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Thread: Help with pricing a used ShopBot!

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Rogers, Arkansas
    Posts
    1,010

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    Gene's PR is the machine that I started with, and there were at least two owners of that particular machine previous to me. He still produces parts on it that me and my PRS Alpha 6'x12' are envious of!
    Ken Zey
    Lookout Mercantile / Digital Millwork
    Rogers, AR
    www.CedarSlabSigns.com
    www.lookoutmercantile.com
    www.digitalmillwork.com

    6x12 PRS alpha

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    150 Mile House B.C. Canada
    Posts
    530

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    Exactly, a machine is just another extension of the man.

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Memphis TN
    Posts
    1,014

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    For me, all that tinkering with a machine I don't know and all the parts out of date doesn't sound like that much of a good time.
    ShopBot Details:
    2013 PRS 96x60x12 (Centroid upgrade)
    4hp Spindle
    12" indexer
    Aspire
    Rhino
    Fusion 360
    Ferrari 360
    Prusa MK3S+
    Prusa XL multi-tool

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    2,383

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    Quote Originally Posted by coryatjohn View Post
    For me, all that tinkering with a machine I don't know and all the parts out of date doesn't sound like that much of a good time.
    I had a PR to start out with that I was the 3rd owner of and I didn't have any more trouble then my new PRS. I would go for it if it fits your needs.

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Clayton, NC
    Posts
    449

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    Quote Originally Posted by zeykr View Post
    I understand John's point, but disagree. If you could get it for a $1000 or so, add a 4g control and vcarve pro, you could have a pretty good machine for around $3k - $3500, which is about $2k less than a new desktop and it has a larger usable area. (need to check current cost of 4g or RBK upgrade with shopbot). The motors are probably fine if it hasn't been abused, and bearings, pinions are inexpensively replaced if needed. If you're working with something the size of a desktop or benchtop, speed isn't terribly important, the accuracy with a 4G or RBK is very good, it would make a good starter machine or second machine.

    The main disadvantage to using the machine as is would be DOS based control software and the dated CAM software that came with it. For me, Vcarve would be the first priority update, with new control box second.
    I'd agree with the $750 to $1000 range if it needs the upgrades to be 4g contol and vacarve pro ready. I'd buy it today at that price, as long as it runs and you don't see any major issues as it moves around the work area.

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Hobby-Tronics, Chiloquin Oregon
    Posts
    1,356

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    If he really did send it in to ShopBot give them a call and give them the serial number, they will tell you what you are looking at. Russ
    AKA: Da Train Guy

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Larrabee IA
    Posts
    171

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    All that tinkering as John puts it in IMHO is how you get to know the machine and when something does go wrong or doesn't sound just right you will know what to look for I bought a 1976 Stetson-Ross gang rip a year ago went thru it with a fine tooth comb and rebuilt it back to brand new condition also had fun doing it that's what connects you to it Working on it so you know what makes it tick I say go for it if the price is right you won't regret it

  8. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Norman, Ok
    Posts
    3,251

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    I kind of agree with John.

    This might not be such a good purchase if he doesn't like to wrench. Me I hate repairs. So much so I ended up selling my machine. I admire you fellows who enjoy this kind of work but I'm more like John. If it's not fun, don't do it.

  9. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    , South Jordan Utah
    Posts
    1,693

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    I agree with Joe. If you like tinkering with electronics (as I do) and don't mind tinkering with mechanics (I don't mind, but the mechanics have to be simple), then fixing up a Shopbot will be easy enough; BUT, if you want to buy a tool that is ready to run, just contact Shopbot and order which ever model suits your needs.

    Even if the electronics are completely ruined, you can (fairly easily) build or buy a control box that will work with any model Shopbot. I'm fairly certain that Shopbot can sell you a compatible control box. Parts for building a control box from scratch that runs Mach software (which is not compatible with Shopbot's software) costs about $3,000, including motors. Building your own controller that is based on a control microprocessor module that Shopbot sells that WILL run Shopbot software and replacing all the motors will still be in that price range.

    The mechanical parts of a Shopbot are not difficult to maintain and repair. Almost anything that needs to be done can be done with the tools that almost everyone has in the garage.

    An older model Shopbot, that is properly adjusted and maintained, will do the job as well as a new model IF you know the limitations of the machine and work within those limitations. No matter what anybody tells you, every machine has limitations. As they say, "A poor carpenter blames his tools", which tells me that a wise carpenter knows how to do the job and also knows which tool he should use to do that job and how to use that tool.

  10. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Memphis TN
    Posts
    1,014

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    Quote Originally Posted by joe View Post
    I kind of agree with John.

    This might not be such a good purchase if he doesn't like to wrench. Me I hate repairs. So much so I ended up selling my machine. I admire you fellows who enjoy this kind of work but I'm more like John. If it's not fun, don't do it.
    I don't mind doing repairs. Heck, I'll repair anything and have. I don't know the experience level of the OP with CNC machines. Any CNC machine has a steep learning curve. If the start of this curve is a machine that needs weeks worth of tinkering before it can be used properly (like with a non-Dos computer!), then the fun level drops tremendously. This is my opinion though. Your experience will differ.
    ShopBot Details:
    2013 PRS 96x60x12 (Centroid upgrade)
    4hp Spindle
    12" indexer
    Aspire
    Rhino
    Fusion 360
    Ferrari 360
    Prusa MK3S+
    Prusa XL multi-tool

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