Reveiw: Stepmores SM-3040 CNC Router/Mill

[craigrobbo]

Craig,

on the strength of your review, I've gotten a quote from Stepmores for pretty much the same machine (attached) for 1500$ US not including shipping. I think this is more than you paid (was your quote of some 866 pounds Sterling including delivery?). Can you comment?

Cheers

Hi mate.

My machine was £880 yes, this was with Sea shipping (that only cost $15!) At the bottom of your quote it says 15 days delivery, Presumably yours includes air shipping (which I believe was another $350 or so but double check that one)

I have just checked on google for exchange rates and £880 is about $1420 add conversion fees on top of that and $1500 sounds about right.

Craig

[Andre Germain]

Craig,

indeed. I got the quote for shipping by sea this morning; 115$. Surprising as many others ask 400$ or more (low balling their price and recuperating it in the shipping?). They also offered to extend the Z axis to 75mm (50$), a stainless steel sink/tub ($30). Are the latter worth it?

The controller board looks like a TB6560 (without a cooling fan!) and from what I read they're not very capable for Nema 23 steppers. Is this what you have as well? are they 23s?

Cheers & much thanks

[craigrobbo]

Hi there.
Sorry for the late reply.

Stepmores seem quite honest in their prices, Not sure why $115 in shipping though as I was only charged $15!
Speak to a gentlman called Eric (tell him I put you onto him please)
The Steel sink/Tub if you haggle you can get for free, I did.

The Z axis I would leave be, More travel = more flex and only get the 75mm IF YOU NEED IT.

I think the weakest point of the machine is the Y rails, If you can afford the extra, upgrade to supported rails (ignore anything he pawns onto you, just get them)

As for electronics, i am not too clued up on this sorry, I have no idea if they are 23's But I do know the Y axis motor is twice the size of the other 2?

Thanks

Craig

[kelvar]

Hi craigrobbo,I also ordered the router from Stepmores after reading your review and it's leaving China by sea soon.According to what I read online, there seems to be quite some work getting the router out of port. Did you use a customs broker? Can you describe what the customs clearance process is like?

[phili76]

Hi craig,

thank you for your review of your stepmores cnc. I´m in contact with eric about a 6040.
Are you still happy with your machine?
Do you have some pictures of the control box and did you had a look into it?
Maybe you can tell me if there is a label on the stepper motors?

Thank you for your help!
Greetings from Austria
Philipp

[craigrobbo]

Hi there Phillipp/

The control box I can get pictures for you later on they are of a high quality compared to others.

I'v looked inside but only brief!

The steppers are blank with no labels sorry.

[phili76]

Hi craig,

great! thank you
maybe you have also some pictures from inside the box? eric told me that they use leadshine M542 drivers, hopefully they are genuine :-)

thanks
philipp

[craigrobbo]

No problem - I am not really comfortable opening it up too much, i only had to open it last time as my water tank shattered and I had to clean it.

Please understand.

[phili76]

no problem, any picture from the outside will be good enough! only if it´s no problem for you
:-)

philipp

[asdfrrr]

Hi, I was wondering how do you like the machine so far? any updates? would you recomend the paying the extra $ for this model?
Thanks!