CNC advice needed . [Archive]

spitfire9

11-21-2009, 07:25 PM

I was looking at this cnc router on Ebay.
Just wondering if anyone that knows about cnc machines could tell me if its a good deal, would it work ok for panel building using lexan or wood etc.

Thanks.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/12-x-16-x-4-ZENBOT-CNC-ROUTER-ENGRAVER-mill_W0QQitemZ200408206934QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea9428e56

autocadplease

11-21-2009, 08:55 PM

I have heard the Zenbots are OK. It looks better than the one I build from scratch and I have good results on lexan and wood (but I do use a 1HP Makita router).

If you want expert opinions, go to cnczone.com. Here is a positive post from an owner (mini version) http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91724&highlight=zenbot

There is also some youtube videos (just search zenbot) which will show you first hand the results.

Crescent

11-22-2009, 05:08 AM

I'm looking into the same situation as yourself. Basically, it depends on what you want to do. If you're building a 737...then get a cnc router. If you're building a Spitfire, Corsair, or Lancaster...then get a Milling Machine and Lathe.

It says it all right there. An older aircraft has virtually no backlit panels, so everything is built raw and it takes some muscle to cut, so go with a milling machine. A modern aircraft has a ton of backlit stuff, so a cnc router...which is light duty is the way to go.

Chris.

BHawthorne

11-22-2009, 06:41 AM

Just keep in mind that the table for that is not going to allow much cutting room. Also that won't cut metal without deflection, because what it's made out of.

flatlandpilot

11-22-2009, 10:31 AM

I have the sable 2015, with a Kress 1050 mill

what I can see from the photo, the zenrobot is belt driven.

for acrylic and mdf I think you can get good results with it.
and 30 cm. is nice ;)

this helped me a lot:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOXY4O0UkRM

what I use:
Solidworks
Mastercam
Mach3

autocadplease

11-22-2009, 02:41 PM

Yes, those centering/zeroing probes are a MUST!

spitfire9

11-22-2009, 06:43 PM

Thanks for the input guys !

I'm really leaning towords getting it.
Emailed the outfit selling it and asked what the best router for it was and the guy said the best all round router would be the Bosch colt palm router.

Westozy

11-22-2009, 08:46 PM

I wonder if you saw this machine on Ebay about 4 weeks ago. I won the auction and picked up this solid billet aluminium machine complete with steppers motors, controller and power supply for only AUD$875.00
To freight it from the East coast of Australia 4000km away was another AUD$470 which was a bit of a shock but well worth it I think now I have seen the machine 'in the flesh'! I have been looking at some CNC forums and many "experts" have recommended the Ozito 650watt 1/4 inch plunge router model - PRG-621V because of it's onboard variable speed controller. I bought two of them, one as a back up as they are only AUD$65.00 each!

http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/575/CNC_004.JPG
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/575/CNC_003.JPG
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/575/CNC_001.JPG

I predict MyCockpit.org having it's own CNC forum soon!!!

Regards, Gwyn

spitfire9

11-23-2009, 12:09 AM

Well I went and bought the Zenbot today .
Hope that learning curve isn't too high ! LOL

You may well need a seperate forum for CNC machines because I will most probably be looking for help.

Nice find Westozy,, looks like a nice machine.
I won't be looking on Ebay for a little while. Seems every time I buy something pricey,, I will without a doubt find the very same thing, for a lot cheaper, the very next day !! lol

cnc602

11-23-2009, 10:02 AM

spitfire9

11-23-2009, 01:47 PM

I probably won't get it for a couple of weeks, but once it is set up, I'll let you know.

cnc602

12-03-2009, 01:44 PM

Hmmm Might be worth looking into..
You get a laptop for $199.00 if you buy a cnc machine.
Here is a link->http://www.visionengravers.com/e-mailblast/12-01-09_HolidayLaptopOffer/HolidayComputerOffer.html

BHawthorne

12-03-2009, 02:05 PM

Hello,
Very knew to this forum... Wondering how did your CNC purchase went how was the quality of the machine?
I have been looking at a 2525 CNC Router from Vision Engraving & Routing Systems but if I can get a cheaper
one on e-bay why not. Just worried about how the quality is on a CNC machine from e-bay...

http://www.visionengravers.com/products/images/2525-router-engraver.jpg (http://www.visionrouters.com/products/2525-cnc-router-machine.html)

http://www.visionengravers.com/products/2525-cnc-router-engraver-machine.html

The only issue I have with that is I've never heard of the brand and that there are no prices listed anywhere on that site. That tells me one of two things. Either the prices are negotiable or if I have to ask for a price it's too expensive.

cnc602

07-27-2010, 01:52 PM

Looks like their prices are available now. And there offering free online demos.
http://www.visionengravers.com/instavision/ (http://www.visionengravers.com/instavision/?utm_source=Forum&utm_medium=Cockpit_campaign=instavision&utm_term=072210)

twisted8

07-27-2010, 04:42 PM

I probably won't get it for a couple of weeks, but once it is set up, I'll let you know.

Any updates/feedback on the zenbot? I'm thinking of buying one.
Thanks

spitfire9

07-27-2010, 09:55 PM

I like it. I still have relatively low experience but am learning.

It seems like a sturdy nice running machine and the support is excellent.

I have the Bosch colt palm router for the spindle. I also puchased the 1/4 and 1/8 precision collets from a place called "Precision Bits" in the U.S.

I also had a friend wire up a fan control reostat to slow the router down a bit for doing text.