Doug.
Like yourself, I once studied everything I could read on the web. There were big expensive machines. And little cheap ones.
Money was an issue (it always is) so I needed to keep costs down.
I too was looking for the bottom end "entry level" machine. At the time all Shopbot offered was the "not-yet-shipping" BT-32.
It seemed to me I was placing a bet, and the only thing I could be sure of is reputation. SB clearly had the edge. Their website made the difference. It explained so much. I could read the manuals, I could study. They were very open.
So.. I called and a HUMAN answered the phone. I didn't have to push something before I could make a language choice. That support is still there.
Speaking of humans, when you call tech support, these guys USE shopbots and KNOW what you are talking about when you are having a problem. They are not reading from a script in some off-shore country.
I have one of the very early BT-32's. I have owned it for roughly four years now. SB then came out with the powersticks, and I felt like I not only had made the right choice, I was dealing with a company that was interested in improving their products.
My BT-32 is significantly different than the modern BT's. I like them both. I have access to a modern BT-48 (with powersticks also) it is a great machine period.
The BT's are built from the same parts as the gantry routers, so they are incredibly tough.
When I ordered my BT I was told that it would not work with an indexer. They did not want to get my expectations up. Guess what? SB supports their machine even if you modify it! I did, and now I have an indexer on it. (Love that too!). I am currently working on a 5th axis for my humble BT-32.
A shark is probably a nice machine with a lot of great owners also. But can it expand to 5 axes? Or four for that matter? What happens to the warranty when you take it apart and re-assemble it "your way"?
Shopbot expects you to change your machine to meet your needs. The warranty still applies. The support is still there.
With a BT machine you can have the upgrade option of an 8' powerstick and hog out a full sheet of plywood. Try that on a shark.
With that all said, most of my projects still fit nicely on my original 24x34 cutting area. When they dont, I did buy the powersticks.
And another option to mention. Vacuum hold-down. Mechanical hold down is simpler, cheaper, and more reliable. So why vacuum? Fast and "pretty good". I created a vacuum table for my BT-32 (pictures posted here on the forum). I still use it, and the mechanical table also. I use whatever the project needs. Its quick to change from one to the other. (Heavy I admit.)
I don't think the SB desktop has an indexer or vacuum either. But I would be surprised if somebody on here doesn't figure it out and post "how to". When they do, SB will still support it.
Whatever decision you make, buy something. My only regret is not getting started sooner. I spent over a YEAR getting paralysis through analysis.
Get started. Welcome to the world of CNC. It hope it changes your life as positively as it did mine.
And a final comment. What is the name of the person behind the shark? With Shopbot its Ted Hall. If you ever meet him, he is very personable enjoys talking to his customers, and really KNOWS shopbots. All about shopbots. Is the person behind the shark an enthusiast or an investment banker?
Just curious..
Dana
"The best thing about building something new is either you succeed or learn something. Its a win-win situation."
--Greg Westbrook