First Machine HELP...24"x36"x4" or Larger Setup w/ Gecko for under $3000

[buschhoff]

First, Thanks for any recommendations beyond my research.

I am looking for a machine that can Route guitar bodies and hard woods at least 4"-5" thick. Able to work on soft metals. As well as blocks of plastic for architecture models. I need it to be sturdy, have a low to non- existent backlash as I need to have models precise.

Usable area of 24"x36"x4" or Larger Setup w/ Gecko for under $3000.

FIRST SETUP - Fine Line Automation FLA100-00 Complete 2'x3' Router Kit

Gecko 540 / (3) 380 oz-in Nema 23 Stepper Motors / 48V 7.3A Power Supply
K2 Router Mount
What Router?

Any recommendations for this setup?


SECOND SETUP - Thom Carr Art-Router 4 Axis CNC

The Art-Router has a cutting area of 25" x 49" x 4".
Industrial 3amp drivers and 425 0z motors. Are they Gecko Drivers?
Hitatchi 2 1/4 hp Router

It includes a 4th axis turn station that can hold stock of 7" x 22".
REALLY COOL FOR ADDITIONAL PROJECTS...Is it worth the extra money?

I have read, you can slide a 48" X 48" piece of plywood in from the side, somthing I have yet to see from any other machines out there for sale.

Can this machine handle hardwoods and plastic?



I haven't seen any other CNC machines it the criteria I'm looking for...
PLEASE make recommendations.

[buschhoff]

Any comments on either of these machines?

[groomden]

i have a machine i would like to sell for $3000 (including a router and various new to nearly new bits) that would meet your needs. current cut area is 42" by 6ft. rack and pinion design. built based on the cncrouterparts bearings and rack and pinion setup plus a whole lot of 80/20 extrusion. i do not have an exact measure of its precision but its pretty darn precise. scary how accurate you can make things with it.

it is not a gecko setup, but a Probotix Monster 4 axis setup. i bought the electronics as a pre-assembled unit. no problems whatsoever using it.

i am located in Walbridge, Ohio and you are welcome to see/use/test the machine before you decide to buy. I'll post pictures by tomorrow lunchtime if you are interested in it.

thanks,
dennis (419) 283-3201

[ger21]

I'd recommend building a Joe's 4x4 Hybrid. You can make it smaller if you like.

[groomden]

here are some pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgroom/

software included:
Mach3,
Vectric Cut3D and VCarve Pro 5.5,
software is loaded and registered on the computer. Computer and 24 inch monitor included.

dust collector and all accessories are also included.

price is firm at $3000. I have at least $4k invested. i'm looking to sell because now that spring is here my powered paragliding bug is back... i go through hobbies like nobody's business;-)

dennis