Maybe new user??

[MichaelG]

I'm considering the purchase of a used (4+ year old) ShopBot and have some general questions if someone would be so kind as to assist a little.


1 - Unit is a 48/96 with a spindle (& Porter Cable router plate); since It is a few hundred miles away I would like to know some of the more important things to ask about to assure myself it would be worth the trip to checkout firsthand.

2 - What should I inspect/listen for during an on-site inspection.

3 - Would it be best to transport fully assembled on a large utility trailer and then be broken down to install in my basement shop or transport after removing the legs and the bridge(?) assy?

Thanks for any assistance - you guys have a great forum here and I'm looking forward to joining in and learning the finer points about driving a CNC.

MichaelG

[michael_schwartz]

find out if the machine is a standard or an alpha. PRT, or PRS. What specific spindle does it have.

I would ask about what software, tooling, accessories, might be included as well.

The common things to wear out can be replaced pretty easily, such as rack/pinion gears, v rollers, rails, etc.. The most important thing to check are that none of the motor drivers or electronics are fried. Ask to see the machine cut if possible.

If the price is good enough, under 10 grand or so you would have to consider buying regardless of condition especially if its an alpha.

[fredtoo]

What are the voltage requirements and will your proposed location support those requirements?

[MichaelG]

find out if the machine is a standard or an alpha. PRT, or PRS. What specific spindle does it have.

Hello Michael,

The machine is a PRT w/3HP Colombo spindle w/VFD and .125", .25", .375" and .50" collets. OEM software (Parts Wizard) and a computer w/monitor is included. It is now in service so seeing it run would be no problem. there may be something else but not yet discussed. Guess I should ask if it has a vacuum system too!

What would be ~the minimum space one should have around the machine during operation/alignment? The more the better I know but I am somewhat limited.

Also, what about the noise level? I plan on adding 1/2" drywall to the 9' workshop ceiling to help with dust, improve lighting and cut down on the noise a bit. Should one wear ear protection?

The power requirement I understand is single phase 220V - which would be no problem, although I may have to add a sub-panel as my 200A box is pretty full as I recall.

Could someone suggest the more popular software packages I might look into, an affordable entry-level program I would think so that later I could get a better (more expensive?) package when I know more of what I need. It's not going to be used for commercial work nor anything extreme that would tax either it's or my abilities.

Again, thanks for the info.

[michael_schwartz]

as far as software head on over to the Vectric site and download the trial versions for V-Carve Pro and Aspire. Both are a good starting point, and you can learn alot from the trial versions.

[john_l]

Although a breaker panel full of breakers is not necessarily an indication that you are approaching your available service amperage, I would still compare what you have connected now to what your over current protection (main breaker) is and also to what your actual available amperage is.

Most bots dont draw that much, but if you add spindles, vacs, dust collection, etc. it can add up to quite a lot and a sub-panel off of your existing service may not make it happen.

You dont want to have to bot around the A/C or heat pump kicking on, or the oven being turned on, etc., etc.

[MichaelG]

Right you are John -I'm an ole 'electronics' guy and understand what you're saying. My neighbor is a licensed electrician so he'll check & advise as to what is needed. I've been delaying adding the backup generator transfer switch to my service panel and now I believe I'll have both jobs to do at the same time. I'll most likely breakout some of my shop circuits (vac, saw, planer) to share the sub-panel with the CNC.

Thanks

[michael_schwartz]

My PRS Standard with PC router runs from a single 20 amp circuit.