ez-router anyone?

[rherman]

I am looking for a high-speed router for 3d work. Ez-router (www.ez-router.com) claims 500ipm on 3d parts and 800ipm on rapids. It basically looks like a rack and pinion drive with steppers. I currently have a practical cnc (www.practicalcnc.com) router, but even when commanded to cut the 3d parts at 100ipm, it actually achieves around 25ipm. I guess I am timing linear inches, but I can't imagine going up and down a total of .1" in small slopes creates that much more distance. Thanks.

Rob

[ger21]

Are you running their control software? If so, is it possible to run your machine using Mach3 to see if their is a performance increase?

[rherman]

It is a WinCnc controller. It came with a pci card for my pc and then that goes to their box. I'm pretty sure it's step/dir, so I guess I could try MachCNC. The cards it uses are dedicated and fast, so I doubt using MachCNC will drive the control box any faster. I'll certainly look into that. I think it's the limit of the steppers. I think ShopBots use the alpha step plus motors from Oriental Motor company. They are fast and expensive, since you need to purchase the controller with their motor. Thanks.

Rob

[ger21]

I'm thinking the software can't look ahead fast enough, which would cause it to run slowly.

[rherman]

I'll certainly look into it. It would be a great no-cost upgrade, other than MachCNC for $149. Thanks.

Rob

[cncpro2005]

In the world of Cnc often times you get what you pay for. I am talking about both control software and cnc tables.
If you are looking for a good solution, you may take a look at ShopSabre.

They use Wincnc motion control and rams 3d software. I would put this machine solution up against any other in this price range.

[mortimer]

has anyone used the Ez-Router. Planning to buy one. Any objective views? Any views on BobcadCAM software.

[Svelte]

I just got back from both shops. I travelled from Phoenix, Arizona just to see some machines. I was impressed with the both owners and their machines. I plan to order a 4 X 8 Shop Sabre machine this week. Be prepared for "sticker Shock", though. Remember.....You get what you pay for.
After looking all over for a medium-duty machine to get started with, I think Shop Sabre is probably the best deal. The guys at E-Z Router were good too, but I didn't like the rack and pinion drives with cog belts and the lack of cable trays. They were about $6,000.00 under Shop Sabre for the same configuration, though.

[mortimer]

Thanks for the feedback Svelte, but I know nothing about cog belts and cable trays. Could you explain, as I am a novice in this arena. I hve already committed to EZRouter and cannot change my committment at this late stage.

[Svelte]

If you look closely at the pictures from E-Z Router, you will see that the wiring for the gantry is just wrapped in flex-tubing and drpaed across the machine. Go to the other sites (even eBay) and you will see what I call a "link tray" setup that contains the wiring and keeps it from being kinked or pinched when the gantry is in motion. The guys at E-Z Router told me that you have to watch the wiring as they have had operators get the wiring caught. When this happens, it can tear out the wiring or cut it which could result in short circuits. That could put you down for quite some time and cost you money for new control circuits.

Depending on who you talk to, the belts can be good or bad. The belt reduction setup results in higher definition, but belts can break. This also can be a good thing if you happen to hit a fixture. A $10.00 belt is a lot cheaper than a gear drive. However, the guys at Shop Sabre claim that they have never lost a gear drive in an accident like this.

I am kind of confused about all of this myself. My area of expertise is in metal machining on large commercial equipment. I have heard good things about both E-Z Router and Shop Sabre. I have met with them both and they seem very honest. I just liked the way the Shop Sabre looked better. It seemed more robust. However it is costing about $6,000.00 more than a similarly equipped E-Z Router model. I am hoping that I get what I am paying for.

Let me know how your unit works out for you.

[mortimer]

hey Svelte, thanks for the info. I took a look at the picture of Ezrouter and saw just what you said. I figure I might have to find a way to correct that cable setup. here is a picture for anyone who might need to know what we are talking about.

[Svelte]

Here is another picture of the cabling on the EZ Router. This cabling setup on the "Y" axis was what bothered me the most. I still think they make a pretty good machine.