Ez router vs Shopbot Vs. K2?

[rabidhamster]

Hello all. First post here, but I've been lurking for a few days!

I'm looking into purchasing my first CNC machine, and will be using it primarily for wood cutting, and guitar making. I would prefer for it to be able to cut fretslots.

The models I can hope to afford are:

K2cnc 2514-06
their smallest machine, with mach 3 and a porter 892 router, and the high torque motor upgrade, and 5" clearance upgrade, it comes to $3679.95 Shipped.

Shopbot PRSstandard benchtop BT 32

with the router included, shipped its $5205
I was strongly leaning this way, until I saw that the X-axis movement is the cutting surface. I dont have a lot of mechanical experience, but it seems like this would cause some instability, wouldnt it?

last, but not least

EZ-router Mini

with the hitatchi 2.5 HP router
it comes out to $5755

I dont know what the shipping on this one is, but they're in texas, so I could always go pick it up.

Any suggestions or comparisons would be greatly appreciated. For some background on me, I'm not very well versed in mechanical aspects, but I used to build computers for a living, and I'm extremely comfortable around electronics, if that matters at all for these lower end machines.

[kenrik]

Originally Posted by rabidhamster Hello all. First post here, but I've been lurking for a few days! I'm looking into purchasing my first CNC machine, and will be using it primarily for wood cutting, and guitar making. I would prefer for it to be able to cut fretslots. The models I can hope to afford are: K2cnc 2514-06 their smallest machine, with mach 3 and a porter 892 router, and the high torque motor upgrade, and 5" clearance upgrade, it comes to $3679.95 Shipped. Shopbot PRSstandard benchtop BT 32 with the router included, shipped its $5205 I was strongly leaning this way, until I saw that the X-axis movement is the cutting surface. I dont have a lot of mechanical experience, but it seems like this would cause some instability, wouldnt it? last, but not least EZ-router Mini with the hitatchi 2.5 HP router it comes out to $5755 I dont know what the shipping on this one is, but they're in texas, so I could always go pick it up. Any suggestions or comparisons would be greatly appreciated. For some background on me, I'm not very well versed in mechanical aspects, but I used to build computers for a living, and I'm extremely comfortable around electronics, if that matters at all for these lower end machines.

Here's another link you might want to look at www.digirout.com
I don't own one of these cnc routers but I looked into them when I was pricing entry level machines, and I'm still looking. I spoke to a guy in NY. that owns a digirout 500 and he had no complaints with it.

[anoel]

Originally Posted by rabidhamster I'm looking into purchasing my first CNC machine, and will be using it primarily for wood cutting, and guitar making. I would prefer for it to be able to cut fretslots. The models I can hope to afford are: K2cnc 2514-06

That's a bit small for guitar making... a Strat or tele body is roughly 14" wide, You could do fingerboards with that kind of work area, but not necks either. I'd rule this out unless you went to the 3925

Originally Posted by rabidhamster Shopbot PRSstandard benchtop BT 32

This is a nice machine, Fast, rigid and don't worry about the moving table on it. It's on a proper set of linear bearings and rails... it's a very good mechanical solution. You'd be able to do pretty much all of your guitar needs on this one. This is my favorite of the bunch... I'd add my own switches for home and limits.

Originally Posted by rabidhamster EZ-router Mini

This is made with the same construction style that ShopBot used to use. It's probably not a bad machine at all. And being rack and pinion it's fast as well. Definitely not asuck choice. I like their 4'x4' machine best of all.

If you can swing the Bigger K2 machine that would be my choice. But the ShopBot and EZ-Router are both good choices for different reasons.

[longer2]

Why not go with the DYNA CNC This is what I use for guitar building. It will do it ALL. 36x36 with ball screws for $5700.00 GREAT MACHINE!

[rabidhamster]

Oh, Doh! Thanks anoel, I just clicked the wrong link while writing down the specs. I do mean to be considering the 25x25, which itself is a little small, I think.

I'll have a look at the digirout and the dyna specs. as well. Thanks for all the help so far

[lowpull]

I wont rehash it all here, but if you are serious about dynacnc check out my blog with my experience with them. http://www.metalpackrat.com/blog/

[Rhodan]

I have the 2514 and it would be a bad choice I think. Unlike most of K2's machines, the 2514 uses unsupported rails and thus deflects fairly easily. It can cut beautifully but nowhere near as fast as the other models with profile rails and carriages. I'd also think 25x14 would be an awefully tight fit for guitars.

Other than the unsupported rails the machine is great. If I had the chance to "do over" I would go K2 again but move up to the next larger machine with solid rails.