAC fee - $52.90
Customs Clearance - $155
Quarantine entry lodgement/Doc release - $55
Postage/tel/tlx/fax/etc -$18.50
Fuel Surcharge - $19.73
Delivery to my home - $156
Crane hire - $195

Grand total of $4209.94

Holy crap, what a load of crap. What are your thoughts.
This was also LCL freight.

We import the 6090, 1212 to US. We change to Mach3 system. But we do not have so much expense ( much less)
http://www.kelinginc.net/CNCmachines.html

Kelinginc, The example posted by Blunderbum was for a 1200 x 2400 ( 4x8 ) machine with " Free Shipping ".

IMO free shipping is not happening. The shipping costs are simply added as port charges at this end of the shipping?

So for any intending buyers in Australia - do yourself a big favour by engaging your own Receiver/ Broker and have your shipping organised by them. You can obtain a quote which should show all shipping costs. This way you can avoid a nasty surprise when your machine arrives.

kelinginc - excellent website. Very refreshing to see your prices on the site. Hope you sell lots of machines.

Rocket.

" Free Shipping ".

IMO free shipping is not happening. The shipping costs are simply added as port charges at this end of the shipping?

Essentially you are saying that the machine/container was shipped 'freight collect' so the the real question is .....who gave instructions to do that?

I always thought that Barbados was one of the most costly as far as import fees/charges are concerned but I see now that you beat us hands down.

Norbert

You specifically need to arrange with Excitech to use your own freight forwarder for handling the import. Mine freight forwarder tried to handle it, but was refused despite having cheaper costs. Excitech went ahead with Globelink, which cost about $150 more than a local company.

Here's my take on importing. Maybe it isn't valid info for importing into Australia, I don't know, but it certainly works well for me here in Spain. I imported a 40ft container full of stuff and prior to doing so, a friend of mine here with experience in importing gave me the following advice.

(1) The usual situation here is that you prepay the shipping container because in general the Chinese have much cheaper shipping rates than we do and secondly, as your/my suppliers are exporting every day of the week, they have access to very good professional rates that you and I will never get.

(2) The usual situation here is that your product arrives and then the local customs agent (handling agent?) socks it to you for (a) customs inspection charge usually about €600 per invoice plus (b) transport charge from quarantine area (bond area? can't remember the name in English) to your door, (c) IVA/VAT/GST of 16% of total (product + shipping + handling + fees + storage, etc.) (d) import duties which in my case was zero.

Firstly, if you want to buy items from 4 suppliers, ALWAYS find someone (there in China) that is happy to recieve all the goods and invoice you with ONE invoice otherwise it's 4 x €600 instead of 1 x €600, even if you have to pay them a little sweetener it is still worth it.
Secondly, my friend advised me to pay absolutely everything I could at the China end and this saved me a lot of money. I paid for shipping + customs inspection + other fees + transport to my door ALL at the Chinese end. The only thing to pay at this end was the IVA/VAT/GST of 16% of total plus the import duties which as I said were zero. The reason why it is cheaper this way is that the Chinese shipping agents, seeing as they are doing this every day of the week, have cooperation networks (reciprocal agents) all around the world. So my local shipping agent isn't dealing with and being paid by me, a small timer, but instead is dealing with and getting paid by ABC shipping agent in China. Without a sharp price (negotiated yearly) my local shipping doesn't get the business.
I compared one method to the other and it was by far more economical using this method and even better is that it stops any possibility of nasty surprises at this end.

G`day Skip, Excellent post - thankyou.

I will test your theory by obtaining a couple of local quotes first, and then request a couple of quotes from freight forwarders in China.

There is a Forum about shipping on alibaba.com where a couple of forwarders regularly spruik for business. Interesting to read.

Here is a token of appreciation for your post -

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=skippy+the+bush+kangaroo&search_type=&aq=0&oq=skippy

YouTube - Skippy (opening)

Rocket

Now that brought a smile to my face. Did you know that in the USA Skippy is a brand of peanut paste (butter).
Re the importing, what, 3 machines in one hit wasn't enough? You're going back for a second round? Seriously though, I only got one price in China and that was from the freight forwarder that my supplier regularly uses. I did however get several prices here and they weren't even close.
Funny, when you think about all the shipping containers that go back to China empty, it's a pity someone couldn't come up with a product that the Chinese just HAD to have......

How about Kangaroo steaks!http://cnczone.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://cnczone.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://cnczone.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

just "skipping" along

jim

I can only Aspire to get to your level.

The work that you do is incredible.

As of this weekend i will finally have my own machine to play with. Can`t wait to get into it.

Rocket.

just "skipping" along

jim

amazing work there.



Regarding the free shipping, this is how it works they pay bugger all on their end for shipping but in return when it arrives their company will charge whatever they want, ie. my broker was saying one customer was payig $5 per ton shipped from china to aus but when it arrives he recieved a massive bill.

I was paying $50USD per ton? or m3, which I was told is a bit expencive but I paid reasonable import charges (according to the broker) when it came in.

Fantastic work Jim! (cabnet636).

Guys, regarding importing I forgot something that is as important or even more important than the comments in my other post above.
L.O.C.s = International Letter of Credit. I didn't do it but I damn well should have and lucky for us the Chinese are in general quite honest. For those that don't know about it, look it up in Wiki. In my case I sent off 10k€ as a deposit and afterwards prior to shipping another 28k€. Imagine what would have happened if nothing would have arrived. i.e. a con. With an L.O.C. you go to your bank and they do an L.O.C. which gets sent to your Chinese supplier's bank. The L.O.C. is an internationally recognised document that guarantees payment to the supplier within 24 hours of the arrival of the goods at the recievers end. Generally the conditions (if it were a router for example) would be that the container has an abc model router from xyz manufacturer inside the container. The actual condition of the product is generally not taken into account, only that you have received said product. The bank charges a (generally) small commission for this service but it is a cheap insurance against not receiving what was ordered.

