Back after 4 years and confused...

[LesLinton]

Les Linton here. My PRT Standard has been in mothballs for about 4 years... NO I was not in prison. Out of work and had to make a couple moves to get back on track.

A lot has changed here, and I would like some recommendations on getting back running. My son has a project he wants done cutting about 200 pieces out of 3mm ABS.

We will be setting the machine up this weekend 11/20/10.

Upgrade the controller? Software updates.

don't have unlimited resources, but can spend some money (after I finish the insulation in the shop) and just want to get the most bang for the buck.

PRT 96 Standard last software in '06
Colombo Spindle
Delta VFD
AuotCAD 2010
Had Art Cam access in IL... don't think that is available any more so probably Part Wizard. ?? What about vcarve pro?

Been reading post on cutting plastic with coroplast backer. Could use some recommendations on feed and speeds.

Looking forward to getting back on the horse. Try not to beat me up to bad on all I've forgotten.

All private emails will be answered

Thanks

Les

[Brady Watson]

Les,
Get your machine setup - Use a good quality plywood as the support board, and GLUE (DO NOT SCREW) a sheet of MDF on top of it.

In terms of control software, your PRTs latest software will be v3.4.27 - You can download it from the SB main site. Load it on your PC & also load the firmware with the UI command. That should have you up & running.

If your primary goal is to do profile cutting, pocketing, drilling and some v-carving, then PartWizard is fine for now. When you get the cash, PartWorks v2.5 is a very nice upgrade, basically on par with ArtCAM Insignia for a very low price. You can probably get PartWorks 2D & 3D as a package from SB for around the same price as VCPro alone. PWorks2D is identical to VCPro except it only outputs code for a ShopBot. PWorks3D is way better than MillWizard and well worth the price. Call SB for pricing.

I don't know the price off the top of my head, but I think it is under $2k to completely update your control box to PRS Standard specs. This will greatly enhance plastic cutting on your machine, as well as give you a nice speed boost. It will give you 2.5 times more resolution and about 2-3X the speed you are currently able to go, with a reduction in lost steps. The higher current drivers in the new box give the motors a bit more torque.

Hope that helps!
-B

[LesLinton]

Brady,

Thanks for your quick response. Talked with SB this morning. $2500 to update the controller to current specs. I'm probably going to do that but it is a 4 to 6 week lead time which at this time of year is probably after Christmas.

VCarve Pro and Cut 3D direct from Vectric is about $55 more than the SB specific version, so I may go with them since I can generate code for my son's small bench unit also. What are your thoughts there. SB version or Vectric?

I need to do some digging and find the Vac setups again. Was able to use my Fein with pretty good success before and will try that again.

Thanks again,

Les

[Brady Watson]

Les,
No problem. If the Vectric version will also output code for the other machine, then it is well worth the $55 difference in price.

The upgraded control box will be a HUGE improvement over what you have now. :D

-B

[jerry_stanek]

You will really like both those upgrades. I have an old PR that I upgraded and also Vectric Aspire. You can get started with the Vectric software by downloading the trial version and save you projects when you get your license you will be able to create the cut files from them. Tony and Brian are great to work with and their forum is almost as good as this one.