Larken, Techno, Precix, or used?

[Drassk]

I'm looking at getting a CNC router for less than $40K Canadian pre-tax so we're talking something like $34K US. I'll be using it to make guitar parts (bodies, necks) and doing some very light aluminum cutting (for vacuum jigs).

I've looked at the Larken, Precix, and Techno systems seriously as all three have a system with ball screws and a real spindle in this price range. I've noticed someone here said that the ball screws on the Techno systems are no better than R&Ps and I'm wondering if anyone can substantiate that further? Does anyone know about the quality of the ball screws from Larken or Precix? The main thing worrying me about Larken is their rep. for poor support, has anyone had experience with that?

Does anyone have any experience with systems from any of these companies? I'm looking at a 4x8 table with a 5hp spindle right now, servos and ballscrews also. I'll be cutting hardwoods from mahogany right up to purpleheart, rosewood, ebony, and any other nasty things you can think of.

Also, I've seen ads for used Thermwoods and such in that price range but is it really worth it getting an older 'industrial' model for these type uses or is it going to lack in performance compared to a new machine anyways?

[CNC Pro]

I’ve owned a Larken for over 4 years; I also have a Digital Tool that I refitted with a Larken controller. I have been satisfied with Larken products. One suggestion I have on the Thermwood machines, I would contact them about the tech support. As I have programmed (contracted) for several shops with Thermwoods, and I recall that there was a fee for some tech (programming and other) services. One other benefit with the Larken, it’s a PC based control and I’ve been contracted to run very large 2-D & 3-D program files/parts for shops that own “large industrial” routers (Shoda) because their proprietary controls could not handle the large file size.

[Drassk]

I don't have a problem with the programming aspect. I use Rhino and VisualMill for all my toolpathing and such. I build guitars.

What sort of Larken machine are you using and what are you cutting with it? All the new machines I've looked at have PC controllers so program length isn't an issue. Have you ever had to deal with Larken for support? They're a really small company so I worry about how much downtime could cost me if I need them.

[CNC Pro]

I own the first production/prototype “SYSTEM 400” machine, it’s equipped with twin ball screw drive, 60” * 126” table. It also has a 10-hp spindle with 12-position automatic tool changer.
At the time I ordered my machine, I was employed as production engineer/ CNC programmer for a large furniture company (1200 employees), where I had experience with large machine companies such as Wadkin, Thermwood, KOMO, Weeke & Heian. When selecting a machine, I visited the manufacturing facility to see how each machine was produced, and the options available.

I think what is important is becoming as familiar as you can with the workings of what ever machine you purchase. Tech support can be costly (even for phone support). Being able to diagnose problems yourself can save you not only money, but reduce the dreaded down time. KOMO for example, would charge $100.00 for a single tech call (after hours) that lasted up to 1 hour. Beyond that, you would have to schedule more phone time or a technician to visit ($1000.00-$1500.00 here in upstate New York, and that’s not including replacement parts).

As far as the parts I run, I now own a job shop. I run a variety of materials and parts for many industries. Today’s schedule includes pressure treated deck components for a log cabin, Bamboo plywood for a prototype coffee table, laminated marine grade plywood for some prototype hydrofoils, MDF for molds for an 84” long fuselage for a carbon fiber model airplane. The Deck and coffee table parts are 2-1/2 dimension parts, The hydrofoil & model airplane molds are full 3-D. Last week it was PVC and aluminum parts. I’ve produced parts for prototype surgical robots, water treatment systems, many cabinet shops, Tooling for BMW mini coopers, many molds for carbon-fiber race car parts, plaques & signs, etc.

[Drassk]

That's a lot of machine. I don't know if I can ask this, but what sort of price range is a machine like that in? They don't have anything like that on their website. Also, how is Larken's tech support? Techno has free lifetime phone support, or at least the reseller I'm talking to does.

Your resume is also quite impressive

[CNC Pro]

Well, Larry at Larken gave me a price break as this machine was still in the design stage when I placed the order. I could have purchased the current generation machine (for less), or agree to wait several months of R&D (along with a down payment) to get the next generation. As you can see, I opted for the next generation machine. And I’m glad I did.
Larken is located about 4 hours north of me, so I took a drive up to check things out. It’s a small operation; the bulk of their business at that time was producing very popular tabletop machines (shipping them worldwide). The company decided to venture into larger machines and each “large machine” was custom built to your specs. Seeing as this was the “prototype”, Larry himself came down to oversee the install. He also assisted me with different software packages, etc. Larry and his staff have been available for support for the few times that I’ve called, and have been pleasant and helpful.
I didn’t hesitate purchasing a Larken controller for my Digital Tool router. The Digital came with a controller, but when I called for tech support from that manufacturer, I was told I’d have to purchase a new controller because they wouldn’t transfer ownership. The Larken controller was less expensive, and was a more “modern” choice (and it allowed me to run the same program on either machine).
My suggestion to you is to call Larken, ask for Larry. See what he can offer.

I hope to have new additions to the “resume”, as my background is as a tool & die maker and CNC machinist (metalworking). I have a Leadwell VMC and an EMI-MEC Automatic Lathe with bar feed that is being set-up in the other half of my building. Well back to work! Good luck!

[Larken]

The main thing worrying me about Larken is their rep. for poor support, has anyone had experience with that?

As the owner of Larken, people can say what they want. We have been in business for over 17 years, and maybe as a small company you can't please everyone as fast as they would like, but I can say ive only known fewer that what I can count on 1 hand, of people that were disatisfied.

If you are seriously not happy with a system, I will refund your money !
I've only had to do this once in 17 years, and the problem wasn't the machine, it was a customer who was un-pleasable.

Larry Kenny