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Thread: NM-135 or X4

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    NM-135 or X4

    Hi All,

    I have started looking at purchasing a cnc mill and came across these two mills. The NM-135 looks like a very nice machine and includes everything one might need to get started. There are two versions of the X4, the only difference I can see between them is that the plus model comes with the LCD screen and MPG, correct me if I'm wrong.

    I see Syil is shipping the 2010 models with the 5000rpm speed but still not as high as the NM-135 at 6000rpm. I think the travels are better on the Novakon as well, again please correct me if I'm wrong.

    The machine would be used to make parts as a hobby. I'm fascinated with the whole CNC thing . I think I will be cutting mostly plastic and aluminum, maybe some stainless as well.

    Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are comparing these two machines.

    Thanks in advance.
    Last edited by izzy88; 09-29-2009 at 05:27 PM.


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    Company Representative Allen123's Avatar
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    Novakon's Service is so much better than Syil you really couldn't go wrong!


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    Thanks, I also noticed Novakon's exceptional support record after reading through this forum. This is very important to me as I'm such a newbie to CNC.

    After some further comparison, I find Novakon's controller uses Gecko drivers vs. the Chinese made ones Syil uses. It seems a lot more industrial as well and they can build the computer right inside too which is a plus. I'm no computer guy so that in itself is pretty cool to have just one box.

    The X4 is $4000 but noticed that it doesn't include a stand and only a demo copy of Mach3. Novakon's package seems to include both plus BobCAD CAM. Not sure what the dollar value for those items are but a complete package is more attractive for a newbie like me.




    Quote Originally Posted by Allen123 View Post
    Novakon's Service is so much better than Syil you really couldn't go wrong!


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    I don't post much because others have better answers than I. But I can say that Novakon's support after you purchase is much better than a lot of other companies. They are more than willing to talk you through things on the phone.


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    Quote Originally Posted by izzy88 View Post
    Thanks, I also noticed Novakon's exceptional support record after reading through this forum. This is very important to me as I'm such a newbie to CNC.

    After some further comparison, I find Novakon's controller uses Gecko drivers vs. the Chinese made ones Syil uses. It seems a lot more industrial as well and they can build the computer right inside too which is a plus. I'm no computer guy so that in itself is pretty cool to have just one box.

    The X4 is $4000 but noticed that it doesn't include a stand and only a demo copy of Mach3. Novakon's package seems to include both plus BobCAD CAM. Not sure what the dollar value for those items are but a complete package is more attractive for a newbie like me.
    First off as others have said Novakon's customer service is great. Like you I am a newbie to CNC and the people at Novakon are eager and willing to help in anyway you need.

    You are correct about the software that comes with the NM-135 as well, they are fully licensed versions. My machine came with Bob-CAD version 21 but V23 is much better. Perhaps an upgrade at time of purchase?

    I also got the CD-100 controller with computer built in. It is very well made and does have the Gecko drives you mentioned. All in all a nice set up.

    I do not have a Syil machine but those 2 machines you mentioned are what it came down to for me as well. I am glad I got the Novakon in the end.


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    Thanks for the feedback Industrial Dog. I watched your video on Novakon's website, very impressive! The NM-200 looks really nice as well.


    Quote Originally Posted by Industrial Dog View Post
    I don't post much because others have better answers than I. But I can say that Novakon's support after you purchase is much better than a lot of other companies. They are more than willing to talk you through things on the phone.


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    Thanks fourwheeler! More reassurance that I'll be taken care of if I run into any problems. The NM-135 may only cost a bit more when factoring in what they include compared to Syil.

    With Novakon's track record of support, I think it will end up costing me less in the end.

    Now just trying to see if I can make room for the NM-200



    Quote Originally Posted by fourwheeler View Post
    First off as others have said Novakon's customer service is great. Like you I am a newbie to CNC and the people at Novakon are eager and willing to help in anyway you need.

    You are correct about the software that comes with the NM-135 as well, they are fully licensed versions. My machine came with Bob-CAD version 21 but V23 is much better. Perhaps an upgrade at time of purchase?

    I also got the CD-100 controller with computer built in. It is very well made and does have the Gecko drives you mentioned. All in all a nice set up.

    I do not have a Syil machine but those 2 machines you mentioned are what it came down to for me as well. I am glad I got the Novakon in the end.


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    Yes, my thoughts exactly

    Quote Originally Posted by Allen123 View Post
    Novakon's Service is so much better than Syil you really couldn't go wrong!


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    Registered SpeedsCustom's Avatar
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    Oh and BTW, I'm pretty sure the Bobcam software retails for about 1,500. So yea, you get some real nice deals with there package.


    When I upgrade one day, I'll be getting that nm-200


    -Jason


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    Oh and BTW, I'm pretty sure the Bobcam software retails for about 1,500. So yea, you get some real nice deals with there package.
    Does anybody pay retail for BobCAM, especialy a copy that is 2 versions out of date? I don't own a copy but it seems like most folks pick it up for a few hundred if they haggle much.

    Mike


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    I can vouch for Novakon support as an owner of NM 135. The main reason I choose it over Syil was spindle speed (am I glad I did!) and slightly larger travels on X,Y.


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    Quote Originally Posted by MichaelHenry View Post
    Does anybody pay retail for BobCAM, especialy a copy that is 2 versions out of date? I don't own a copy but it seems like most folks pick it up for a few hundred if they haggle much.
    Mike
    You can get the v21->v23 upgrade, plus the week's training (which is pretty good) for around $600USD - a good deal, if you ask me. The guy who runs the course will tell you on the first day "I'm not an employee of bobcad. So I can badmouth them" (or something along those lines). And he will criticize the software when warranted. But he also says, and I think he's right, that no other software comes close to bobcad for the price. If you get Solidworks/ProE/Autowhatever, it'll probably cost more (far more?) than what you paid for your mill.


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