Hi everyone i am a newbie ia m looking for a baseline to mark out my 206 router could anyone of you be so kind as to give it me some informationm regarding its scale I have made a template of the Z carrige assembly side i am building the machine from mdf the z carriage looks quite big 11 to 12 inches in depth is that right any information I would gladly recieve regarding steppers or anything many thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCrEJ2Ud5YU&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ethestate%2Ecom%2Flocal%2Fstory%2F911977%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded

Love those chess pieces Jim, great job.

The dust extractor is working fantastic lol.:)
What material are you using to make the pieces, and where do you get your long cutters from?

Are you going to paint the pieces?

Cheers,
Simon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCrEJ2Ud5YU&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ethestate%2Ecom%2Flocal%2Fstory%2F911977%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded

Hi All
I'm going to place an order in next few days. I'm getting SHM1212.
What is the preferred payment method.
Someone mentioned LOC for safer option.
Is T/T OK ?
How did you guys make your payment?

Hi Bananafish, The way that we went about it. We went to our bank branch and made a Telegraphic Transfer direct into their bank account.

I made enquiries into the letter of credit method, but was advised by the bank manager that it would be difficult to set up.

The invoice confuses the issue somewhat, as they mention an intermediary bank in the USA. Not necessary, easier to pay it direct into their account in China.

We paid a 50% deposit, and then the balance a couple of days before the machine was shipped.

Rocket.

Hi All
I'm going to place an order in next few days. I'm getting SHM1212.
What is the preferred payment method.
Someone mentioned LOC for safer option.
Is T/T OK ?
How did you guys make your payment?

If you haven't done so yet, go with the T/T (also called a Wire Transfer or Telegraphic Transfer). It's a lot cheaper than a letter of credit.

A L/C is a little bit more complex but I wouldn't call it difficult.

The fee for an irrevocable L/C is based on the value of the goods whereas a T/T carries a flat fee.

Intermediary banks in the USA or elsewhere do not represent a problem unless they are in countries know for money laundering.

I am an importer/distributor and haven't opened an L/C in over 10 years. All payments have been by T/T and there is really nothing unusual if the routing instructions include one or more intermediary banks. Of course, you wouldn't pay by T/T if you didn't trust the supplier(s).

It probably varies by country but in general you take either a proforma invoice or a commercial invoice to the bank and ask for a wire transfer. Normally the bank routing instructions are printed on the invoice or else factory sends you an additional sheet.

For very expensive stuff you can engage firms like SGS http://www.sgs.com/activities/inspection.htm or Bureau Veritas http://www.bureauveritas.com/wps/wcm/connect/bv_com/Group/Home/Our-Services/ for a fee, of course.

Thank you for the great information Rocket and MaNo.
I sent the deposit to Excitec yesterday.
I used t/t.

By the way, I just found out Exitec is going to have a Aussie distributor soon. Maybe it's a good news for someone but price will be going up for sure.

Bananafish, Congratulations, I am sure you will be happy with your purchase.

It is indeed excellent news if there is going to be an Aussie Agent for Excitech machines. But lets hope that they are not going to be greedy like that bloke last year in New Zealand. Also i hope that the Agent has some marketing nouse. If they spend some advertising dollars and create awareness among Cabinetmakers and Signwriters that it is not essential to spend 100k for a CNC Router it would be good for the industry as a whole.
I wish the Agent success.

And there might be someone breathing up their clacker to keep them honest.http://cnczone.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gifhttp://cnczone.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

Rocket.

Does anyone know where in Oz I can source a 4 pin microphone connector the same as those used on the Excitech to connect the stepper motors? Mine are about 18 mm across on the screw thread of the male coupling. I have found plenty of places that have the 15mm version but nothing bigger.

Hi,
Have you tried Jaycar Electronics or DSE?
They normal carry micro phone plugs.

Does anyone know where in Oz I can source a 4 pin microphone connector the same as those used on the Excitech to connect the stepper motors? Mine are about 18 mm across on the screw thread of the male coupling. I have found plenty of places that have the 15mm version but nothing bigger.

Yes. I have tried Jaycar, DSE, and Altronics plus everything online I could find and a Music shop that sells bits and pieces for microphones.

hi, i am lele yang from Jinan city too, is anyone would like to see our cnc router machine? the website is www.cncrouter.cn , and i think you will find it to meet your demands.
Lele Yang
Jinan Jinshengxing Machinery& Manufacture Co.,Ltd.
Website: www.cncrouter.cn
Mobile: 86-13583184552
Tel: +86-531-83196219
Fax: +86-531-86972960
E-mail: lele@cncrouter.cn
MSN:luckydoglele@hotmail.com
Skype: luckydoglele

Hi Guys,
Haven't posted for a while because i've been extremely busy. In between working a full time job and having a new baby:) i've done a bit of machining.
The router hasn't missed a beat and I am still extremely happy with the Excitech router, best purchase we have every made.
The only problem I have had is the brushes falling of the dust hood which I replaced with some rubber for $5.
Anyhow here are few photo of my wing plugs that are nearly ready for molding.
:rainfro:

Hi Guys,
Haven't posted for a while because i've been extremely busy. In between working a full time job and having a new baby:) i've done a bit of machining.
The router hasn't missed a beat and I am still extremely happy with the Excitech router, best purchase we have every made.
The only problem I have had is the brushes falling of the dust hood which I replaced with some rubber for $5.
Anyhow here are few photo of my wing plugs that are nearly ready for molding.
:rainfro:

What sort of aircraft are those wing molds for? They almost look too big for Radio controlled.

