K2CNC Router Review (first Look)

[CNCadmin]

Well I just my new 25" x 14" I un-packed the box and WOW! Everything was bubble wraped and well protected. Final write-up will be here- http://www.cnczone.com/reviews/showp.../cat/10/page/1

• Travel: X-25" Y-14" Z-3"

• Footprint (overall size not including motors): 31" x 16" x 16"

• Table top size: 31" x 15.5"

• Structure is CNC machined 6061 aluminum and extrusions

• Harden precision shafts X - 20mm Y - 16mm Z - 12mm

• 4 linear ball bearings on each axes

• Anti-Backlash Acetal Nuts on all axis

• Direct drive coupling /w 2000 full steps/in. (on 1.8 degree stepper)

• Nema 23 size motor mounts on all axes

• Mounting adapter for RotoZip / Ryobi spiral saw

K2CNC is giving 5% off to all CNCzone members making this machine $1230.25

[CNCadmin]

I plan on using the HobbyCNC 200 in/oz stepper motors and their board for it. This machine will prove to be a great test bed for hardware and software I come across. This is one very high quality machine, It took me 5min to screw the sides to the base and the sides to the gantry. I looks GREAT, I will post more pictures when I get home tonight.

[tauscnc]

OOOO man Paul!!! Why did you have to post those pics!!!

It looks awesome! I am still thinking of making one or just buying one from them too (k2cnc.com). I am now thinking of getting the KS-2525, it's just money right
As I add up the prices of parts I get close to $700-$1000 and that is without any cutting. So I am still unsure. It would really be a lot of fun making one!!! OR, one could make another with the machine itself!

I like the linear bearings on the one you got vs. the roller bearings on the 2525 machine. I am unsure which is better. Keeping stuff out of the bearings should be easier on the 2525 but the quality of the linear bearings seems better (is this right way of thinking?) Main reason for the larger one would be the fully supported rails. I was wondering about deflection on the x axis on the 2514 size.

PLEASE PLEASE do a great review as I can't wait to read it!!!!

taus
www.cuttingedgecnc.com

[CNCadmin]

It's well worth the money, if your looking for a machine tomorrow this is them one to get. I will try to measure the defection of the gantry, being that the rods are not un-supported, but over 24" I doubt their will be any deflection for normal plunging into wood. I dare say that this machine is probably ridge enough to machine alum. The machine I got did not come with a motor mount for the router, but I will make one. I plan on using a Porta Cable trim router. I might even strap a laser to it

[tauscnc]

Laser! Drrrrooooooollllll!!!

I am going to make a mount for my DIY vinly cutting blade holder http://cuttingedgecnc.com/vinyl.htm so I can cut stickers and such. It will be "free floating" with the proper amount of weight to cut the sticker. This way if there is a little uneven-ness in the table it should not matter.

What type of table top are you planning to use? Thanks!
taus
www.cuttingedgecnc.com

[CNCadmin]

I may make a t-slot table top of some-kind. Or just lay down a piece of MDF. BTW the machine has install nuts so you bolt down your top. Here is the thread on my laser- New 24 x 48 laser project log

[tauscnc]

I have not had a chance to call them yet but does the machine come with couplers for the stepper motors?

thankt
taus

[CNCadmin]

Yes it does and you can pick the mounting plate for 23 or 34 frame motors.

[Kammo1]

Hi CNCA, I have enquired about this machine and dealt witha guy called Kevin Libbon and I have asked what is the actual cutting area ie what will this machine actually cut from left to right Y axis and the X axis and have not had a responese from him yet maybe you could confirm this for me. I live here in the UK and I would not want to order this if I do without knowing 100% what it will cut. Kammo1

[carlnpa]

CNCadmin - I have been talking to Kevin for a couple weeks now about a production opportunity I have. I built a homebrew machine, can't hold tolerance required (0.010 stacked) and am runing out of time. Your quick review and the 5% discount encouraged me to send a PO to Kevin this evening for the 3925 package (servos) with upgrade z, home and limit
switches. I'll be happy to review the machine when I receive it. Yours looks outstanding.

[Aksess]

Good choice in the 39x25 that is the one i bought. I have had my machine since around july last year and have had a ball with it.

[tauscnc]

Hey guys,

I run my programs in mm. Now if I understand this machine's ballscrews are in inch. 2000 steps on a 1.8 degree stepper equal 1" movement. Right now 400 steps equal 1 mm for me using the Camtronics board with CNCPro.

If I got this machine and fixed the steps for mm, then that would be 78.74 steps for 1 mm.

Wouldn't my resolution on cutting go way down? Almost by 5 times?

Am I thinking of this right?

thanks
taus