BT48 to 4x8 ?

[ghostcreek]

Has any one attempted to change a BT48 to a full 4'x8' machine. I love my Buddy, but after a year of use, I could use a 8' machine. The Power stick is cool, but looks like it will take up too much shop room. Let me know of any attempts or any info. Thanks, and Happy Holidays.

[jerry_stanek]

You may be better off selling your buddy and getting a new table.

[erik_f]

I asked SB not that long ago and if I am remembering correctly I think the number was around $2500. I have a first gen Buddy, but got it when they were much less than they are now. The upgrade would still keep me about 3k under what a new PRS standard 4x8 would cost for my total investment.

[ghostcreek]

I just look at my Gantry and table frame, I look at a drawing for a 4'x8' and I see little I would need to upgrade.
I will call shopbot after I price around my idea. I am starting to get carried away looking at linear motion catalogs!

[erik_f]

Same here...would be pretty easy with a little elbow grease.

[jerry_stanek]

you still have to get table legs base plus the rails and another stepper and driver.

[erik_f]

to go 4x8 and have the same exact machine that SB sells, you would need two legs, two side extrusions, spoil board supports, guide rails, v rollers, a driver and stepper. As far as I can tell.

[jerry_stanek]

P;us two racks how long are the cables on a buddy.

[erik_f]

I was including the racks with the guides. The cable.s are a good point

[ghostcreek]

By my measuring, the cables are too short on the BT48. Making up new cables is a minor issue (for me, I work part time doing factory automation).
Looking at the drawing of a 96x48, it shows only two sets of legs. Does your experience show 3 sets of legs needed?
Not trying to get the exact same machine as the factory, just sizing it to meet my Gantry size (BT48).
On a side note, for any one looking here thinking about a Buddy vs full size, Go with the full size!
My BT48 is Great, got me started in CNC maching, paid for itself with small signs. As I started making signs had more people wanting
bigger products then my table could handle. I am motivated to upgrade by a 6'x3' sign I made on the Buddy. I really never want to do that again!