From: "Southerland, Greg" <gesout...@sbec.com>
Date: August 15, 2012 12:50:08 PM CDT
To: <greg...@hotmail.com>
Cc: "Jeff Hutchison" <jhutc...@hotmail.com>
Subject: new CNC router for the club
I am working on a kick starter project involving a linear rail carriage that rides on a standard 8020 type of extrusion. Jeff Hutchison is my partner. We have decided that the cost of moving the new CNC router to the space is so high that there could be a chance that we would lose it. The router is a 5 spindle with saw that can talk a full 4x8 sheet of plywood.
It was used to build cabinets. The servos are 3 hp each. This would be an awesome addition to the space. I have been running numbers on our project and we can come close to paying for freight for the router.
If kick starter funds the min. amount. We are a few weeks away from getting this thing kicked off. Any help would be appreciated in preparing this project for kick starter. I have a running prototype that can seen at the Lab. We need to prepare the presentation (video) and the cover sheet etc. Any help will be welcomed
Greg Southerland
S&B Engineers and Constructors
Control System Designer
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What is the total expected freight cost?
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From: Jeff Hutchison <jhutc...@gmail.com>
Date: August 15, 2012 5:13:37 PM CDT
To: txrx...@googlegroups.com
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/txrxlabs/-/q_EDOt1ULywJ.
The basic cost of the MechMate is as follows:
- Table+motors: $4,500 USD
- Drivers+electronics (less CAD/CAM): $3,000 USD
- Dust Management: $500 USD
- The total cost of a complete MechMate without a spindle or vacuum table, is about $8,500 USD. This easily puts the MechMate on par with commercial units in the $15,000 to $20,000 USD range
I really have to disagree. I think that if we have the room we might as well get it rather than saving that room for other things at a future date. If something else comes along that we want more (or can do the same in a smaller space) then we can get rid of this. But until then, I know I personally could really use this and I'm sure others could too.
I don't know why this machine is being compared to a scratch built mechmate. This has a 6 hp spindle(s) with a vacuum holddown system. Both of which you will not touch on a new build of 2-3k. You can disagree with the cost or sqr footage required, but don't say that a mechmate will be in any way a compatible replacement.
The fanuc 6m controller is the same as on the powerhawk mill.
This might help formalize the issue in a neutral manner. @Jeremy the mechmate can't be compared to the industrial cnc. Although the descision should not be based on the fact one machine has a higher hp motor. The descision should be made on which machine or solution provides the intended function, and if both provide the intended function then which does it at the best value. Remember that the cost isn't only cash. The cost includes space and time to build/alter/fix/move and learn to use.
If all you want this machine for is to work on wood and small metal pieces then the mechmate is likely the better solution. If you want to work on large metal pieces then the industrial cnc is better.
My opinion (which doesn't matter): I think the industrial cnc is sexy, but it will likely end up being a toy we show off that only 1 or 2 people actually use. The space it takes up will eventually be a big limiting factor in what the space can do. It will be like commuting to work on a 18 wheeler every day. It gets you there but is the added cost of gas worth it?
Rolando
My opinion (which doesn't matter): I think the industrial cnc is sexy, but it will likely end up being a toy we show off that only 1 or 2 people actually use.
Rolando
10 gigabit, 3D, 9 axis, water laser chainsaw router with a heated bed.
Forrest your functional requirement is to cnc 4x8 plywood piece which both can be configured to do. The plasma does metal sheets. Having an ability that no one uses is silly. However, my opinion is irrelevant.
Find reasons the capability is needed or useful, otherwise it might be an imprudent descision. A use case would be if you could make money for the space with the machine. Because general use of the capability to cut big metal pieces is very unlikely. It's sole purpose will be a measurement of libido, not function. Further using it as a metal cutter might influence people to not allow it to be used for plywood. Then you will have a capability very few use, that prohibits other capabilities people would use.
R
You just can't count on other people sometimes to make things into a reality. I waited a year and a half for Wes to get me a code dump for the flip-dot sign project, and after about a month it was my fault for not coming up with a workaround as it was clear he wasn't going to contribute.
Any space in the shop that isn't being used is just wasted rent.