NM-135 or X4

[izzy88]

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.

[Allen123]

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

[izzy88]

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.

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

[Industrial Dog]

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.

[fourwheeler]

Originally Posted by izzy88 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.

[izzy88]

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

Originally Posted by Industrial Dog 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.

[izzy88]

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

Originally Posted by fourwheeler 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.

[izzy88]

Yes, my thoughts exactly

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

[SpeedsCustom]

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

[MichaelHenry]

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

[zaebis]

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.

[Frogblender]

Originally Posted by MichaelHenry 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.