Shannon.

hey blunderbum,
funny, i got my router and then we had our first baby only a couple of months later. Extremely busy! My day job is digital print/graphic artist.
I figured i'd never be able put aside money for a router after we had a child.
And i was right!

Im in the slow process of making a 1/5 RC car chassis with my router,
one day ill get onto the molds for the body.
Just wondering whether your wings will be filled with foam? If so what kind?
Im thinking ill be designing my body for my car in a similar way.

Cheers
Lee

Hey Shannon,

They are for my UAV which we designed.
You can see the prototype on my web site.
www.avitus.com.au

Simon
What sort of aircraft are those wing molds for? They almost look too big for Radio controlled.

Shannon.

Hi Lee,

The good thing about the CNC is you can just leave it running and carry on with other jobs(changing nappies yep pee), especially in my case where most of the plugs are taking up to 14hrs to machine.

I'm not using any foam in my wings, they are a full rib structure covered with a honeycomb composite skin, this way I can run internal wiring, fuel tanks, antenna's, lights etc.

What software are you using? to make your parts and cut the car bodies.

Simon
hey blunderbum,
funny, i got my router and then we had our first baby only a couple of months later. Extremely busy! My day job is digital print/graphic artist.
I figured i'd never be able put aside money for a router after we had a child.
And i was right!

Im in the slow process of making a 1/5 RC car chassis with my router,
one day ill get onto the molds for the body.
Just wondering whether your wings will be filled with foam? If so what kind?
Im thinking ill be designing my body for my car in a similar way.

Cheers
Lee

Hey Shannon,

They are for my UAV which we designed.
You can see the prototype on my web site.
www.avitus.com.au

Simon

I am building something similar size although mine is man carrying.

http://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/forums/light-stuff-area/5622-cricri-mc-15-nz.html

Shannon,

Shannon,

Just had a look at your build log and WOW that is some really nice work.

If you don't mined me asking where did you get the wheels and brakes from?


I am building something similar size although mine is man carrying.

http://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/forums/light-stuff-area/5622-cricri-mc-15-nz.html

Shannon,

Shannon,

Just had a look at your build log and WOW that is some really nice work.

If you don't mined me asking where did you get the wheels and brakes from?

I got the disk brakes from a local bike shop, I will get some new disks laser or waterjet cut as I can't easily do stainless steel on my router. The tyres are from a wheel supplier and they are just small wheelbarrow wheels, I will be getting the proper tyres from Desser.com eventually.

Feel free to join the homebuiltairplanes forum, I think a UAV project would generate some interest.

Shannon.

Hi Shannon, Blunderbum,

Allow me to chime in... I'm setting up a new company to make Light Sport Aircraft of our own design in Italy. I'm in the market for a 1530 and in a few days, am about to place an order for it. Our design is a bit unique among the LSA's out there, therefore, the site www.nashero.com is under wraps, but I'll be putting a IP cam in our premises and will be happy to give a peek into the works to those who are registered on the site.

Blunderbum, it appears that you're machining plugs. With this machine, can you not directly machine a female mold? You said it took you 14 hours to machine, what was the surface area? Did you check the accuracy of the parts?

Shannon, I'm very worried if my router of 400mm gantry height will indeed be able to route some aluminum sheet (2024T3) at a reasonable quality. Is there any noticeable flex with a large gantry? I too will be mostly machining plugs and molds for composite work....

Looking forward to your feedback,
N

MAN "O" MAN SHANNON


next to that i feel sane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


jim

Shannon, I'm very worried if my router of 400mm gantry height will indeed be able to route some aluminum sheet (2024T3) at a reasonable quality. Is there any noticeable flex with a large gantry? I too will be mostly machining plugs and molds for composite work....

Looking forward to your feedback,
N

Usually the flex shows up as a reduction in the quality of the edge finish first.
I find there is a an amount of flex but it can be minimized by taking small passes. I can take up 1/8" cut depth with a 1/4' bit in aluminium but need to allow for a clean up pass over the cut edge to hold tolerances. Compared to a machining with a VMC or similar, the gantry router has lots of flex.

LOL @ Jim's comment.

Shannon.

Shannon,

Thanks a lot! I wrote that before going to your cri-cri build log. Fantastic work! I've been a fan of cri-cri since the engineering school in 1982 or 84, I saw this in Janes all the worlds. In Europe you find these on many airshows. +-10g's is the way to go... inverted Shannon.

I'd be a bit worried with the fuel tank between my legs :-). Have you thought about the protection you'll need for the pilots body?

All the best, great stuff....

Hi Blunderbum, Shannon,

VERY NICE WORK guys, wish I could make something like that!!! Just make me wish more to buy a CNC router machine.
Shannon: if you dont mind, which machine did u use to make fuselage? is it excitech? and what where dimensions of machine?
Thanks a lot for sharing your stuff, very interesting and helpful!

Ricardo.

Yes I made most of the parts for the CriCri on my 1530 (1500mm x 3000mm) Excitech.

Shannon.

Whats with all the chinese spammers in the thread?

