Direct me to a good machine please

[Andrew96]

Hello all. Another new guy trying to choose a machine. I'm still overwhelmed. I've been reading and searching for weeks now. Please help me narrow some things down by suggesting a good machine for me to look at.
I'd like something that can hold a 30" diameter. That's my max part size.
Ball screws are my preference, not R+Pinion, no bar type bearings (supported only on ends), some sort of linear would be best.
Steppers are perfectly fine. I don't need a big high gantry, 5" or more would be great.
I'd like to run a computer (say WinCNC or Mach3) so I can also digitize, and add a little rotary 4th axis in the future but importantly, I think some sort of added pad for Z calibration with manual tool changes. I think that rules out DSP controllers.
2.5D will do everything I need to do. Hardwood only.
I'd like a small HP spindle that can hold 1/2" tools.
I'd like something that is solidly made, kind of rules out shopbots pretty quickly.
I've reviewed the shopsabre 3636. Expensive for what you get
Laguna swift 4848, DSP and small collet
stinger II, rack and pinion.

Can you guys suggest some manufacturers/models? At this point I think I'd rather buy than build. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[rowbare]

If you are in the GTA, you might consider contacting gio666 on this board. He is putting together a pretty impressive set of machines. They are somewhere between DIY and ready to run.

Keling also has this: Keling 1212 that seems to fit your work envelope. It runs Mach but I am not sure if the X is R&P or ball screw.

bob

[EBC]

...i wouldn't completely rule out shopbot...i have a older pr and carve mostly solid woods for cabinet and entry door panels, it can take all i have ever tried to cut, up to 11hr run times for 8' door panels. ck our website for examples. you can only run so fast when doing 3d carvings. that said...our next machine is going to be a mechmate. lots of good machines on ebay right now at rock bottom prices...my 2 cents.

[Andrew96]

Thanks Rowbare, I'll follow up with these two other options. I am in the GTA. The Keling does seem to match all of my criteria. I'm pretty sure that's the same chinese machine I've looked at (very similar to the Laguna swift) running flat linears and ball screws all all axis. This one runs mach and a larger spindle though (er 20!).

EBC, my problem with the shopbots seems to be the price right now. They are still in the mix though. Nice work BTW. Clearly you have that bot dialed in nicely.
Andrew.

[CNCUSER51]

I would Highly Recommend the ShopSabre -- Athough they may seem pricey you get a lot for the money. I worked on one for many years at my old job and loved that machine. I have seen very few people who are dissatisfied with going that route. ShopSabre provides Lifetime Tech support for life and they actually answer the phone. The ShopSabre is a full ball screw machine which is the only way to go in a CNC system. Also you will find the software, the controller, the motors, the rails, the bearings are all top of the line so that is what you are paying for. We ran our ShopSabre for 4+ years without ever replacing a part or losing any cut time due to anything other then my screw ups. I think if you over look ShopSabre you are making a mistake. I would definantly contact their sales department with your concerns and see what they might be able to do for you.. they like to help people out and will help explain why you want to spend that money. I know sounds dumb but believe me the call is worth your time before you buy a junk machine.

- Alex

[cjmansa]

im looking for a cnc router with a small footprint to knock off guitar bodies and necks for under $8000 anyone like the laguna swift

[cabnet636]

these fellows produce cnc machine for the fender guitar company

CAMaster CNC - CNC Routers, Plasma Cutters, & Lasers - Home of the Cobra CNC Router

owner support forum here

CAMaster CNC Router User Community - CAMheads.org

jim