Buddy Versus 4x4 Alpha

[archis]

What are the pros and cons of each?

If I understand the powerstick, it seems like a 48" buddy will work larger material that a 4x4 Alpha.

[bob_s]

Jim
I was originally interested in a Buddy. After I considered material size and possible projects I went with a 4x8 Prs Alpha. I have not regretted it for a moment. If you know you will be using it for small pieces, then smaller machine leaves more room in the shop and more money in your budget for other things. I do mostly carvings and artwork, but I found that even without a vacuum system I am far ahead doing my occasional cabinets with the 4x8 capability. I do quite a bit with Baltic Birch 5x5 sheets, but the jump to a 60" machine was far too much for my space. I think you need to consider what you will, or may, be doing and what your space will accommodate. The Buddy with a power stick takes a lot of floor space and you give up the ability to leave several jigs and hold downs set up at once compared to the 4x8.
But, this is just one opinion of many

[archis]

I'm very limited on space so it will probably be a Buddy just because that's the only thing that will fit.

It just seemed that the Buddy with the powerstick was a capable as at 4x8 alpha. I'm sure there are other differences, that's what I am curious about. For example is a vacumn holddown feasable with a buddy?

[bob_s]

JIm
I talked to some users who had Buddies when I was looking and they said that the Brady Vac concept worked best.
http://www.shopbottools.com/BradysTricks.htm is just one source for discussion of this. The google search on these boards will give you a lot more.
Basically you put a "vacuum Pad" on top of your spoilboard and it does not care that the spoilboard is moving, it just holds the part down.
So especially for smaller and mid sized parts Vac works just fine.