Got my 600x900 machine

http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/image.php?id=pskbe&f=1'
Click to view full size! ('http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/index.php?page=image&id=pskbe')

http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/image.php?id=cpwrb&f=1'
Click to view full size! ('http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/index.php?page=image&id=cpwrb')

http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/image.php?id=ywv2o&f=1'
Click to view full size! ('http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/index.php?page=image&id=ywv2o')

Last one is of sticking down some MDF, at this time I am trialing the glues, the first is a MDF based glue the weakest of the lot and which should be the easiest to remove. 112KG on the top there, I hope its enough :P

I spent a good amount of time cleaning the rails and lubing them up.

I went with a smaller machine because of the smaller cost and if I need to get rid of my factory in February I can move it to my house as its small and single phase.

Import costs for a 600x900 machine using the free shipping service from Excitech was $1991.13 that includes $200 for a customs broker and $80 for delivery, to give anyone else a idea on pricing.


BTW A BIGGGGGGGGGGG THANK YOU TO ROCKET FOR ANSWERING MY STUPID QUESTIONS AND FOR NOTIFYING ALL OF US ABOUT THE CHINESE ROUTERS.

Congratulations Blue^Ray on your purchase !!!

Its looks like it arrived in good condition...

I second the appreciation for Rocket & the guys who participate on the forum, without whom we may not have had the knowledge or know how to go ahead with these purchases.

Being single phase should make it a plug & play setup for you, so you must be all ready to starting cutting.... That makes me very envious.. :)

Good luck with your routing and be sure to show us you talents...

hehe.Thanks for your reply.
Yes,our machine is one phase,220v or 110v ,each one is ok.
Our machine is controlled by a computer with win 2000/xp,
The control system is Ncstudio.
The machine is connected with the computer by PCI card.
the controlling system DSP system can be used for the
cnc router,too.
are you interested with our machine?
may you tell me your email address?
I think this is more convenient for us.
my email is jcutcnc@live.cn.

cnclaser1, It is considered as very impolite to spruik your machines on a thread which is discussing the machines of a rival business.
Why don`t you create your own thread rather than trying to cash in on the success of another business!
Here is a challenge for you - Put your prices on here if you insist on crashing this thread. Maybe a 600 x 900 machine, a 1200 x 2400 and also a 1300 x 2500. Prices FOB Qingdao Port. Have you got the b@lls to do this?
No hard feelings. Are you prepared to do it?
By the way, can you advise of any machine owners who are happy with the NC Studio Control system?

Rocket.

Whats with all the chinese spammers in the thread?

Got my 600x900 machine

http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/image.php?id=pskbe&f=1'
Click to view full size! (http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/index.php?page=image&id=pskbe)

http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/image.php?id=cpwrb&f=1'
Click to view full size! (http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/index.php?page=image&id=cpwrb)

http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/image.php?id=ywv2o&f=1'
Click to view full size! (http://www.overclockers.com.au/pix/index.php?page=image&id=ywv2o)

Last one is of sticking down some MDF, at this time I am trialing the glues, the first is a MDF based glue the weakest of the lot and which should be the easiest to remove. 112KG on the top there, I hope its enough :P

I spent a good amount of time cleaning the rails and lubing them up.

I went with a smaller machine because of the smaller cost and if I need to get rid of my factory in February I can move it to my house as its small and single phase.

Import costs for a 600x900 machine using the free shipping service from Excitech was $1991.13 that includes $200 for a customs broker and $80 for delivery, to give anyone else a idea on pricing.


BTW A BIGGGGGGGGGGG THANK YOU TO ROCKET FOR ANSWERING MY STUPID QUESTIONS AND FOR NOTIFYING ALL OF US ABOUT THE CHINESE ROUTERS.

blue^ray, Great to see your photos of the new machine.

Probably a good idea to glue your spoilboard down too. I have chopped the heads off a few screws this week.

Your questions are far from stupid. I am a beginner at actually operating the machines myself. When our first machine arrived we also had plenty of questions. The blokes on the Forum were quick to answer them. If i can now help others to learn on them it will be very rewarding. Ring or Email anytime.

Rocket.

yes rocket, i stand with you about the cnclaser guy. this thread i believe is for people that are learning and improving their businesses. if sellers want to make contributions, let them open their own thread and debate so that we can choose between them, competition is good for business. by so doing we will know their prices, qualities and probably their references too, it might also be the easiest way choose which router to buy. most people buy these machines and have to go through hell to learn how to use them, the after sales services are mostly not just there.

priestwood

Well myself and a friend bought a SHM0609 and received them back in July.

We are still waiting for parts we haven't received and replacement of a faulty part. Exitech are just ignoring us. Have been for 3 months now. We have sent a heap of emails, but only got a couple of responses, stating they were going to send the parts. One of those responses I got the same day, but I was inquiring about purchasing something. The "after sales" service is absolutely terrible - non existent. If you buy from Excitech and have a problem or didn't get what you paid for... you're stuffed! Their attitude is appalling.

I knew that freight forwarding and import charges were to be expected, but their free shipping came with expensive Globelink freight forward charges. My broker tried to organised this for him, as he could do it for them cheaper, but they ignored him and just sent the bill. Sounded to me like the free freight was just a guise for getting funds another way.

Wiring was ok. There were some incorrect labelling. One of the screw terminals on a PCB was stripped and not holding the high voltage wire. Had to replace it, as that would have caused a lot of problems. There were several terminals on the 24VDC supply that were more than 3 turns loose. Could have been from shipping vibration. Wiring cover had popped off as the wires were stuffed in and a little too short to fit. The spindle control pad isn't fully wired to the VFD, so couldn't use the dial control. The X-Axis home switch works intermittently, the head crashes into the gantry.

