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Can a Summa F1612 replace a CNC?
Hi folks, looking some advice here. We’ve just ordered a new Summa F1612 flat bed cutter to possibly replace our current Pegasus 12 tool ATC CNC router. At the moment we’re toying with the idea of keeping both but are busting at he seams for space in our unit. We mostly use the CNC for cut letters and making sign trays, both of which the Summa can do. Do you think we’d be wise to sell the CNC or would it offer something going forward the the Summa couldn’t do? We’ll only get a fraction of what we paid for it (£34,500) back and would be kicking ourselves if we sold it and regretted it later on.
Who here is using the Summa, and what’s your thoughts on it? Pro’s and Con’s?
Thanks
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4 Replies
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I think it comes down to what you will mainly use the Summa for and where it will be situated.
As you say, it will do what your CNC can do, but it has many other features and uses that the CNC does not.
What is the main intended use? I looked at the Summa flatbed at Artsystems about 6 years ago. Brilliant machine, but I wanted it for my print room! That in mind, the last thing I want is a CNC machine routing foamex, acrylic and all else in the same room as our guys that are printing, laminating and mounting vinyl. Noise, sheet material and Airbourne crap will be everywhere! 😬That said, some do use the machine for both, but my personal preference is to set the machine up for its dedicated purpose.
If I were in your shoes, and I wasn’t relying on the sale funds of the router, I would keep both for at least 12 months and then consider the best way forward.-
One of the main attractions to the Summa is it’s ability to cut rolls of posters with very little human interaction. We produce loads of them along with pop up banners monthly for music events. Our roll over table is used as our main bench and is often being used for hours cutting these while other staff are waiting to roll on signs, etc. Another job we do quite often is site safety signs. Again if they could be chucked on a cutter it would free someone up for other jobs. Thankfully the sale of the CNC isn’t essential at the moment it’s just the space it’s taking up. We’re buying a 20ft x 8ft container in order to remove a large sheet storage rack which will free up the space for the Summa after we jiggle the rest of the workshop around. Hoping the new machine will appear just after Easter so we’ll need to get rearranged before then.
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I agree, David, machine automation of processes is the way forward, mate. 👍
I have a couple of containers, and they certainly do free up space and are rates-free.
The key to them is keeping them organised and well lit inside. Confined spaces for things like sheet material, tools or whatever. can quickly get disorganised and out of hand if the person/people using them do not keep to a storage system. I have the T-shirt for that one, 🙄 🤣-
Well the new container arrived yesterday. We’re tying now to work out exactly how we’d like to rack/shelve inside. Would you mind sending me a couple of pics of inside yours to give us a few ideas? Thanks
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