Review of 25x14

[SPEEDRE]

I got mine some time ago, so this is not a review of a 2010 machine. I was shipped in good time, and excellent condition from K2. The set up was a breeze, no mixed thread fastener issues. Once connected to Mach 3 and configured it ran flawlessly and silent, with no lead screw whip issues or excess noises. I can recommend this size for a first introduction to CNC routing. I do not however know, if they have made any real changes to the newer models. I myself would have added supported linear rods to cancel out the inherent flex in the system. Overall I give it an A+ and worth the money for a turnkey machine.

[granth3]

Speedre,


Thanks for the review. What components are you running with your machine? And if you dont mind me asking, what did you pay for the frame?


Thanks,

-Grant

[Ergoman]

I just purchased a KT2514(5) 09 model from K2 on ebay without the controller or stepper motors. It cost $1,295 plus $175 shipping. After the sale, they answered all my questions and stayed in touch with me about the progress of build. A few weeks later, the table arrived in a wooden crate made of plywood and 2x2's - total weight about 160 lbs. The machine was screwed securely to the pallet of the crate.

Once I set it up, I was impressed. No detectable backlash. Each axis turns smoothly. Even though it is aluminum, it is still pretty heavy -it really needs two people to move it. Mine came with the optional aluminum extrusion top. Standard 1/4" - 20 cap bolts fit right into the slots - makes bolting objects down to the table a breeze. The 20mm linear guide rods are very solid and I don't see this machine flexing while cutting wood.

I did e-mail K2 about a problem with vibration and they called me back immediately. I had some vibration issues on the y axis (groaning), but like they told to do, I loosened and re-tightened the anti-backlash leadnut mount. That solved the problem. Both allen screws on this mount must be alternatingly tightened so that it doesn't twist this mount. I think my bracket might have slipped a little in transit causing the leadnut to be out of alignment.

My machine is setup using 305 oz steppers and a HobbyCNC Pro controller board. My spindle is the Porter Cable 7310 trim router - I'm using it with a speed controller. At about half to full speed, this works great. I was concerned about the aluminum block mount K2 makes for it. It holds the router using only one allen screw. Mounts for other routers just looked a lot more solid to me. But I've found the 7310 mount is completely solid. One minor issue, the 7310 mount holds the router too high above the table. When the z-axis is as low as it can go, the cutter doesn't quite reach the table. For most, this is no issue at all because a spoiler board lifts the material to the right height as well as prevents damage to the aluminum table top. As far as feedrate, my CNC can only reliably go about 50 ipm before the steppers stall. But this is likely due to the controller I'm using... I'm not getting all I could out of those steppers. One of these days, I'll upgrade to Geckodrive.

For precision work, I've got also got a Wolfgang spindle that bolts right on the z-axis front plate. I've been cutting hardwood using a 0.5mm 2 flute endmill. Wow! The lines are all laser crisp and show no signs of runout or backlash. Another great sign its a good machine is that I'm not breaking endmills like I used to on my old homebuilt table.

I've built an enclosure out of MDF and it takes the noise from about 89db to about 67db. The router is in my basement and from upstairs I can't hear the thing run. So far, I am very happy with my purchase!