Advice on New Robocutters X4

[JAZZCNC]

Hi and Welcome.

Q1 Yes and No.? It means you can have 5 axis of movement but it will use 4 axis just to move the machine. The 5 Axis will be spare or could be used for adding an extra axis like Rotary 4th axis.

Q2 5 Axis Kit includes Steppers but doesn't mention much about the spec. I would want to know the complete spec of what makes up the kit. The electronics make huge difference to how it machine performs and often kits are consist of cheap components or badly matched components.
I'm pretty sure you won't be getting £480 +vat worth of kit.!! Or better put the same kit will cost more like £250 inc.

Q3 They are very similar connectors but I would go with Aviation ones has they lock better IMO. That said I woundn't pay £80 for something that can be bought for £1 each on Ebay.!!

Q4 Yes you will need some way to connect the motors to the screws. Belts or direct coupling I presume they mean.? In which case belts are best.

Q5 Ballscrews are far superior to Leadscrews go with ballscrews.

Now here's my opinion of this machine. . . It's over priced and weak.!!

The gantry connections are weak and flimsy. The Z axis which is THE most important part of any machine is very weak flimsy unit. Poor Z axis affects finish quality and cutting speeds you can achieve.
They don't show enough of the base frame and I haven't looked else where so it's hard to say how strong that is but looking at the rest i'd say it will be on same par.!
It does come with decent quality rails but that means nothing if the rest of the machine doesn't match and in this case with the above points it woe fully doesn't match.
This machine is long way from being Robust which will show in performance and finished work.!

Price wise while it's not overly expensive for machines this size. It is still however over priced for what you get and the simple weak design.
By this I mean you could buy the profiles ready cut to size and bolt together, which is all they are selling you, for lot less money. The same rails and ballscrews are easily bought ready machined direct from china for fraction of the price. (Which is all they are doing)
Same goes for the electronics, you'll buy much better electronics for same or less money than the cheap ones they will be selling. Or buy the same ones for half price.!

Sorry to be negative about this machine but I see BIG potential for dissapointment and would hate to think I hadn't said anything.!