The price is so much less than a "real" CNC router that it's the only new one we can consider. I know it looks a bit homemade, but is it sufficient for most carved signs and routed letters?
3D software is an option so I assume it has 3D capability. We would want to use it to cut out simple shapes from PVC, acrylic and a little aluminum, and to incise letters, etc. for dimensional signage.
What is left out to get the price down?
Posted by John Arnott (Member # 215) on :
Paul, This is what I'm looking into too. The just had a couple of atricles in Signbusiness I think, about a company making and sending stuff to the Caribian. It worked perfect. I'll be watching this post too. John
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
shop bot is definitely for the technically skilled...does the job but comes in a crate and you set it up...i think ernie balch has one...he had previously built his own(clever guy)...the folks i know that have them can pretty much take them apart and put them together...i, on the other hand, wanted it all set up and ready to go...but unfortunately i have had to become a little more technical than i wanted after the bearings went in the spindle...and the place i got it from decided they really didn't want to take care of their own system. you get what you pay for...if you are mechanically inclined then it would be a good choice.
Posted by DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
Gee thanks Karyn... (I really like your moose logo did you plan on routing it?)
Paul, I went with the practical CNC system instead of shopbot. All routers are a compromise even the heavy commercial ones. It is important to test drive the router before you slap your money down.
You can see photos of us putting ours together on my Blog. Just go to our website www.balchsigns.com and click on "our blog" You can see some of the photos and our shop on www.balchsigns.signtopia.com
ernie
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
We've had our ShopBot over three years and are very pleased with it. The manufacturers support is terrific. We did put it together ourselves but I believe they offer that set up service for an additional charge. Currently we are not doing 3-D. (Just haven't had the time to get to the learning curve.) We cut out a lot of pvc letters and are encouraged by the possibilites the router offers. For basic sign shop applications it's a great tool.
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
I have had my SB for close to 4 years now and Not an Ounce of trouble. About 60% of our work is full 3D. The trick to the SB or any other router though is the program that runs it. You can have a $150k Machine and if the program isn't there you have an over priced Jigsaw. I have ran many bigger and nicer machines but I'll keep my SB as its Paid for so when I turn it on I'm making Money not a payment. And isn't that why we buy tools. Feel free to call me if you like (719-276-9338) and I could talk to you more about the SB I can't recommend this machine enough for someone on a budget.
Posted by John Meeks (Member # 5081) on :
I spent 2 days in their manufacturing facility in Durham, NC a couple of weeks ago with about 300 current or soon to be owners of a Shopbot. Everyone had nothing but good things to say. There were several folks that were there to buy a second machine. Shopbot is extremely open and willing to show and give a demonstration to anyone interested in purchasing one. John Meeks
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
Me Too Bill,
I've had my 48X96 SB for three 1/2 years. It's changed our buiness all most as much as the 4B.
John, this is a Real CNC. It's powerful and accurate. It will quickly cut through 3/4" MDO like butter.
The standard unit comes with a tall gantry that will accomodate 6" wood beams. This is a real help to us when making sign posts, with flutes. We even have it cut all our sandblast mask right on the redwood panel. Saves the plotter and the transfer process.
Let me put in a plug for the SB Forum. It's so friendly and helpful. Questions are answered promptly. Also the SB support team is all one could ask for. Great Guys. They will take all the time you need for questions.
I wouldn't be hesitant to look for a used unit on the forum page. Some great buy's.
I've had my shopbot since Nov 04. So far no cons, I'm doing acrylic, poly-carb, Foams, PVC's, Aluminum. You name it! I spent a little over 20K. I have the newer alpha version of the SB with the 3hp 240 HF colombo spindle & it cuts like a hot knife thru butter. Here's a pic of a sign I just did for fun
It'll do everything you need for the sign business. I'm one very happy customer with a great machine and great customer service
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I've been wanting to get a SB since they came out. The budget just won't allow it yet.When the router first came out you could buy one for under $3k. I wouldn't want that model because of the way they used to drive the gantry.
They have improved the router a lot through the years. You used to clamp in a 5hp router like a Bosch, now they have a spindle motor. With all these improvements, the price has gone way up too. So the longer I wait, saving my pennies, the higher the price goes delaying my purchase even more. What are they up to now, $6k for entry level?
Posted by Paul Luszcz (Member # 4042) on :
Thanks for the info. It sounds like ther are a lot of ShopBot fans out there.
I'd like to view the bulletin board. Is it open to potential (non) owners?
If so, what is the url?
Posted by Bill Lynch (Member # 3815) on :
What software are you current owners using?
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
Another great thing about this company:
Shopbot supports a kind of Letterhead Camp, put on by SB owners. Participants show up and do much the same as we do at our meetings. I don't know of any other CNC company that does this.
Joe
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
had i known what i know now...i would have bought one and paid someone to help me set it up...after initial setup you have to pony up and figure out stuff whether ya like it or not. routers are very cool but you have to be sharp(not dragging asss at the end of the day)when using them...well i guess thats my opinion...doing tool changes/feedrates/"z"ing in, etc i have to be clear headed...or i mess shyt up.