The X-Axis had metal swarf stuck to the bearings and ballscrew thread - both sides. I was shocked when I saw that. It's not the sort of thing you want to see scratching up the rails or getting in the ballscrew nut. Also found two drill bits and a threading bit in the bottom of the X-Axis carriage. The Y-Axis ballscrew nut is missing a bolt... I think it might have been snapped off. Have to get under there with a torch to get a better look.

All up I'm mostly disappointed in Excitech for ignoring our emails and not sending us the missing parts.

I wouldn't buy from Excitech again. Too much of a gamble. Anything wrong or missing with the delivery and you're on your own.

BTW to everyone who has never used the software before.

I dumped it as soon as I installed it I was just confused and reinstalled my version of Cut 2D and progeCAD 2008 Smart!

Cut 2D is ~$150 USD and progeCAD 2D is free for personal use. I use the basic line tool and circle tool its all I need, and set it to snap to corners, mid ect. Cut 2D exports to G-code and I ran a 200x200 square in mid air and it was running great.

The table itself is pretty flat, just the left front corner is raised slightly.

Regarding the Glue, the MDF glue might look like it will work but next time I think I will apply more, the left hand front side is slightly off and doesnt have proper contact with the board but I will see how it goes.

BTW all my bits I have now are 6.35mm :(, currently using the 6mm bits supplied, nice and sharp.


Being single phase should make it a plug & play setup for you, so you must be all ready to starting cutting.... That makes me very envious.. :)


I spent a good few hours cleaning the rails and getting those bloddy bellows off, Thinking about getting some velcro and using that as the screws are in a bad spot. There is some goo on the rails to stop rusting during transit.

I will post a video of it in action when I get some time, gota finish cleaning out the house and taking all the rubish to the tip as we just moved houses.



We are still waiting for parts we haven't received and replacement of a faulty part. Exitech are just ignoring us. Have been for 3 months now. We have sent a heap of emails, but only got a couple of responses, stating they were going to send the parts. One of those responses I got the same day, but I was inquiring about purchasing something. The "after sales" service is absolutely terrible - non existent. If you buy from Excitech and have a problem or didn't get what you paid for... you're stuffed! Their attitude is appalling.

I knew that freight forwarding and import charges were to be expected, but their free shipping came with expensive Globelink freight forward charges. My broker tried to organised this for him, as he could do it for them cheaper, but they ignored him and just sent the bill. Sounded to me like the free freight was just a guise for getting funds another way.

Wiring was ok. There were some incorrect labelling. One of the screw terminals on a PCB was stripped and not holding the high voltage wire. Had to replace it, as that would have caused a lot of problems. There were several terminals on the 24VDC supply that were more than 3 turns loose. Could have been from shipping vibration. Wiring cover had popped off as the wires were stuffed in and a little too short to fit. The spindle control pad isn't fully wired to the VFD, so couldn't use the dial control. The X-Axis home switch works intermittently, the head crashes into the gantry.

The X-Axis had metal swarf stuck to the bearings and ballscrew thread - both sides. I was shocked when I saw that. It's not the sort of thing you want to see scratching up the rails or getting in the ballscrew nut. Also found two drill bits and a threading bit in the bottom of the X-Axis carriage. The Y-Axis ballscrew nut is missing a bolt... I think it might have been snapped off. Have to get under there with a torch to get a better look.

All up I'm mostly disappointed in Excitech for ignoring our emails and not sending us the missing parts.

I wouldn't buy from Excitech again. Too much of a gamble. Anything wrong or missing with the delivery and you're on your own.

Hi, just wondering what the faulty/missing part was? I was warned and expected no after sales support so it didnt surprise me.

Regarding the free freight Jerry would not ship with my brokers contact in china either, wasted 2 weeks here.

My Keypad doesnt do much either but it can be controlled via the DSP, regarding the crashing gantry they use proximity switches you could adjust the metal plate I think it is so it triggers earlier, not my first choice I've never seen them before but I guess you could wire up some limit switches, limit switches would have made it much cheaper and reliable for excitech also, im not sure why they went with proxy switches.

There was a little alu swarf inside the bellows but vacuumed it all out when I lubed everything up.

Sadly, I agree with what has been written in the last couple of posts.

Today we received a package from Excitech. it contained a new DSP cable, a replacement switch and ONE USB Stick.

While i do thank them for sending the cable and the switch ( it must be noted that i had offered to pay for them SIX MONTHS AGO ) only to be informed that payment was not required. But six months to wait - come on guys - lift your game!

I sent $124 to them approximately six weeks ago as payment for 12 USB sticks. I Received just ONE.

Excitech - Do not bother to send me any Emails claiming it was a mistake, i am not interested in discussing anything further with you - and keep my money - you obviously need it more than i do.

It is so unfortunate that you have destroyed all the goodwill that had been built up over several years. How dare you treat your customers in this manner.

Rocket.

SORRY To say this .....,but i COULD have said this right from the start.

Poor service ,Poor product ,poor communication ,poor bloody everything.

I have just about rebuilt my machine from scratch,the only thing original is the paint,even then i had to grind some of it off.

Not interested in any of there crap!!!!!!

NO thanks,,,,,,,Tell me its from China and I will be running the other way,with my fingers in my ears!


For what its worth
Regards
Jubee

Just having some free time finally, I went over it completely and the finish quality is shocking. Looks good on the outside but I've seen a few stripped threads and bad taps into the aluminium.

I'm planning to just strip it down and rebuild it as I hate the DSP, I plan to get some Gecko's and run mach 3.

I guess I am atleast lucky to receive a complete working machine.

Hi, I have sent money to Jerry at the end of August.
I'm waiting for my SHM1212 to arrive anxiously.
Recent few posts make me worry.
As I am a newbie for this CNC world. I don't know what to do if things go wrong.

