New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Hi all, Newbie here!
I have a company that makes interesting stuff for events and brand activations.
I've started researching CNC machines and want to dive right in with a decent purchase and learn on the job. I want a 3 axis 10'x5' bed machine with auto tool change. I've spoken to Opus about the Pegasus 1530 ATC and had a (lengthy!) whatsapp chat with Blue Elephant in china about the ELE 1530 (they got quite pushy). Also talking to MANTECH about the apollo 1530. These all look very similar....
Has anyone got and experience with these machines? Could you recommend any other companies I should talk to? I think I'd ideally like to find a UK supplier as I'm concerned about parts and servicing etc.. Thanks
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
I can build you a custom machine exactly to your needs but there's no way I can match the prices they offer in China. What is your budget.?
I'm actually soon going to be converting an Opus machine (olympus) for a customer. He's happy with the build quality but the electrical isn't so hot and the controller is a DSP so I'm converting it to an Ethernet-based controller. Also fitting a 5.5Kw ATC spindle.
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Can you PM me through this site?
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jjpltd
Can you PM me through this site?
Welcome to the forum
You might need another couple of posts to do that. But this one should help.
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
I'm looking for a similar machine with a rotary axis for table legs etc. Are the Opus machines Chinese ?
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JAZZCNC
He's happy with the build quality but the electrical isn't so hot and the controller is a DSP so I'm converting it to an Ethernet-based controller.
Sorry to ask stupid questions, but I'm completely new to cnc. Can you explain the differences between DSP and Ethernet and the advantage it gives and price differential
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Max Power
Sorry to ask stupid questions, but I'm completely new to cnc. Can you explain the differences between DSP and Ethernet and the advantage it gives and price differential
Hi, No it's not a stupid question at all.
First off DSP is a Controller type rather than a Communication type which is what Ethernet is. Ethernet is a common communication type for newer controllers but it's not the actual controller just how it connects to the PC.
DSP is a standalone controller type that doesn't have a PC involved and uses a handheld pendant with buttons and no screen or at best a very limited Matrix screen for txt display only. You load the G-code from memory stick, set the Zero points, etc pushing buttons on the pendant and the push go. After that, you have no feedback other than watching the machine work.
For some this is ok but others like to see what's happening either by visual graphics on the screen or watching the G-code lines as they get processed or about to get processed. With experience, many a disaster can be avoided before it happens as you read the G-code before the machine actually processes it.
PC based controllers (which use Ethernet communication among others like USB etc) allow graphical and G-code file display while cutting among other things like Spindle speeds, Tool numbers, and many other options. They are also more flexible in what they allow you to do. ie: Toolchangers etc.
The Chinese DSP systems are also notoriously unreliable and often stop working for no particular reason, usually around 18mths from new.!!
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JAZZCNC
I can build you a custom machine exactly to your needs but there's no way I can match the prices they offer in China. What is your budget.?
I'm actually soon going to be converting an Opus machine (olympus) for a customer. He's happy with the build quality but the electrical isn't so hot and the controller is a DSP so I'm converting it to an Ethernet-based controller. Also fitting a 5.5Kw ATC spindle.
I'm interested in your custom machines, can you pm me?
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Always go with a well known/supported brand. When buying a CNC machine it’s important to have the backup support in order to get problems resolved quickly.
I have a Kitamura Mycentre with twin pallet which has been great for in-house work and support our <a href=“https://www.mmturnedparts.co.uk”>Subcontract CNC Turning</a> lathe section.
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tjm229
Always go with a well known/supported brand. When buying a CNC machine it’s important to have the backup support in order to get problems resolved quickly.
I have a Kitamura Mycentre with twin pallet which has been great for in-house work and support our <a href=“https://www.mmturnedparts.co.uk”>Subcontract CNC Turning</a> lathe section.
If you're into machining for profit in a big way and/or have oodles of dosh your advice is sound.
However, this forum is mostly about hobby machinists for whom value for money and affordable budget are often the top priority.
In the hobbyist world this very forum (mycncUK) provides the most amazing (and free) backup support available and the brand JAZZCNC is among the most well known for very good reason.
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JAZZCNC
I can build you a custom machine exactly to your needs but there's no way I can match the prices they offer in China. What is your budget.?
I'm actually soon going to be converting an Opus machine (olympus) for a customer. He's happy with the build quality but the electrical isn't so hot and the controller is a DSP so I'm converting it to an Ethernet-based controller. Also fitting a 5.5Kw ATC spindle.
Hi JAZZCNC I'm actually looking for someone who can help me to build a CNC milling machine or that can build it for me, where can I contact you ?
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adanlicea
Hi JAZZCNC I'm actually looking for someone who can help me to build a CNC milling machine or that can build it for me, where can I contact you ?
I'll PM you details but if you want it this year then I won't be able to help you with building one I'm afraid but I'm more than happy to offer advise.
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
I've just bought an Olympus Select CNC machine model from Opus CNC and have to say I'm very impressed overall with the machine and their support has been second to none.
Re: New to CNC- need some help choosing a machine
Hi all, gonna jump on this one because my question is simular.
Not as much choice here in Ireland when it comes to lower cost production cnc, so I am half settled on a mantech sparten 1325 with atc and vacuum. The software they provide is vetric v-carve. Its coming in around €22k, i guess around £18k. Ill be using it for kitchen manufacture, mdf doors, cutting and boring melamine carcass.I have a very cheap drawing package for years, Cabinet Planner, and despite the dodgy 3d out-put it gets a good visual representation to the customer. It seemingly produces files a cnc can read, but to be honest im not sure i trust it.
My questions are :
Is the mantech sparten enough machine for a one man cabinet business, taking into account that i dont care if it takes 40 mins to run a sheet (i can be edging or spraying or something as it does its thing)
Will I, after intially creating a library of cabinet parts, be able to create a process list for the machine in less than 2 hours.
I'd appreciate any input
