PRT vs PRS

[MichaelG]

Is there any significant differences between the 'PRT' and 'PRS' models?

Accuracy, limitations, parts availability, etc.

Thanks

MichaelG

[zeykr]

http://shopbotwiki.com/index.php?title=What_kind_of_ShopBot_is_this%3F

You've asked a very open ended question. Yes there are differences, even within the PRT and PRS types. There are PRT standards, PRT alpha (direct drive) and PRT Alpha (geared) and there are PRS standards and PRS alpha machines. Whether the differences are significant is a matter of what you are trying to do with your machine, which usually has to be considered vs the cost of each type of used or new machine.

If you could tell folks what you have in mind doing with a shopbot, people may be better able to address which machine might be better for your purpose.

While we'd all like to have a new PRS alpha with toolchanger and all the bells and whistles and the latest PRS machines are undoubtedly the best in most every category but maybe cost, in many applications an older machine will do as well or at least nearly as well. I've owned a PR, a PRT, and a PRS. Gene Crain has my old PR and he's turning out better stuff on it than I do on the PRS. (I wouldn't trade him the PRS though!)

[jerry_stanek]

I have an old PR and a new PRS both standards. My PR has the 4g controller upgrade and has a router but the cuts are just as good or better then the PRS Standard with a spindle just a little slower. When I say a little it is 5 IPS on the PR and 6 IPS on the PRS.

[michael_schwartz]

If you buy a new shopbot it will be a PRS

If you look at the work people produce with both types of machine, a good deal on a used PRT can be a nice opportunity.

As far a support/parts availability this could be answered by a phone call or email to Shopbot. For the most part it doesn't seem like people have problems keeping their machines going.