Hi All,

I have started looking at purchasing a cnc mill and came across these two mills. The NM-135 looks like a very nice machine and includes everything one might need to get started. There are two versions of the X4, the only difference I can see between them is that the plus model comes with the LCD screen and MPG, correct me if I'm wrong.

I see Syil is shipping the 2010 models with the 5000rpm speed but still not as high as the NM-135 at 6000rpm. I think the travels are better on the Novakon as well, again please correct me if I'm wrong.

The machine would be used to make parts as a hobby. I'm fascinated with the whole CNC thing :). I think I will be cutting mostly plastic and aluminum, maybe some stainless as well.

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are comparing these two machines.

Thanks in advance.

Novakon's Service is so much better than Syil you really couldn't go wrong!

Thanks, I also noticed Novakon's exceptional support record after reading through this forum. This is very important to me as I'm such a newbie to CNC.

After some further comparison, I find Novakon's controller uses Gecko drivers vs. the Chinese made ones Syil uses. It seems a lot more industrial as well and they can build the computer right inside too which is a plus. I'm no computer guy so that in itself is pretty cool to have just one box.

The X4 is $4000 but noticed that it doesn't include a stand and only a demo copy of Mach3. Novakon's package seems to include both plus BobCAD CAM. Not sure what the dollar value for those items are but a complete package is more attractive for a newbie like me.




Novakon's Service is so much better than Syil you really couldn't go wrong!

I don't post much because others have better answers than I. But I can say that Novakon's support after you purchase is much better than a lot of other companies. They are more than willing to talk you through things on the phone.

Thanks, I also noticed Novakon's exceptional support record after reading through this forum. This is very important to me as I'm such a newbie to CNC.

After some further comparison, I find Novakon's controller uses Gecko drivers vs. the Chinese made ones Syil uses. It seems a lot more industrial as well and they can build the computer right inside too which is a plus. I'm no computer guy so that in itself is pretty cool to have just one box.

The X4 is $4000 but noticed that it doesn't include a stand and only a demo copy of Mach3. Novakon's package seems to include both plus BobCAD CAM. Not sure what the dollar value for those items are but a complete package is more attractive for a newbie like me.

First off as others have said Novakon's customer service is great. Like you I am a newbie to CNC and the people at Novakon are eager and willing to help in anyway you need.

You are correct about the software that comes with the NM-135 as well, they are fully licensed versions. My machine came with Bob-CAD version 21 but V23 is much better. Perhaps an upgrade at time of purchase?

I also got the CD-100 controller with computer built in. It is very well made and does have the Gecko drives you mentioned. All in all a nice set up.

I do not have a Syil machine but those 2 machines you mentioned are what it came down to for me as well. I am glad I got the Novakon in the end. :)

Thanks for the feedback Industrial Dog. I watched your video on Novakon's website, very impressive! The NM-200 looks really nice as well.


I don't post much because others have better answers than I. But I can say that Novakon's support after you purchase is much better than a lot of other companies. They are more than willing to talk you through things on the phone.

Thanks fourwheeler! More reassurance that I'll be taken care of if I run into any problems. The NM-135 may only cost a bit more when factoring in what they include compared to Syil.

With Novakon's track record of support, I think it will end up costing me less in the end.

Now just trying to see if I can make room for the NM-200 :)



First off as others have said Novakon's customer service is great. Like you I am a newbie to CNC and the people at Novakon are eager and willing to help in anyway you need.

You are correct about the software that comes with the NM-135 as well, they are fully licensed versions. My machine came with Bob-CAD version 21 but V23 is much better. Perhaps an upgrade at time of purchase?

I also got the CD-100 controller with computer built in. It is very well made and does have the Gecko drives you mentioned. All in all a nice set up.

I do not have a Syil machine but those 2 machines you mentioned are what it came down to for me as well. I am glad I got the Novakon in the end. :)

Yes, my thoughts exactly :)

Novakon's Service is so much better than Syil you really couldn't go wrong!

Oh and BTW, I'm pretty sure the Bobcam software retails for about 1,500. So yea, you get some real nice deals with there package.


When I upgrade one day, I'll be getting that nm-200 :)


-Jason

Oh and BTW, I'm pretty sure the Bobcam software retails for about 1,500. So yea, you get some real nice deals with there package.

Does anybody pay retail for BobCAM, especialy a copy that is 2 versions out of date? I don't own a copy but it seems like most folks pick it up for a few hundred if they haggle much.

Mike

I can vouch for Novakon support as an owner of NM 135. The main reason I choose it over Syil was spindle speed (am I glad I did!) and slightly larger travels on X,Y.

Does anybody pay retail for BobCAM, especialy a copy that is 2 versions out of date? I don't own a copy but it seems like most folks pick it up for a few hundred if they haggle much.
Mike

You can get the v21->v23 upgrade, plus the week's training (which is pretty good) for around $600USD - a good deal, if you ask me. The guy who runs the course will tell you on the first day "I'm not an employee of bobcad. So I can badmouth them" (or something along those lines). And he will criticize the software when warranted. But he also says, and I think he's right, that no other software comes close to bobcad for the price. If you get Solidworks/ProE/Autowhatever, it'll probably cost more (far more?) than what you paid for your mill.

Thanks for all the great feedback guys. I'm definitely getting a Novakon, now the question is which one :)

I was just on the site and they have new pictures of the NM-135 up. Great looking machine. Finally a picture with it on the stand :)

The NM-070 pic is also updated.

Hopefully they will get better pics of the NM-200 soon.

When I upgrade, I'm getting the NM-200. But I need to do it in 2 years:) I'll be out of school, hopefully :P

That machine looks very solid, I would like more info on it though. More pics and videos.


-Jason

Check out their site, the new NM-200 pics are up. Wow, so much better looking than the old blue scheme, me wants one :)

When I upgrade, I'm getting the NM-200. But I need to do it in 2 years:) I'll be out of school, hopefully :P

That machine looks very solid, I would like more info on it though. More pics and videos.


-Jason

About time! I like it!