3m x 2m cnc router – looking for advice

[Ian Johnston]

Hi Colin, why a 3000 x 2000?

TBH for sign making the a 3000 x 1500 is ample and the extra 500mm usually causes more problems than it worth with flex on the y axis etc. also for what you’d save you could buy a good panel saw giving you the best of both world.
How many time have you actually needed to cut something bigger than 1500 x 3000,
If you do need it cutting that size Comco have two 3×2 and will cut it for you for very little, just my two bobs worth

Ian

[Colin Smyth]

Hi Ian
thanks for the reply. We have just got an ongoing contract that requires a 3×2 bed, that’s why I need it. I have to say i’ve never heard of any issues with Flex on Y Axis but it’s something I’ll keep in mind in the research.
I use Comco at the minute and they are very reliable and not too expensive either, though for this work it can be very last minute and it’s something I would feel more comfortable with knowing I can turn it round very quickly and don’t have to wait a day or two on if Comco are busy.
Cheers, Colin

[Unknown Member]

We also have a AXYZ 3m x 2m router with auto tool change, never heard of Y axis play before.

Our machine is used daily to machine 10mm cast perspex and works great for us.

Trying AXYZ they often have 2nd user machines, support is also great

[Marty McGookin]

Never heard of Y axis ‘flex’ and I run 2 x 3mtr x 2mtr Tekcel machines daily.

[Colin Smyth]

Thanks Harpreet, I have an old AXYZ millennium router at the minute, had a few issues with it to start with but been going well lately so I’ll give them a try, see if they have any 2nd hand routers coming up.
Good to hear you’ve had no issues with flex either.

[Stafford Cox]

I was speaking with Julian at JDM Services this week and he is dealing in new and used routers now. Give him a try as he’s been around that sort of thing in a support capacity for years and he knows his stuff.

Am I allowed to publish his contact details here?

Stafford

[Colin Smyth]

Hi Stafford

thanks for the reply, I haven’t had a chance to check UKSB lately, so only picking this up now.

If you can email me the details direct, that would be great.

Cheers
Colin

[Stafford Cox]

Email sent 😉

[Rodney Gold]

I also run a Tekcel – tthey machines built like tanks , there’s no way "flex" can be even mentioned in the same breath. 🙂

I saw some stunning CnC routers for amazing prices in China , I bought 2 HUGE lasers from the one company I saw stuff at , at 1/5th of the price of "western" stuff , the transaction was painless , the machines did what they said on the tin, the software and tech support is damn good , the only bugbear is the chinglish manual. The machines have been running non stop for 3 months and compare and exceed what my other 6 lasers do.
I saw a 3x2m Overhead router with japanese servos , italian spindle (5kw) ,8 piece tool changer and everything for round $15k and saw it working , was very tempted but space is an issue
In the interim , I have ordered a 1200 x 1800 machine with a 3kw spindle (no tool changer and steppers not servos ) and it will land here at not more than $6k including freight etc.
The chinese stuff is no longer "cheap junk" , I would have a look at importing something yourself if you are not totally technically challenged.
Might even be worth it to catch a plane and go to Jinan where most of the laser/cnc machine mnfgrs are. A 3 week trip in China in May , with spending money etc cost me $4k , another 1 week trip in aug cost me $2.5k , cheap!!!
I imported 5 tons of acrylic sheets at a WORST saving of 1/2 of local and it’s better stuff
I imported 1 ton of mirror acrylic , 1.5mm thick , 8 funky colours
I imported 2 large format lasers at 1/5th of the local cost
I imported 1400 sheets of laserable/engraving laminates at 1/6th of local prices and finally , I imported10 tons (full 41′ container) of trophies , crystal , medals , plaques and holders at at WORST 1/3rd of the cost of Euro or local stuff , its REALLY worth while going over!!

[David Rowland]

Wow rodney, very impressive.

Always a gamble with chinese stuff, our printer is made in korea and rebadged by agfa… but it is pretty good quality.

[Martin Pearson]

The chinese stuff is no longer "cheap junk" , I would have a look at importing something yourself if you are not totally technically challenged.

Rodney, I would agree with that statement to a degree, there is still a lot of cheap Chinese crap about so you do need to know what you are doing. Someone like yourself who knows the machines inside out will no doubt be able to save a lot of money, someone who knows little if anything about them can still get their fingers burned.

[John Thomson]

I followed the "dispatches from China" and " Chinese lasers are here " threads on another forum……enlightening stuff Rodney!

john

[Martin Pearson]

John your another one who like Rodney would have little difficulty in sorting out the right machine and saving a bundle but it’s still not the sort of thing I would suggest most people do just yet.

[Colin Smyth]

Hi Rodney

thanks for this, sounds like it’s worth looking into. You are right though, it’s not something to rush into without doing the groundwork first. Have to say, $15k for that spec & size machine is worth a look.
Would you have a contact for the chinese routers, web site etc? If you could post it here or email me direct I would really appreciate it.

Cheers
Colin

[Rodney Gold]

It was at shenhui lasers ,
http://shenhuilaser.en.alibaba.com/aboutus.html
If they can’t help with a specific machine , then they might have the name of a reputable co that can.

Yep , I agree , the chinese machines are often not "plug it in and press a button and it works" , however your tech knowledge and "handyman" ability to merely RUN a CnC overhead router would most likely enable you to keep on top of things.
You need to do "due diligence" with chinese co’s , google earth their address , ask for photos of their facilities , overseas references, ask to see all their certificates , google em for bad comments , check their alibaba status , see all the co info etc etc. Best is to fly out for this type purchase , they will demo for you and or train you when you there.

[david hogg]

Colin don’t waste your money on a Chinese router yes they look good on paper but you have little or no back up if it gives problems which it will hard it lift the phone for advice i know i bought a laser engraver from china and has give a few troubles lucky i could fix it myself stay away from the axyz routers i heard you bought one and you have said it gives troubles which I have heard before try and get a Tekcel as you may not know I have 3 routers now 2 of them are Tekcel and they are bullet proof workhorses whatever route you go make sure you get ball screw drives with servos and not rack and pinion shit like on the axyz which is 20 years out of date also stay away form stepper motors which is also old tech. Only problem is ball screws and servo motors cost more but they are far more efficience in movement and accuratery