Best CNC Router for the Money

[Keith Outten]

If you do go the ADA make sure you are compliant with their codes. Also the software can be expensive.

Jerome,

What software?
The NIB grade 2 braille interpreter is free.
You can get a Corel Draw script from Aaron Koehl that will produce grade 2 braille with a simple click if you are using a laser engraver or you can export the file to Aspire or Vcarve Pro if you want to drill the holes with your CNC router.

There is a learning curve but it isn't steep, the ADAG only has about three paragraphs of text that involve ADA signs but the requirements can vary from state to state because there is an ANSI standard that some states have adopted.
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[Gerry Grzadzinski]

We don't warm up our Biesse rover pod unit It has a 10.5 HP hsd spindle.

At my last job, we never warmed up the two 10HP HSD spindles on a Masterwood. The one that was used constantly lasted about 7 years before needing bearing replacement.

At my current job, we don't warm up the 15HP spindle on a Morbidelli, that cuts 8 hours a day at 1000IPM. In my experience, the big machine companies don't teach warming up the spindle in their training.

[Gary Campbell]

Gerry...
If it didnt have a specific section saying you "must" in the manual, I wouldnt do it either. Well that, and the fact that I pay for my own spindles.

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

It's colder up there than it is here, too.

[Jerome Stanek]

Where can I get the free translator software from

[Keith Outten]

The National Institute for the Blind has a free translator but it doesn't have an interface which is what Aaron Koehl provides.
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[Ken Maxwell]

As Scott mentioned, save the $1800 and go with a router and upgrade to Aspire. Now that brings up another question. According to the Vectric site Aspire is $1995. You can get VCarve Pro, Photo Carve and Cut 3D bundled together for $947. What more can Aspire do that those can not do? I have spent all morning looking at videos and I'm so amazed at the software. I programmed CNC machines for about 4 years but it was about 10-12 years ago and that blows what I used away. I'm ready to dive in and watching the videos makes it look so easy to use too. Just wondering what the extra $1000 gets you.

[james mcgrew]

it will get you the ability to actually model in 3d, i have sent you a pm.

for now you can download the full working demos and learn the programs, (you can save files for later use) start with vcarve and learn the bulls head sign, it is a good start point

[Ross Moshinsky]

Anyone who uses a router or is thinking of using a router in a CNC machine should look into buying a Super PID. It's a way of accurately controlling the RPM of your router, essentially making it into spindle (well kind of at least).

[Mick A Martin]

The speeds and feeds of my router don't need to be that precise I can see by the chips and hear the router cutting to no I am in the required range.

Mick

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

The Super-PID gives you're router more power at the lower rpm's than the standard speed controls, and allows it to spin as slow as 5000 rpm. Runs cooler, too.
Also allows Mach3 to turn it on/off, and control the rpm with g-code, with no additional hardware required.

[Mark A Johnson]

I have had my Shopbot for close to 3 years, never a problem. When I have had a question or anything related to it, there customer service was great. Now they offer 5th axis option.

My only up would be selling my Bridgeport and getting a Haas CNC.

[Bruce Page]

My only up would be selling my Bridgeport and getting a Haas CNC.

A Haas or Fadal, I would love either one of them.

[Brandon MacDougall]

it will get you the ability to actually model in 3d

I was looking for the 3d tools in Aspire and found none can you explain?

[Shane Sura]

I have only played with the demo but the 3D options for design are under the modeling tab...or farther down the screen for older versions and there are a few extra tool path options specific for 3D work.