New to all this cnc stuff, looking to buy a Heiz machine

**JAZZCNC** · 23-05-2014

I'll answer here but Mekanik is correct best start your own thread if you want to continue or contact me via PM.

Originally Posted by cjohnh

I am concerned that the level of software problems that people encounter are going to stop me working effectively. What I want is to take the machine out of the box, spend some time learning the Vectric software, turn it on and and produce objects of a good enough standard to sell. Is this realistic ? I don't want to spend frustrating hours delving deep into G-code to correct errors every time I switch the Heiz on.
Any constructive criticism or ideas/reactions out there ? Thanks.

First yes it's possible but you have to realise there is a learning curve.! After all you didn't just pickup a router and instantly produce quality signs so why would you expect to do the same with a complicated machine tool.?
There is a significant learning curve regards software just like becoming compitent using photoshop and the more you use it the better the results and shorter the time required to achive great results.
Regards having to delve into G-code then with decent CAM package you won't need to touch any G-code.
Regards Machine control whether that be the Heiz or any other machine then it's relatively simple affair which boils down to setting up Stock, locating Zero work coordinates for each axis then loading the G-code file and pressing cycle start.

If you do have any frustrations it will mostly certainly come from the CAD/CAM side and reproducing what you have in your minds eye.!! . . . How frustrating will greatly depend on the complexity of what you want to make and your abilty to come to grips with the software.
Everyone learns at differant levels but I will say in my experience with helping new first time users that unless doing complex 3D models then in the main most new users get to grips with software quickly enough and after few weeks playing they are producing some very nice work. They never have problems with the G-code file or having to delv into editing the file, it's always the CAM side and selecting the correct or best cutting stratergy to achive the results they are happy with and unfortunatly this comes with experience and how deep your pockets are regards buying decent CAM software that give you the tools to get the best job.!

I won't get into the Heiz machine it's self other than to say It's too expensive for what you get.? Unsupported round rails is not what I would want if I was paying nearly 3K.!!

Originally Posted by cjohnh

By the way - Owen and Robin - north of London is not necessarily "oop North". In fact, it is mostly "darn sarf". If you want "oop North" try going to Hartlepool - that's really scary !

I'll take hartlepool and straight talking gordies over southern bull shit jessie's any day.!

. . . . Try Grimethorpe where I come from if you want scary.!

**cjohnh** · 27-05-2014

Thanks jazzcnc,
didn't mean any offence about Hartlepool - just a joke really, trying to keep the post light hearted ! I'm from Cumbria.
Anyway, that's just the sort of constructive input I was looking for, and reassuring. I have spent hours searching for suitable machines, and this is why I came around to the Heiz. All the other machines seem either to be produced in and supported from the US, or produced in China, and not supported from anywhere - with the added complication that the software is useless. The Heiz is supported from Prototools in Belfast, and I have yet to read a really negative review, on here or anywhere else.
Can you suggest any other makes that produce affordable entry level table top sizes ? I'm keen to get started.
As regards software, I was looking at the Vectric stuff - any thoughts ?
Thanks for your time and help.

**JAZZCNC** · 27-05-2014

Originally Posted by cjohnh

Thanks jazzcnc,
didn't mean any offence about Hartlepool - just a joke really, trying to keep the post light hearted ! I'm from Cumbria.

No problem and I didn't take offence just playing the north south windup game .. Lol

Unfortunatly I can't recommend any company in UK that I'd say provides a quality machine at sensible money. Yes there are some who provide quality machines but the money isn't sensible. That said it doesn't mean I'm recommending the Heiz either because to me they are too expensive for what you get and 3K can build you a much stronger machine with far better components. Obviously this only works if you have the abiltys and tools to make your own but if you just have even slightest abilty's you can build a very nice machine with quite limited tools so don't be afraid.

**Clive S** · 27-05-2014

Originally Posted by JAZZCNC

Obviously this only works if you have the abiltys and tools to make your own but if you just have even slightest abilty's you can build a very nice machine with quite limited tools so don't be afraid.

A bit like this guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=floJre2fETI even mounted vertical

Or ask the right questions on here and somebody might offer to make one

..Clive