Beginner in CNC trying to decide on number of axes

[doc7]

I have been on the internet for the past couple of days and I have somewhat better understanding of this entire endeavour. Until something better comes along as an alternative Omio will be my choice of machine.
I have been looking at both the X6 and X8 and I lean more towards the X6. The X8 is bigger and that's nice but if I ever upgrade to larger work area I'd like to have a taller machine too.

I'd like to ask for advice on is which flavour of X6 to choose? There's the X6 USB and the X6 EPL. In the USB version a computer links to the router and feeds it gcode and the EPL version reads a storage device with gcode on it, if I understand correctly. I don't use computer for my 3D printers and I like it that way but I'm worried that the EPL version allows for less versatility in terms of the program that spits the gcode. Is my thinking even right? I'd like to get a second opinion on that.
Links to X6 USB (https://www.omiocnc.com/products/x6-2200l-usb.html) and X6 EPL (https://www.omiocnc.com/products/x6-2200epl.html)

The general way I would ideally approach this entire business is to buy a decent, not too expensive router now and when I have decent amount of experience build a great machine myself. We'll see how well it all turns out, hahah.

[Greeny]

I have no experience of omio, but there are a few members here who do.
There is a good discussion here http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10673...sheet/page5#49

Not so good stuff here.
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10078...-2200L-machine
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10618...ck-there-of%29

Cheers

[doc7]

Thanks for your input.

I realise it can break and if I bought it there are no guarantees but I want to get something usable that I can get to work with from the start, not have it delivered nonoperational and then making it work like I suspect most of the ebay routers are.

[A_Camera]

Thanks for your input.

I realise it can break and if I bought it there are no guarantees but I want to get something usable that I can get to work with from the start, not have it delivered nonoperational and then making it work like I suspect most of the ebay routers are.

The X6 is not an ordinary eBay router. If you buy a general 6040 THAT is an eBay router I'd worry about.

Normally I don't think you'd get it delivered non-operational, but you should not expect it to be plug and play. I don't think you can buy any of these machines, regardless of price, and expect to unpack it, put it on the table and start using without spending an hour or two, (or even more) with adjusting screws, installing parts, squaring and so on. Remember that even the best machine makes a long travel and requires some installation and adjustments. Yes you can be REALLY unlucky and get a pile of useless crap, but the probability of that is really small, considering how many of these type of machines are sold. Of course, if you worry too much you could contact a local dealer and pay extra for the risks he is taking and for the warrantee he is giving for you, but otherwise just buy one. Another option you have is to contact somebody who actually is building these for sale. Try JAZZCNC of this forum. Maybe he can build one for you, but I am pretty sure it will be considerably more expensive - but also better - than the X6 since he needs to pay the same price for a pint as you have to.

[doc7]

Right, right. Absolutely agree. My point was that ebay routers are the wrong way to go, not that Omio will be completely hassle free

[magicniner]

140mm under the collet nut isn't much space to fit a fourth axis into unless it's a really tiny one.

[doc7]

Yeah I was thinking something along those lines too.

For the sake of the argument, if we were to look at the X6 220 USB is there a way to increase the Z travel. Maybe cutting longer side supports. I'm brainstorming, don't really know if that's possible at all.

[A_Camera]

140mm under the collet nut isn't much space to fit a fourth axis into unless it's a really tiny one.

...but it is much more than most other eBay machines, and the majority of hobby machines have. Also, 100mm is what most 4th axis needs, so in general, for a hobby machine I think 140mm Z clearance is more than enough and is definitely not a "tiny one".