2009 k2 2514(5)

[granth3]

First i would like to thank you for reading this!!!

Some time in June I plan on purchasing all the components to complete the K2 cnc 2009 2514(5). This will be my 1st cnc machine. I have done my best to read up past posts!

My goals:
To have a machine i can accurately and efficiently cut wood, plastic and aluminum. I would like to make prototypes of none complex items ranging in size from 1-10in. At some point i would like to have the ability to make molds for injection molding (home diy injecting molding machine, nothing super advanced) I have no problem building 3d models and i have played with the cam software but i have never controlled a machine. I would like to set realistic goals so i am not disappointed. Don't feel bad about shooting down/being realistic with me!!

What i am thinking:
k2 cnc 2514(5) - From the research i have done this seems to be the best price/performance ratio. I am confused by the large discrepancy in price from the website to ebay.

k2 Website:
http://www.k2cnc.com/shop/proddetail...2514-09&cat=26
Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-K2-CNC-Rout...#ht_6792wt_947

This is the "2009 model" Is there a 2010 coming out?

I have read some threads saying that the y axis is flimsy. This concerns me because any flex would obviously effect accuracy.

Geko drive G540: I have heard a lot of good things about this. It makes sense to me to have all the controllers bundled together.
http://www.cncrouterparts.com/produc...products_id=45
I saw this and it makes sense to me. What do you think?

Bosch 1617EVS: My buddy already has one so unless there is a serious reason not to i am going to use it.

Stepper motors: I have no chosen any yet. Seems there a lot of choices but as far as specs go they are pretty similar.

Maybe some day down the line i would like to add a 4th axis. Is it realistic on this machine? I know it add's an exponential level of difficulty but i would like to keep my options open.


I know i have not put all the information here but i think its a good start!

Thanks for your time!!

[granth3]

Alright i'm not sure if i am blind but i have just found that k2 makes (D)-KG-1414-G (Rigid Rails - Ballscrews)

With all the complaints i have been reading about the flex with the 14x25 i am thinking this might be a better choice.

[MA$TER_E]

Take special note of the models. KT vs KG. KG is the much nicer of the two and I'd stay with that if you plan to do anything with aluminum. I'm sure you read through my thread about my KG-2525. Its a nice machine and I think with some new endmills it is capable of cutting aluminum once I get the G540 fixed up. I'm not wild about cutting aluminum using the sloppy router collets though. I'm sure its been done and can be done just not ideal if you need to hold a moderate tolerance.

I do CAD/CAE work for a living and have no problem with the modeling either so if you have that down controlling the machine will be fairly easy. You're on the right track. I highly recommend Mach3 and BobCAD. You mentioned CAM software so I don't know what you have but you can score a license of BobCAD for less than $500 and it is a must.

Good luck dude, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.



Eric