Powerstick question before purchase

[3ps]

To all powerstick owners, are you happy with your powersticks? What are the cons of using and setup? I am considering a 4 ft and was interested in getting some feedback before purchasing it. I wish I could just find a used one as they seem over priced for what you get. Thanks in advance.
Doug

[jporter]

I have an 8' PowerStick and use it all the time. I like to build furniture projects out of magazines so I never know what my next project may be. The 8' Stick allows me to be ready for just about anything. As far as set up, it is somewhat of a pain and is finnicky but does work well. Hope this helps, joe

[3ps]

Joe, what were some of the problems in setting it up? I wouldn't mind the 8' but I'll need a lot more room to use it. Thanks for the info, Doug

[dana_swift]

I have the 4' and 8' powersticks, and the default 2' table.

The 2' table with the aluminum slab (not present on the new models) is about the same weight as the 4' stick setup. Getting either one of them on and off the buddy only takes a couple minutes.

The 8' is heavy and only for "when necessary". Both powersticks are nice, but if I had limitations in my budget I would recommend the 4'. Its cheaper and easier to maneuver. Then you can get an 8 or 12 later if your projects demand it.

Most of my cutting is on the 2' table only. These days I have my indexer mounted on the 4' powerstick.

The powersticks make the bot much more flexible, and take less space when the powersticks are not in use. (They take MORE space than a equivalent gantry system when they are in use.)

Hope that helps!

D

[jporter]

Oh, just getting a slab of plywood attached. All of that is blind with the use of "T"nuts slid down the channells. Mostly as Dana Suggested, the 8' Stick is a little heavy and you want to make the rollers perfect in their adjustment so as not to put any extra stress on the X motor. It is fussy trying to get the pinion to mesh properly with the rack with the proper tension. But, if you are a little bit handy with tools, you shouldn't have any real problems. Again, I use mine all the time and am happy with the results. joe

[cowboy1296]

I got the 4 ft power stick with my buddy 32. I am not mechanically inclinded and attaching a new wood table top was an all day project for me. But now that i have it on, there is no use for my two footer. To bad they did not offer me a chance to buy one or the other. Bottom line i like the 4 foot power stick.