Yes I made most of the parts for the CriCri on my 1530 (1500mm x 3000mm) Excitech.

Shannon.

Hi Shannon,

VERY impressive build and log mate.

What software do you run? I have just last week received my CNC from Jcut ( chinese of course) and am still in the process of setting it all up.

A friend has suggested I go with DeskCNC as it will be universal should I decide to apply the 4 axis Stepper motor kit I purchased 8 months ago to my Lathe or Mill.

Peter

Peter,

I have been using Vectric V-Carve pro and the standard DSP. Works great for me, V-carve is really quick and good to use

Shannon.

HI,peter,
I am honor to see your message in here.
I worked in JCUT.
what's wrong with your machine?

HI,peter,
I am honor to see your message in here.
I worked in JCUT.
what's wrong with your machine?

I ddin't say there was a problem with the machine- JUST ME - I tried to read the instruction manual and it might as well be in chinese :)

I ddin't say there was a problem with the machine- JUST ME - I tried to read the instruction manual and it might as well be in chinese :)

Hear your machine is right,i am very glad.
You couldn't read the instruction manual?
it is not English?If that,you can contact with
our company.

Hear your machine is right.....it is not English?If that,you can contact with
our company.

I didn't say that either- I won't know if it is OK or not until I saefly power it up and get it running.

No there were NO english instructions and my pointing this out last week apparently fell on deaf ears. Apparently advertising and communication with emails in ENGLISH doesn't mean the instructions will be the same.

Peter

I didn't say that either- I won't know if it is OK or not until I saefly power it up and get it running.

No there were NO english instructions and my pointing this out last week apparently fell on deaf ears. Apparently advertising and communication with emails in ENGLISH doesn't mean the instructions will be the same.

Peter

Hi,peter,
If you have any question,you can contact with the guy who sold the machine to you.
The instruction in English is not in CD?

I did contact Lily and reported the problem but that was as far as the interest went - of course - I have already paid for it.

Is there a set of instructions in English on the Discs with Chinese all over them ? I doubt it as I was told NO instructions in English at this stage.

I am looking to set it with software I can rely on hence my original question aboiut the DEskCNC and Vectric V Care Pro. Enroute just sounds way too dear for my limited use.

Peter

I did contact Lily and reported the problem but that was as far as the interest went - of course - I have already paid for it.

Is there a set of instructions in English on the Discs with Chinese all over them ? I doubt it as I was told NO instructions in English at this stage.

I am looking to set it with software I can rely on hence my original question aboiut the DEskCNC and Vectric V Care Pro. Enroute just sounds way too dear for my limited use.

Peter

which model did you buy from our company?
Maybe there is no English instruction in CD,
but i believe our company will solve your questions.

I purchased the JCut 1836 with a 500 mm Z axis

I purchased the JCut 1836

it is a big machine.If you have question,please send the email to our sales.

it is a big machine.If you have question,please send the email to our sales.

As I believe said a couple of time I DID email your sales -NO SUCCESS- How many times do I need to do so.
As you said a big machine - not a small sale

peter
Didn't you know that 'chinese' is Australian for 'confusing'.
I had similar problems with my excitech at first but stick with this forum and you will be right. If at worst ask Big S to come over from NZ and he will build you a new machine.
I actually gave up on back up service after the first 3 emails left me completely dumbfounded..Got to love the chinese they make the stuff soooooo cheap some things have to be sacrificed and service is definitely one...

Hi Beerman,

Yeah I would have to agree with you.

What cnclaser seems to be missing is that I have already given up on there back up service- I was dismissed pretty promptly and am not about to go wasting any more of my time persuing a dead duck.

That is why I am looking around to get an idea of what everybody else is doing and what actually works. I never really expected to use any of the Chinese software as I figured it would be rudimentary and probably not suitable .

The Vectric site is interesting but I am still leaning toward the Desk CNC does anybody have any experience with it?

Peter

Beerman,

I would have to agree with you on that one.

What cnclaser is missing is that I am not about to waste any more time on this lame duck . I never really expected to use any of the software anyway as I figured it would be rather basic and after all I was just buying the cheaper hardware to run with some good quality software . Hence my original post to see what everyone is using and what actually works in the real world.

The Vectric site seems to offer some more affordable options than Enroute . Desk CNC is still the front runner at this stage. Does anyone have any feedback?


Peter

peter
Didn't you know that 'chinese' is Australian for 'confusing'.
I had similar problems with my excitech at first but stick with this forum and you will be right. If at worst ask Big S to come over from NZ and he will build you a new machine.

Peter,

Just make sure the Red Bull Air races are on and I might be up to coming over.;):D
If you need English manuals for the DSP I have some good ones (I presume that is the controller you have now?)
I have yet to see an English manual on the machine setup. Any questions just ask away.

Shannon.

the dsp english manual

Just a word of warning,

Check to see if your machine is grounded to the power point, my machine was not grounded ie. someone too lazy to wire up the ground they soldered it but with no wire. I was getting little shocks from the DSP connector outer metal casing.

I am not an electrician but I am 100% certain it should be grounded via the power point, if I am wrong someone please correct me.

The fuses in the machine are also 380V 10A fuses :confused: BTW dont you only fuse the active wire? not neutral?

I also had some washers and bolts floating around in the power enclosure also :confused:

I am stripping my router and will be rewiring it with Geckos and Switching PSU's to keep it simple and will just use mach 3.


To check if it is grounded you can look under the back of the router if you have a SHM0609 there should be 3 wires coming from the power point.

Long time since I posted up here folks.

