Hobbiest CNC: question about chinese ebay system

[Matt Clara]

I've been putting together a list of affordable benchtop cnc systems, and I keep coming across this Chinese made 3D cnc router on ebay. I've been leaning towards a Zenbot 2424, and I'm getting closer to making the purchase. There isn't a lot out there on the Zenbot, but what is out there is reassuring. While I hate to be greedy, the ebay item appears to be a very nice system with better specs than the zenbot, for comparable money. His ebay reviews are good, but that doesn't track ownership satisfaction over time. Any advice is appreciated.

BTW, here's my list of affordable CNC systems so far (I removed PCnC and Sidewinder because of reliability/support issues). If you can think of others I should add to my list, let me know. Thanks!

• Fireball V90 = $599+ 12 x 18 x 3
  Base price is $599, but with some upgrades (larger enclosure, better stepper motors) and a mount for the Bosch Colt was $1,263.88
  Extras = laminate trimmer and mount ~$150
  S&H = ?
  
  
• Modular CNC = $850+ 12 x 11 x 4.5
  S&H = $78
  Extras = electronics
  
  
• Zenbot Mini CNC = $1010 6 x 8 x 2.75 (price includes dremel)
  S&H = $48.92 (to Michigan)
  
  
• Zenbot 1216 = $1250 12 x 16 x 4
  S&H = $58.08 (to Michigan)
  Bosch Colt = $100
  
  
• Zenbot 1624 = $1650 16 x 24 x 4
  S&H = $84.36 (to Michigan)
  Bosch Colt = $100
  
  
• Carvewright = $1800 14 x ? x 5.5
  S&H = $79
  
  
• Zenbot 2424 = $2050 24 x 24 x 4
  S&H = $102.15 (to Michigan)
  Bosch Colt = $100
  
  
• CNC Shark = $2500 13 x 24 x 4.5
  S&H = $45.95
  Extras = $100 trim router
  
  
• Mini Maxpath = $3000 18 x 22 x 6
  S&H = ?
  
  
• Romaxx HS-1 = $2500 12.1 x 19.6 x 3
  S&H = $99
  Extras = router/trim router, software ($$)

[Matt Clara]

Couple of other guys I showed the ebay router to mentioned it had unsupported Y axis, which might cause flex. If that's true, then the CNC Shark Pro would similarly be subject to this flex, no? Same goes for all the other benchtop models, except the Romaxx. Any thoughts?

[jalessi]

Matt Clara,

There is a CNC Zone member in Canada building several types of machines that are priced very reasonably.

DIY Aluminum cnc router Frame

You might even decide to go up there to pick it up, you are not that far away.



Jeff...

[Matt Clara]

Matt Clara,

There is a CNC Zone member in Canada building several types of machines that are priced very reasonably.

DIY Aluminum cnc router Frame

You might even decide to go up there to pick it up, you are not that far away.



Jeff...

I looked at that thread--thanks--and find it confusing and not very reassuring. Almost like buying a chinese cnc on ebay--I'd be taking my chances. Also, I can't figure out if he's selling DIY kits or turnkey systems.

[Matt Clara]

I have to say, this place is a whole lot less helpful than I thought it would be. Is there another forum I should be posting in?

[jalessi]

Matt,

I would be happy to answer any questions you have.

A phone call would be more expeditious.

Please send me a P.M. with your number,

Jeff...

[cabnet636]

matt as i understand it camaster is recieving the frames for the stinger in the next couple of days and shopbot i believe is showing the tyro at the jamboree on the 23 or 24th, if i was this close i would at least look, now that i have had a few machines and with all the exposure on forums (much more limited 3 years ago) i would look.

my reasoning is this if i found i could spend a little more and get 3-5 times the router it might be a good idea. i spent 2000.00 on a machine that after a few weeks became a garage ornament (good lesson) i hope i am expressing non bias (even though i am a camaster fan) by telling you of both models. this is one of those things were size, mass and inertia are a bit crucial.

jim

[cambridgecnc]

I would get the Romax as its an excellent machine and made by a skilled machine shop. I would forget the DIY router as he hasn't figured it out yet and keeps changing his design. I had a deposit with him and opted to get my $ back for a 1200x1800 chinese router from Jinan Quick (which is on the way from china) . I have a friend who has the Maxpath and is happy with that as well. If you spend 4K Jinan quick has a very nice router (look at Rockets posts under chinese machines) ..or you can get the chinese machine and add your own controls here... John at Kellig also has an ok machine for 4K in chicago which has Ok reviews although the Jinan Quick is definitely built better ...

[Matt Clara]

Sorry if I came off a little grouchy yesterday morn--frustrating morning. I appreciate what help has been given, and I'm in touch with George up in Canada about his machines.

[cambridgecnc]

Matt, I would reiterate that the George machines are not worked out and have tolerance issues. At this point I think its a big mistake to get one of his supported machines as people are not happy with his tolerances ...He just started to make these and they are not resolved. Before you send any money to him you should private message some people who have the machines to get their viewpoint. I don't mean to disparage anyone but facts are facts

[cabnet636]

Matt, I would reiterate that the George machines are not worked out and have tolerance issues. At this point I think its a big mistake to get one of his supported machines as people are not happy with his tolerances ...He just started to make these and they are not resolved. Before you send any money to him you should private message some people who have the machines to get their viewpoint. I don't mean to disparage anyone but facts are facts

what is a george machine?

[cambridgecnc]

look at the DIY router thread on new product introductions

DIY Aluminum cnc router Frame