Romaxx, ShopBot, or Other?

[Leigh Costello]

Hello everyone. Hubby and I have decided not to build our own CNC. We are looking to add to our shop capabilities. And to fill some customer requests, as well. I read and re-read and am convinced someone here can help us.

Which do you all recommend for a 24 x 24 or similar CNC router? I have read so much and still feel like I know so little. We aren't ready to purchase just yet, thank you OPEC, so this is more research.

Any and all responses would be helpful.

Thanks,
Leigh and Jim

[Keith Outten]

Leigh,

I own a ShopBot PRT Alpha and I operate one at CNU in their sign shop. I don't have any personal experience with any other manufacturer so I can't offer comparisons. What I can say is that I would never have recommended a ShopBot at CNU if I hadn't been happy with the one I own, especially when I am the one who has to operate it every day.

No doubt there are plenty of really good machines these days so I don't envy your task of having to research and make a decision on which to purchase. I do recommend that you visit the ShopBot Forum, there are a lot of happy owners who are very active there and it speaks volumes for ShopBot.

You will undoubtedly have to make a decision whether to purchase a router or a spindle for your machine. This is a touchy subject for some people. My ShopBot has a router and the ShopBot at CNU has a spindle so I use both. I love the spindle but it is ten times the cost of a router so I would buy another router for my workshop if it was coming out of my pocket. I'm not disappointed in my ShopBot/Porter Cable Router combination at all, it isn't as quiet as a spindle but it does the job nicely and earmuffs are cheap

.

[Ed Lang]

Do take a look at the ShopBot Buddy as well as the other systems they have.

I have a PRT Alpha 4' X 8' bed and another family member across the road has a PRT Alpha 5' X 10' bed machine.

I started with a Porter Cable router, and now have a 4HP HSD spindle. I am starting to think real hard about getting a second ShopBot. When I do order the second machine, I will have it come with a spindle.

The best thing to do is find shops local to you that will show you their machine. You can ask at ShopBot for folks close to you and I bet other manufactures will also give you names. Make a few trips to see other machines and talk to those who run them.

Like lasers, there are lots to things to look at and consider.

Ed

[Leigh Costello]

Thank you, Keith and Ed. We have been leaning towards ShopBot because of the availability of information and users here. Now, how to get much much more out of a gallon of gas for the cars....

[Brian Robison]

Hi Leigh.
Take a look at these folks too. They may cost a little more but my understanding is they are a very high quality machine for industrial use. Ask questions about speed, since that's where the money is.
http://www.axyz.com/