Anyone know anything about the Charly Robot machines? It seems interesting and a step up from the Roland Stuff. I am considering a Taig build out, but this machine is all ready to go with an enclosure with lubrication.

Charly 4U

http://www.charlyusa.com/2-Products/1-charly4U/Charly4U.htm

Thanks

They look pretty trick. Any idea of pricing?

Looks like they are designed for high speed machining in really soft materials like clay or plastics, some light aluminum milling as well. There was a small aluminum mould being milled in the Charly2U videos and both machines appear to be contructed the same way.

So for stuff like milling PCB's, clay prototypes or small aluminum moulds they would work great. High speed spindle and ballscrews stock.

For heavier aluminum milling the Taig would be a better choice IMO.

Looks like they are designed for high speed machining in really soft materials like clay or plastics, some light aluminum milling as well. There was a small aluminum mould being milled in the Charly2U videos and both machines appear to be contructed the same way.

So for stuff like milling PCB's, clay prototypes or small aluminum moulds they would work great. High speed spindle and ballscrews stock.

For heavier aluminum milling the Taig would be a better choice IMO.

Is there any way to increase the XY travels on the Taig. It's a great little machine, but pretty limiting in work envelope.

Taig offers the option of 12" of X travel (longer bed) as opposed to the stock 9.5". There is no way to increase Y, so 5.5" is the max.

What kind of parts are you doing that you need more than 12 by 5.5?

Circuit boards, I could use a little larger work envelope. Guitar inlays.

I'd like to get a 4th axis so a Taig still looks intriguing.

If you are working with guitar inlays and PCB's the Charly may be a better choice. Larger work envelope and faster travels, and these materials don't need a really stiff machine.

The Taig is better suited to aluminum removal though, as it is more rigid and has more powerful steppers (200oz/in vs 128oz/in).

So you have one machine that is reasonably stiff for it's size and can mount a 4th axis. Then you have one that has larger travels and is faster.