Need advice Spindle or PC in 48 x 96 shopbot

[gerryv]

I too have a spindle for the reasons the others haver pointed out.

That said, if the investment is beyond what you're comfortable with, it is possible to upgrade later BUT you would want to ask Shopbot what the total cost would be as it's not just the cost of the spindle and VFD. The control box needs to be upgraded as well, which you may not be able to do yourself.

If you decide that you want to go with the Porter Cable router then you can upgrade it's precision and maybe it's life a bit for a very modest cost with this kit: http://www.precisebits.com/products/...429!!!Kit!!!PG!!!

A lot of the time the decision is based on how much work the machine is going to have to do.

[David Iannone]

Be aware that it is not just a simple change. If I were you I would find out what all is involved and the cost to just do the swap out. It may be more expensive than one would think. It is always cheaper in the long run to buy the machine you would like versus changing over later on. The spindle is the way to go.

The difference is the cost of router vs spindle. IMO swap out is nothing more than a bracket, an electrician and maybe one short saturday?

I totally agree by the way, the spindle is by far superior.

Dave

[matney_models]

I have run mine for over 4 hrs at a time with it only getting 95 degrees.

[ArtFilmgroup]

Hi Monty,

Why the alpha and not the standard can you explain me the difference

Thanks

[ArtFilmgroup]

thanks everyone for taking a time for the answer

Jose !

[steve_g]

Jose…
Alpha VS standard:
The “standard” unit sends the movement signals to the steppers and merrily goes on its way assuming all is well… The Alpha unit gets feedback from the motors confirming that the steps actually happened and takes corrective action if they didn’t. The net result is a lot more cutting force available to the alphas. My experience is that a standard will lose steps if you lean on the gantry too hard, while the alpha will drag you with it!
This is a grossly over simplified explanation but the net result is accurate! One misconception here is that the alpha can’t/won’t make bad parts, it will. Often the corrections made for missed steps are too late to salvage a perfect part, but in a step and repeat scenario, subsequent parts will be properly aligned with the others.
Hope this helps you understand the difference between the two machines!
SG

[Michael Breedlove]

My good friend Bill Lisica who recently passed had a spindle, I have a router. Bouncing between the two shops provided a means to compare. Using his spindle made my router all the more painful. If you can, go spindle and don't look back.

[jerry_stanek]

I have the PRS standard and a spindle I have not had a problem with lost steps but I only cut at 300 IPM or a little faster. If I am doing 3d it takes just as long on a Alpha as a standard.