Just using the same old thread since many of you get copies on email.

I am 99.9% there to connect my 4th axis to my machine and it has been a long time since I looked at all the tech info on the drivers etc.

However, the 4th axis I have bought uses a motor with two windings on each side - i.e 4 windings with center tap.

Now our stepper drivers the YAKO 2811MA has no connectors for the center tap from the windings. See pic bellow... My setup is basically nr2 from the left.
Now it's probably a very basic question but I have not the time to track down in the literature : Since our Yako miss the connector - is it just to skip this and leave the connection floating ?

What may cause problems in case ? Should I double the current ?

K

Dose anyone know contact for Excitech agent in Australia?
There should be one in Melbourne.
I'll appreciate any info.

Thanks,

Hi Guys

It seems quite a few people for whatever reason have lost the settings on the DSP controller. I too have joined that club and am a bit stuck :(

I have an excitech SHM1325 machine and it started playing up last week, in manual jog mode it would stop suddenly and go to the "Goto home?" screen on the dsp. A few buttons later and bam all the settings had disappeared.

Now the size is miles out and excitech arent replying to my emails. Does anyone have a backup file or the pulse settings etc I need to get back up and running?

Thanks

Hi Guys

It seems quite a few people for whatever reason have lost the settings on the DSP controller. I too have joined that club and am a bit stuck :(

I have an excitech SHM1325 machine and it started playing up last week, in manual jog mode it would stop suddenly and go to the "Goto home?" screen on the dsp. A few buttons later and bam all the settings had disappeared.

Now the size is miles out and excitech arent replying to my emails. Does anyone have a backup file or the pulse settings etc I need to get back up and running?

Thanks
ok the pulse settings...you cand find them on http://www.sh-router.com/after.asp under no.7 question and answer..it is simple:))

Hi Guys

It seems quite a few people for whatever reason have lost the settings on the DSP controller. I too have joined that club and am a bit stuck :(

I have an excitech SHM1325 machine and it started playing up last week, in manual jog mode it would stop suddenly and go to the "Goto home?" screen on the dsp. A few buttons later and bam all the settings had disappeared.

Now the size is miles out and excitech arent replying to my emails. Does anyone have a backup file or the pulse settings etc I need to get back up and running?

Thanks

I had vowed not to post on the Excitech threads - but in this case it is to help a member out.

Dougie - try this - it should get you running.

To Format the DSP:
Menu-System Setup-Format-OK

To Reset the data of DSP:
1) Menu-System setup- pulse equivalent- X 127.3 Y 127.3 Z 400
2)Menu- Parameter Setup- soft limit- X axis soft limit 1300mm Y axis soft limit 2500mm Z axis soft limit 200mm
3)Menu- Parameter setup- Manual Setting - Low speed X 4000 Y 6000
Z 1000. High speed X 20000 Y 20000 Z 2000

Then it should be problem solved.

U know who.

Thanks guys, got it back up and working.

The only thing now is when I run a program the Z axis doesnt move up to a safe Z before rapid to the start point like it used to. Does anybody know what setting this is?

When it finishes a job it goes to Z +10mm no matter what Z up height I enter on the screen right before the program runs.

Just a word of warning,

Check to see if your machine is grounded to the power point, my machine was not grounded ie. someone too lazy to wire up the ground they soldered it but with no wire. I was getting little shocks from the DSP connector outer metal casing.

I am not an electrician but I am 100% certain it should be grounded via the power point, if I am wrong someone please correct me.

How pathetic... my machine isn't earthed either. They've wired up the earth for the transformers and the VFD, but just not to the socket for the 240VAC.

I measured 108VAC with the multimeter between chassis and transformer ground. I think I'II fix that before I have an unplanned accident that my insurance laughs at.

http://www.eclipze.com.au/cnc/Excitech_No_Earth.jpg

I thought the composition of the picture deserved a snap shot :-)

I've now got a proper double insulated power cable to the control box... with the correct wire colours! No more high voltage leakage to the chassis.

If anyone needs a replacement or backup DSP controller / interface card, I have mine available. Converted to Mach3 setup, so no longer need the DSP setup. In Australia, but can ship overseas.
http://www.cnczone.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3524

Hey Guys,
Just signed up and looking into purchasing my 1st cnc, and obviously my wallet has begged for a chinese machine...! Thanks for the wealth of posts, been reading for a few days now.
My gut has decided on Excitech, but don't get any replies. Can I please get some contact details, preferably someone selling to South Africa.

Cheers
Simon

I am about to buy a machine but have decided Jinan Quick. Exitech hasn't had the best reviews of late

Went onto the Quick website and was a bit put-off by their crappy site. Could not even get an email address off it.

Are you sure you went to the right site? This is the signature from them

JINAN QUICK CNC ROUTER CO., LTD.
LANXIANG MIDDLE ROAD, TIANQIAO INDUSTRY ZONE,
JINAN, SHANDONG, P.R. CHINA
Contact: Taney
MOBILE: +86 13665418909
SKYPE: taney0118
EMAIL/MSN:tomhua_1@hotmail.com
Website:http://quickcnc.diytrade.com/
Photobucket: http://s689.photobucket.com/albums/vv255/Taney118/?start=0
TEL: +86-531-85707077 FAX: +86-531-85709177

Yup, was on wrong site... Thanks for the info.
So what are your views on the various manufacturers (quality, price, service)?

