K2CNC Router Review (first Look)

[tauscnc]

I just called K2 and they might have the 2525 done sooner and I might be getting it closer to 2-3 weeks. YEEEEAHHAAAA! I also got my Gecko 201's today and these things are tiny! I loved that they sent me a little sand filled gecko stuffed animal...now that's a company. I will add it to my little girl's collection.

I also ordered 2 extra cross braces that are adjustable for the machine. I can't wait to get it!

taus
www.cuttingedgecnc.com

[CNCadmin]

Very cool! You're gonna love it, it really is a great machine.

[Nonoriginal]

Taus / Carl,

Your points... Taken! (Thank you, and be long winded if you like! ) I see how it could become very costly in many aspects (...that I hadn't really thought about) to build one yourself. Especially if you found that you have + .010 TIR down the rails and you need to re-work the entire piece or something. You can't call tech support or ask for a refund on the parts you bought.

I have been going back...and... forth and back... and forth for a two weeks now. My build would cost around $800 in parts and materials (no motors/drives). My time is most definitely worth something, So I started drawing in Gibbs today at lunch. I programmed one side of my gantry and it took me 1.5 hours.

Figure the programming time would be around 50 hours. (you can only cut once... so measure twice while programming) Machining time would be all over the place based on my penchant for tight tolerance's and availability of our CNC machines at work. I'm looking anywhere from 75 hours to 125 hours for a build I could live with. Mind you those hours will be spread over months not weeks or days... Our shop is REALLY busy.

If I bill my time at $9 an hour, way low for a CNC programmer/operator... I'm looking at $1350.

$2150 in total. Still need motors too!

Back to the K2 being the right choice!

[Nonoriginal]

Anyone know the dimensions of the screws that K2 uses?

TPI and Dia.

Thanks,

Michael

[tauscnc]

Hey Michael,

Good workout on prices and time in your last letter. I pretty much did the same and came out to "this project might be over my head" conclusion. Again, it would be different if you wanted to make a machine in wood or for "fun use" but it sounds like your wanting a pretty sturdy one.

As for the TPI and dia, honestly call the guys there and they will tell you all of the info. I have called them at least 8 times with question, etc.

Again, hopfully my KT-2525 will be shipping at the end of this week so maybe in 2 weeks!

O yeah, I also found this site for cnc routers...check out there prices http://www.debece.net/

taus

[CNCRob]

I am considering buying the KT-2514 myself, I noticed it had 3" of z travel. I was wondering if you use a 3/4 plywood top and the bit stuck out of the router say 1 1/4 would the max thickness of the piece you can cut be less than 1"? or how does that work. Thanks- Robbie

[CNCadmin]

I would answer that BUT I need to get a router and a mount for it. I have 3 200 in/oz stepper motors coming from hobbycnc, so maybe in a few week I'll have it up and running with video.

[tauscnc]

Hey CNCRob,

While I don't have my KT-2525 yet, looking at the 2514 I notice (like the 2525) there are different holes to mount the mount that mounts the router. Man say that fast. On the 2514 you have 4 different hights for the mount...taking this into account I would assume that there is still 3" of travel but you could mount the router higher to make up for the tabletop and bit.

will let you know hopefully soon!

taus
www.cuttingedgecnc.com

[CNCRob]

Thanks tauscnc,
I never even noticed the different mounting holes before, But I bet your right.

[tauscnc]

WHOOOO HOOOOO, I should be getting mine tomorrow!!!! Yipppie!

taus

[CNCRob]

I ordered the KG-3925 about two weeks ago and it's suppose to ship anyday now. Im starting to get excited also.

[Aksess]

Waiting is the hardest part. If you need any help just ask I have had my machine for about 8 mo now only thing I recomend is on the lead screws. Take the nuts off and put a dab of locktight on it if you plan on doing any real heavy machining