New member

[SLEEPER101]

Hi

A little about myself, Im a fabricator and custom designer for my small business UNIQUEMODZ.net I make custom engine parts for import and domestic show cars. Now im looking to go to the next level with a desk top shop bot Im still learning and have been soaking up as much info as I can from here and youtube im open to all do and donts as far as getting the best deal and machine.

thankyou
Lee

[myxpykalix]

Welcome,
Are you planning on trying to cut metal with your desktop? I've never cut metal to be honest and others here have. Things like aluminum, brass, ect but i'm not sure the desktop is suited for what your applications may be?:confused:

[SLEEPER101]

mostly polycarbonate,acrylic,aluminum

[myxpykalix]

I think you will be ok, i thought you might be talking about thick metal parts for engines, ect. The best thing to do is just start asking questions that might occur to you and your applications because more then likely someone has already had some experience with it.:D

[scottp55]

Lee, I just got a Desktop two weeks ago, so I'm still very new. The tech support and this forum were the main reasons for choosing it. We had some unique issues and Shopbot addressed each and every one usually within hours. You won't be sorry if you go Shopbot. Vetric tutorials very important as the people here told me. TJ's basic training on line was very helpful. scott

[bearcat]

Lee,

For the materials you listed, budget for a spindle. It will give you a much better cut with true horsepower, exact RPM control and no bit runout (< 0.001").

Ed

[scottp55]

Lee, Ed's got a good point to budget spindle for what it sounds like you're doing, but we both left out "Noise" spindle is quiet. Moving my dust system to the other side of the wall as soon as I can. When you order desktop ask Dianne about the additional X,Y,Z proximity limit switches(all 3 less than a $100 factory installed) had a loose connection when mine arrived but Tech got me squared away fast. It's nice now as I can't hard crash machine with idiot mistakes, and it doesn't lose position, Especially helpful on Z axis as I'm running close to it. scott

[SLEEPER101]

thank u all so much,yes I was going with the spindle and I will add those prox switches too, im cramming as much info as I can , my biggest hurdle is selling the wife . I have watched every video on youtube is there any more I can watch?

thanks
Lee

[scottp55]

Lee, What are her hobbies,passions, and does she collect any thing. My best friend(female) and her kids were totally unimpressed by a new machine, Until I showed her how easy a picture of celtic symbols could be traced and carved in wood, with her 19 yr old son it was a picture off the web of a wolf that was "Way cool", 15 yr old daughter it was carved flowers that were "Awesome" the 10 yr old boy wanted a "Spinosaurus" kit NOW. Many projects on show and tell that may be 24x18" adaptable(except Scott S's desk). Use the virtual aspect of VCarvePro along with the import bitmap and she'll have a list as long as your arm in no time of stuff she wants you to make. Scott

[SLEEPER101]

she just wants to see some money back on this investment,she teaches, and im a retired vet

[SLEEPER101]

here are some of my products I make these are aluminum or polycarbonate

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/100_1743_zps8dfaecdc.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/100_1743_zps8dfaecdc.jpg.html)

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/100_1716_zps4cf2031e.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/100_1716_zps4cf2031e.jpg.html)

[SLEEPER101]

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/100_1608_zps58004091.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/100_1608_zps58004091.jpg.html)

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/100_1592_zpse0a04a52.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/100_1592_zpse0a04a52.jpg.html)

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/100_0854-1.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/100_0854-1.jpg.html)

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/spacers/100_1201.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/spacers/100_1201.jpg.html)

[SLEEPER101]

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/fog%20lens%20replacements/436469e2-a90d-971d.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/fog%20lens%20replacements/436469e2-a90d-971d.jpg.html)

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/100_1502.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/100_1502.jpg.html)

[SLEEPER101]

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/spacers/100_1133.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/spacers/100_1133.jpg.html)

[SLEEPER101]

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/splitters/100_1096.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/splitters/100_1096.jpg.html)

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy223/hojo42701/splitters/fp5il1.jpg (http://s794.photobucket.com/user/hojo42701/media/splitters/fp5il1.jpg.html)