Well Quick seems to have very good reviews as well deliveries to multiple continents (They have a ussr distributor too). That said its still scary to send a bunch of $ to China. I just got another machine from China though (a glass cutting machine) and have good luck. I have an email into Rocket who gives effusive praise to Jinan Quick. I am going to get the machine with steppers without a controller and have a local guy build me a controller with Geckos I think if you want MACH 3 you are better off with this route. Email Taney he will respond very quickly and quote a few machines for you. With my glass machine I asked for a special color I chose as well so you can be sure the pics they send are your machine. You could also use an agent to inspect the shipment before the final payment is sent.

Thanks, will give Taney a shout.
So, what are you doing with glass? I'm also in the glass industry (automotive).

I make decorative tile for a company called Ann Sacks..actually just started vacuum lamination with EVA... What about you?

I am the technical manager for an automotive glass company, however I'm looking at starting some cnc work on the side. Don't quite know where it will lead at this stage, but the options are limitless...

Cool well good luck and definitely post your experiences about purchasing the machine and I will do the same. Best

Will do, ciao.

Hi All,

Been reading up on the forum and would still like a bit of personal adivce before taking the plunge, please!

I'm looking to buy a cnc for various jobs, but the key will be to be able to machine aluminium and steel at low feeds I guess. Precision is quite important.

What do you recommend? I see most suppliers state accuracies of about 0.025mm, but Keiling states 0.005mm... Seems optomistic. Leaning towards Excitech or Quick CNC... Looked at the K6100A from Quick. Like it? The only thing that I prefer is The one from Excitech comes with rail covers (and ballscrew protected), but the Quick CNC is 100mm bigger.

Will be making moulds and some engineering odds and ends. Also looking to run it as a CNC plasma cutter. Thoughts?

Regards,
Simon

Rocket raves about the K6100... I dont have enough skill to comment about your needs. The prices for a Jinan quick K6100 and K1212 are very close so maybe getting the bigger machine? The bigger one uses rack and pinion which is facing down and away from debris... I would agree that a manufacturer can put whatever accuracies they want true or not...

Hiya All,
One of my first posts here. Been reading a lot here, must say FANTASTIC forum! As a pro guitarbuilder from Belgium I was always interested in CNC but was thinking(and been told many times) it would be to difficult and expensive...

I'm introduced to "affordable" CNC by a forum member. Bless him, He invited me over and told me a lot about CAD/CAM/CNC, Many many thanks Marco!

A couple a weeks ago I ordered the Router... A K1312-200 exitech. Very exiting indeed.
Can't wait for the machine to show up at my doorstep... Shall I post some pics when the router arrives?
Anyways I'm sure I'll have some questions once I unpaked it. Did download the Exitech for newbies manual. Must say RESPECT for writing it! A lot of questions where answered after reading it. Cheers!

Hiya All,
One of my first posts here. Been reading a lot here, must say FANTASTIC forum! As a pro guitarbuilder from Belgium I was always interested in CNC but was thinking(and been told many times) it would be to difficult and expensive...

I'm introduced to "affordable" CNC by a forum member. Bless him, He invited me over and told me a lot about CAD/CAM/CNC, Many many thanks Marco!

A couple a weeks ago I ordered the Router... A K1312-200 exitech. Very exiting indeed.
Can't wait for the machine to show up at my doorstep... Shall I post some pics when the router arrives?
Anyways I'm sure I'll have some questions once I unpaked it. Did download the Exitech for newbies manual. Must say RESPECT for writing it! A lot of questions where answered after reading it. Cheers!

Hello, tell us you cnc config, if you ordered a 4th axis sistem, dsp sistem or mach3...post pic's when your cnc arrives. and if you need help, just ask the forum will help you.
Best regards Mecanicu

Hello, tell us you cnc config, if you ordered a 4th axis sistem, dsp sistem or mach3...post pic's when your cnc arrives. and if you need help, just ask the forum will help you.
Best regards Mecanicu
Hey Mecanicu,
I went for a simple 3 Axis setup with DSP controler. My budget is tight...
After reading a lot here I must say wish I went for the Mach3 option.
IF ONLY it's correct that the machine can still run on DSP with a Mach 3 controller card? Or is this a really daft thing to say/Incorrect???


OR can I easily change the DSP controller unit later to a Mach 3 one???

Don't know what's the best yet I'm very green in this world... But like to keep all options open in case I change my mind in a few months....

Hey Mecanicu,
I went for a simple 3 Axis setup with DSP controler. My budget is tight...
After reading a lot here I must say wish I went for the Mach3 option.
IF ONLY it's correct that the machine can still run on DSP with a Mach 3 controller card? Or is this a really daft thing to say/Incorrect???


OR can I easily change the DSP controller unit later to a Mach 3 one???

Don't know what's the best yet I'm very green in this world... But like to keep all options open in case I change my mind in a few months....

Yes you cand change from dsp to mach3 but it's not that simple......you need to change the breakout board, a little of wireing, when you decide to do that just search in the forum.
For me the dsp system it's good, with the dsp it's faster and you don't need a pc all the time dedicated for the cnc, i have my cnc for about 2 years now and only minor problem's with the dsp. Now i'm in a prosses to upgrade the cnc to 4th axis and i'm searching for a firmware for the dsp that suport's some future for 4th axis and if i don't get the firmware i will have to go with the mach3 system...

Mecanicu

hi all
i thanks all people here for best informations and solving problems
i have cnc machine 1218 but i lost dsp program
can any one help me
the model is rznc-d5416/32m/3/l1-4.111 (zhb162)

hi all
i thanks all people here for best informations and solving problems
i have cnc machine 1218 but i lost dsp program
can any one help me
the model is rznc-d5416/32m/3/l1-4.111 (zhb162)

If you tell me the exact spec's for you'r 1218 cnc i will sent you a firmware!!!!