EZ-Router to MechMate Comparison

[dmoore]

This details the EZ-Router system compared to the MechMate. This "review" is somewhat biased since I built a MechMate. By going with the MechMate I got:

• Heavier main beams and support board beams for more stability (turned inward for more room)


• Better motors with better resolution and without exposed gear reduction (3:1 I'm guessing instead of my MechMate's 7.2:1)


• Much better and more professional cable management (they offer cable management for an extra $763)


• Better electronics and eletrical (shield cables , non-mechanical proxies, just one e-Stop, the better 203V Gecko's)


• The same speeds for cutting and jogging with the ability to double the speed for an extra $175 with a SmoothStepper


• More Z (10+" as opposed to 6") with options for ~14" of Z for just a few hundred more (they offer 12" of Z at a cost of $1,800)


• Larger cutting area (100" x 52")


• Better step resolution - .0003 on the MechMate (X, Y, Z), .0005 on the EZ (only applies to X and Y, Z is likely to be ~.0010)


• Better fastners (stainless steel)


• My choice of color - not just Grizzly Green


• Better integrated dust management system (I'll post on this in the near future)


• I could add a second, independent spindle/router for only $575 (excluding the router itself) - not possible on the ez-router due to it's design


• Better finish (electrical connections, hardware, adjustable feet, etc)


• A better understanding of CNC and of my particular machine - I don't need to rely on support that may or may not be there


• I saved ~$7,500 with my MechMate (the 4'x8' ez-router is $11,489 + $763 for cable mangement + $1,800 for extra Z). As to my own time building the machine - I would have had to spend 300+ hours at $25/hour to make up the cost difference. I've spent (building, excluding research) less than 120 hours building the MechMate.

Note the mechanical limit switches without proper cable strain reliefs and the "dangling" y-Car cable hose running through the gantry:


Note the smaller and exposed v-bearings (the pinion gear also doesn't appear to be fully on the track):




Bigger Z stepper with better resolution (note the lack of a geared setup):
http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...-alternate.gif

Better spring perch design and shielded cables on the MechMate (the motors do appear to be grounded though):


Geared motors on the MechMate Z asix for better resolution:


I could have even built the 5'x12' ez-router for just about $600 more than a 4'x8' table which they sell for $14,580 (two main beams, additional legs, additional support board beams):

[Glidergider]

How do the Feed speeds compare?

[lovebugjunkie]

Very nice machine, looks better than some brand name machines that go for three-four times what you spent.

[dmoore]

Originally Posted by Glidergider How do the Feed speeds compare?

In my setup with 7.2:1 geared motors, you can push pretty much anything through at the feeds listed in the post - assuming your spindle/router/bit are up to the task.

[Switcher]

Originally Posted by lovebugjunkie Very nice machine, looks better than some brand name machines that go for three-four times what you spent.

As far as I can tell, all the photos posted so far are photos from the ez-router website.

Those are not mechmate photos.


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[Switcher]

I'm not trying to rip on this thread, but I really don't understand why your slamming ez-router. Ez-router is a business, the whole point of building cnc machines is to make a profit, just the same as any other business.

Mechmate is a DIY machine, no business is involved, your buying the parts at cost to anyone, then your labor is free (you build it).

Let me say that I'm also a member of the MechMate forum, & that I like both machines just the same.

If MechMate only sold complete built cnc machines, & not provide the plans for DIY, how much do you think they would charge for a ready to run machine, I'm thinking it's price would be in the same ballpark as an ez-router of the same size (just my opinion).


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[lovebugjunkie]

Originally Posted by Switcher As far as I can tell, all the photos posted so far are photos from the ez-router website. Those are not mechmate photos. .

Well that answers my comment.

[dmoore]

Originally Posted by Switcher I'm not trying to rip on this thread, but I really don't understand why your slamming ez-router. Ez-router is a business, the whole point of building cnc machines is to make a profit, just the same as any other business.

Actually the post was a reponse to someone who asked me to build a MechMate for them. The price I provided was close to the price for the EZ router system and I was providing a comparison (they already have a EZ Router).

Gerald, who created the MechMate, intended that people would contract to build the MechMate - something I am open to doing. That makes the MechMate just like any other commerical unit.

Originally Posted by Switcher If MechMate only sold complete built cnc machines, & not provide the plans for DIY, how much do you think they would charge for a ready to run machine, I'm thinking it's price would be in the same ballpark as an ez-router of the same size (just my opinion).

The 4'x8' EZ Router is $14,052 - I can provide the same for $10,900 - with better features, better resolution, better electronics, etc.

[Jason Marsha]

Good comparison dmoore. If possible post some pics of a mechmate so that users who are not sure can see what it looks like.

Jason

[cabnet636]

a lot of time studying the fixin's and doins of many machines, as i am real interested in the value of them. i am not quite sure why you posted this, even with an answer that was not asked on the forum. my hope is that you will find a way to market your machine!! jim

[Gerald_D]

Originally Posted by dmoore.com Gerald, who created the MechMate, intended that people would contract to build the MechMate - something I am open to doing. That makes the MechMate just like any other commerical unit.

I never had the intention "that people would contract to build the MechMate".

After "upgrading" our ShopBot to the point that it no longer was a readily recognisable ShopBot, some folk asked me to share my drawings, and it all snowballed from there. I always had resistance to some factory making a profit on the plans I put out for free, and I get everyone to agree to make single builds only. Knowing that I couldn't really stop multiple builds, I asked people to check with me first, and suggested a small licence fee based on profit or turnover. (Nobody has paid anything to date). Anyway, to cut a long story short, I am still wary of folk who want to build multiple units - payment isn't my biggest concern, but the adherence to quality and spec is more important. I do want folk to feel that they have built a "true" MechMate, and I do want to create a brand awareness which will give a good resale market price.

I also don't like the "dollar" comparison to mass-produced, commercial routers like E-Z router and ShopBot - oranges and apples . . . . .

[dmoore]

Originally Posted by Gerald_D I never had the intention "that people would contract to build the MechMate".

I was thrown off by this post. Sorry if I was wrong:

http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showt...03&postcount=5

"I think it would be reasonable if I asked for 2.5% of sale price, or 5% of profit, whichever the higher, as a "licence fee"?

James, I know of 4 MechMates which are definitely running. I have received reports of 2 companies (South & Central America) offering them for sale. Companies like that can't keep it hidden for long, and I am hoping that they will learn to work through this web site for the small licence fee."