Older model

[Johnbow]

Hi,

I am from Calgary, Alberta and new the CNC world. I am looking at purchasing a 2008 shopbot alpha, my question is what is the main difference from 2008 models and new models. On a budget and with the
exchange rate .... it tough to justify purchasing new.

Thanks..

[dlcw]

That makes me feel old that a 2008 is an "older model" I've got a 2009 alpha so that makes mine an older machine.. ;) My 2009 has been an absolute workhorse. Thousands of sheets of plywood, tons of signs, cutting furniture parts, plus lots of other stuff. If you take care of your machine and perform frequent maintenance on it, it will last a long time of pretty hard use. The only thing I've replaced so far is my pinions, although I suspect a new spindle is in the near future. After the amount and type of cutting I've done, the 2.2hp spindle has served me VERY well.

Not sure what's on the newer models. I'm sure the electronics is more modern (not sure if better or not), the newer control software is used. I've stuck with an older version. I use SBLink allot for eCabinets work and am not convinced the new control software is worth upgrading to. Last time I did an upgrade I felt like an early release beta tester. I rolled back to an earlier version and life was good again. I am a production shop and can't afford to be a beta tester on my production machine. I need software that is proven to work. It ain't broke so I'm not going to fix it.

I guess it comes down to what you are going to use the machine for. Hobby or make a living using it.

[Johnbow]

Hi Don,
Your only as old as you feel....changes everyday for me. Appreciate the feedback on the used machine I am looking at. I expect your correct in what your saying as sometimes newer is not better. I currently will use the machine as a sort of part time job/hobby. The demand on the machine would be certainly not full time but i will
be carving on composite exotic wood and micarta from what I hear this is demanding on the machine but doable once I figure speed rates/tooling etc. I am a little
concerned about the learning curve I have to deal with in getting the machine to do what I need...but this is understandable considering my lack of experience with CNC.
Appreciate your help...john.