Durability of a 6040 ?

[jimbo_cnc]

Thanks, I'm itching to get making things, and I have a plan.

I think a little 3040 will do me to make the my plastic bits I'm interested in. I'll see if better spindles are available but I might just get a cheap one and then get a water cooled replacement ready for when it dies.

This way I can get into the hobby quickly while I design a better and bigger machine or two :)

Will be searching eBay now, if anyone has suggestions let me know. I won't hit the buy button until at least Sunday.

[JAZZCNC]

I think a little 3040 will do me to make the my plastic bits I'm interested in. I'll see if better spindles are available but I might just get a cheap one and then get a water cooled replacement ready for when it dies.

Wouldn't do that or buy the spindle at same time because those brushed spindles are Crap and will fry within the weeked if pushed hard. BUT Then you also have other issues like mounting the spindle and running the cables. Those cheap 3020 machine with poxy spindles have no spare room in the energy chains for water pipes etc but worse the Z axis is often not designed to take the heavier spindle and you will have problems.

Worst thing you can do is go rushing in so just hold off the "buy it now" button and do some more reasearch. What's your budget.?

[jimbo_cnc]

Well, I was very happy with £480 for 3040 (not 3020) when I thought that would do what I wanted.

£180 for water spindle and VFD is OK too, as that will carry over to my next machine I assume? although it doesn't seem to include pipes/pump/etc.

[JAZZCNC]

Well, I was very happy with £480 for 3040 (not 3020) when I thought that would do what I wanted.

£180 for water spindle and VFD is OK too, as that will carry over to my next machine I assume? although it doesn't seem to include pipes/pump/etc.

Post the link because if it's the one I'm thinking then wouldn't buy that.!

[jimbo_cnc]

Loads of them for £450.
I haven't tried to work out if there are any differences yet.

Here's a 800W spindle/vfd. Any good ? Do I need 1.5kW ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/0-8KW-WATE...-/181270875660



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MILLING-DR...-/250960628553

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UPDATED-NE...-/330880647549

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOP-QUALIT...-/330880647715

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-3040-R...-/330880647628

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-ROUTER...-/250960627505

[jimbo_cnc]

Here we have 4th axis and ballscrew (don't the £450 ones have ballscrews?)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-axis-3D-...-/291019696713

and here we have water spindle too. for £1160
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Latest-CNC...-/221347111338

I can stretch to that after a bit of time to adjust to the step up from what might have been a £450 purchase.

But is it £400 better than the £450 model with added spindle/vfd ?

[JAZZCNC]

Ok well there are several reasons why to stay away from the £450 models.
First they use Acme lead screw not ballscrews. Acme screw as much more inefficient and high backlash so you accurecy is poor plus they are only 4mm pitch so can't reach the feeds require for cutting plastics correctly. They wear out very quickly and become baggy n sloppy in no time.

Next the Z axis on just about all I've seen won't take the water cooled spindles and are one piece cast units that are very weak. To replace you'll virtually have to rebuild the machine.
The electronics are junk and under powered so won't stand the strain of heavier loads for prolonged periods.

I wouldn't go for any of these chinese machines unless they can take 80mm spindles and have ballscrews with at least 5mm pitch or better still 10mm thou I havent seen one yet that as 10mm.