desktop cnc router ???

[Robbob]

Ok so Im thinking of getting one .............

Ive googled, Ive searched, Ive read testomonials, I dont want to build one from scratch.

Ive narrowed my search down to a Zenbot

Zenbot CNC Routers



BUT Im looking for personal input on direction to go.

Basically Im gonna need the table/router setup with stepper motors .... software and of course control box.

Looking to stay in a 1200 -1800 $$ range ...... something able to cut delrin, acrylic, lexan, carbon fiber and possibly aluminum (not thicker then .125)

Nothing thats gonna put out production pieces ...... something I can use for one-offs and small bits of side work



Any input, ideas, experiences, preferences is welcome ........


Thanks everyone

[xirtic]

I have the Zenbot 12x16....it works well. (I have not really pushed it or done a ton with it yet...but I like what I have done so far.) I hooked it up to a Dell Latitude D610 Laptop that had been modified to think that it is a desktop PC....that way it sends the correct voltage from the parallel port to the controller. the build quality is nice, and I liked that it has no backlash due to the belt system. It is also VERY fast. I work mostly with Delrin.

I wish that I had more time to really get into the unit more....the FT job keeps me away a lot, and this toy is at home taunting me.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by xirtic

I have the Zenbot 12x16....it works well. (I have not really pushed it or done a ton with it yet...but I like what I have done so far.) I hooked it up to a Dell Latitude D610 Laptop that had been modified to think that it is a desktop PC....that way it sends the correct voltage from the parallel port to the controller. the build quality is nice, and I liked that it has no backlash due to the belt system. It is also VERY fast. I work mostly with Delrin.

I wish that I had more time to really get into the unit more....the FT job keeps me away a lot, and this toy is at home taunting me.

Thats the exact one Im looking at.



What do you use for a router motor?

[xirtic]

I supplied the owner of ZenBot with the measurements of the Harbor Freight Trim Router, and he cut me a mount for it. I then put the HF variable speed controller on the router for some level of spindle speed control. He should still have the file to cut one if needed.

[Robbob]

Thanks man.


Im leaning on the Zenbot but gonna keep my mind open for a bit longer.



Anyone else have preferences? Opinions?

[crawlerhawk]

I saw this CNC Shark Routing System with FREE Router! ($125 Value!) - Rockler Woodworking Tools demo at a Rockler woodworking store in Denver a few months ago, nice cnc router but kind of pricey.

[JKMotorsports]

wow those are not cheap. i have less then 250 into my setup for a 2ftx2ft cnc plasma which i have plans on changing out the torch head for a router. i'm just waiting on a friend to weld up the table as i can't be bothered to do it perfectly sqaure.

[Ehgemus]

What about this one.

https://probotix.com/FireBall_v90_cnc_router_kit/

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by xirtic

I hooked it up to a Dell Latitude D610 Laptop that had been modified to think that it is a desktop PC....that way it sends the correct voltage from the parallel port to the controller.

Any direction you could point me in on how to possibly do this to my Toshiba laptop?

Gettin ready to pull the trigger on the 12x16 Zenbot and would rather use my extra laptop then lug the big box down stairs lol.

Thanks.

[xirtic]

Originally Posted by Robbob

Any direction you could point me in on how to possibly do this to my Toshiba laptop?

Gettin ready to pull the trigger on the 12x16 Zenbot and would rather use my extra laptop then lug the big box down stairs lol.

Thanks.

In XP Device Manager....Right click the processor...and I believe that I told it to use a DESKTOP driver. It has been a while since I did this.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by xirtic

In XP Device Manager....Right click the processor...and I believe that I told it to use a DESKTOP driver. It has been a while since I did this.

Ill take a peak tonight on it. Its running Vista on that laptop but I would take any excuse to format it and run XP lol.


Thanks.

[xirtic]

Much of the software recomends XP. You may have to re-build.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by xirtic

Much of the software recomends XP. You may have to re-build.

ya reading Mach3's stuff now.

Its the wifes old laptop so nothing important on it, we keep all that stuff on my desktop.

[Robbob]

Looks like the support XP, Vista and Win7 on 32bit systems.

Watching their tutorials ....... oh boy

[SVEN]

I use a Romaxx HS-1 16x24.

Products

It is about 4 years old now and still working flawlessly. I use a Bosch router with the table. The table itself is very stout, I cannot lift it by myself.

For the computer, I just picked up a refurbished tower from circuitcity.com for around $100. Doesn't require anything fancy to run the machine. I think I just have 512mb of ram.

[mfawv]

hi guys/gals,
i have been thinking about getting a cnc router and am glad i checked back in here because i had forgot about the v90. that is the one i will be getting but i wanted to know if i should get all the bells and whistles.
do i need the PBX- USB, breakout board?
is it needed to have the aluminum spoil baord?
it comes with bosch, ridgid, or dewalt motors. the ridgid is probably the cheepest to replace but i don't plan on beating it up. which would you recomend?

thanks,
mike