Probotix Comet

[cpy911]

Hi all,

Does any one have the Comet machine from Probotix? If so, what are your thoughts? Here is the machine on their website. FireBall Comet - CNC Router - FireBall Comet

I called them and talked to them about their machine. I was impressed that the guy spent time with me going over a lot of questions. I think good support will be there, so long as they are in business. I like the idea that this is tested and ready to run with a pre-configured PC that is set up. It does run linux cnc however, but I have had experience with Linux. Supposedly, the Vectric software should be able to post to Linux CNC controller software.

I just have heartburn about buying something that costs over $3K that is more for a hobby small business and playing around. I have been using a friends old shopbot (given to him) and have made several wood projects, however something has gone wrong with his machine and I am getting really bad results and getting tired of working with it, even after working with Shopbot support. (The machine was given to him and he has no experience running them). I am pretty sure it needs a new controller board.

I am looking for my very own desktop style machine to have at the house, in the garage to play with and want something ready to run...don't want to build anything. Would rather design projects and cut them out and sell some of them too! My projects easily fit in 2'X2' envelope.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

[cabnet636]

you may enjoy the carvewright,, it was my first machine

[vtx1029]

Time or $$$ when it comes to CNC its going to cost you one way or another.

I think one advantage of building your own even if its a kit is you know how the machine goes together, how it works and what it may take to fix.

I think the Fineline automation FL100 could be built darn near complete in a week of nights and a weekend. All the pieces are cut, tapped, and drilled. You just bolt it together and hook everything up.

https://www.finelineautomation.com/store/show/FLA100-00

I'd also look at the XZero machine Xzero CNC - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net! or what K2 has Desktop CNC router, XYZ tables, Routers, CNC machines, CNC.

[lynnfrwd]

The basic CarveWright System starts at under $1000, so not so much money even with some of the add-ons.

[LazyMan]

The basic CarveWright System starts at under $1000

It starts under $1000 for a very good reason. Toys can be fun for playing around, but they are not going to make any money unless your are selling them...If the shopbot is mechanically sound, I would suggest retrofitting it with a G540 Gecko drive and mach 3. It could be done for under $1000. Trust me, even when you are "playing around," a toy CNC router is never any fun.

[cabnet636]

i am a strong believer now that one should purchase thier second machine first, i did not folow this path, i needed a safer introduction and purchased the carveright on a whim watching a tv commercial with too much money in my pocket at the moment. yes i got one at the outset, and while i am a true fan of the camaster stinger (along with a few others) i still have my carvewright in my barn, it is 4 years old and still works fine. it needs some upgrades and i am giving it to a high school student next week.

the newer ones have the improvements needed for long term use they have a well established forum for support, the commercial use is well proven and while they only allow a width of 14 inches i have done sectional signage and edge glued them to 4 feet wide

my friend brandon "Carves" a decent living out with his, the product sells world wide

Liquid Guitars

[peterde]

I ordered a Probotix Fireball Meteor last week after researching it. The Meteor is the same as the Comet except twice as long, which fits into the category of "second machine first". With the dual X axis drive, the open center creates possabilities for a 50" long "A" axis right up the middle. I'll post some pics when I receive it and get it set up. By the time you factor in shipping, the spindle, speed control and a motor for an A axis, it tallies up to close to $4800, and I haven't bought the software yet, --- not untill I get to try it out. The software I want is almost a grand by itself. I's an investment though, one that I'm sure will pay for itself in time.