New member

[bobcef]

I would like to introduce myself as a new member to the forum. My name is Bob Cefalu Sr. Myself along with my two sons own RC Tonewoods Inc. We resaw exotic woods into acoustic and electric guitar sets and sell to buildlers the world over. We are considering purchasing a CNC to mfg. guitar parts such as fingerboards, bridge blanks, necks, bodies as well as inlay work. I am looking for some recommendations. We need to stay with a small footprint although we may be able to squeeze in a 48 x 96 machine. I have been looking at the (#10151)
PRSalpha 48x48 which would fit nicely in the space we have available. I have also looked at the
Cobra CR-404
Cutting Size (X,Y,Z) 49” X 49” X 8”
Footprint Size 74” X 95 ”
Weight 1650 lbs.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

[chiloquinruss]

First welcome to the forum.

Second we are all very prejudiced here, we all love our Bots. :) So remember that as you receive comments. I have a 48x96 machine but everything else is the same as on the smaller machines and I love it. If I didn't have the room the 48x48 would still have been a good machine but I am glad to have the larger machine. The general rule around here is DON'T buy it for what you THINK you are going to use it for, because you will be using it for all different kinds of 'stuff' as soon as start to use it. :) If you do a search of musical instruments here you will find you are in good company, some real craftsman hang out here and are most helpful. Enjoy the forum. Russ

[myxpykalix]

You might check out Lauri Millet, she makes mandolins and I think she uses a desktop unit(?) There are several others who make musical instruments with differing size tables.
The 2 obvious factor determining the size you get is 1) your pocketbook and
2) your pocketbook:rolleyes:

I bought a 5'x10' with an indexer because i wanted not to be limited to what i could make by the size table i had. Like Russ says you will be cutting things that you had no idea you would be cutting.
I've had people call me to cut arcade cabinets, tables and turned legs, solar hot water parts molds and other things i can't remember.

So i would go out to your shop or wherever you are going to put this and take two measurements. First measure the space where you want to put your table....
then take your hand and stick it down in your pocket...if it goes down far enough to reach your elbow then you know you have "deep pockets" and can afford at least a 48x96 table:eek:

You could always look for a used table in the for sale section here. This is if your pocket is only wrist deep:rolleyes:

[CNYDWW]

Robert,

Welcome.

As Russ said most of us are biased towards SB machines. I will say that ShopBot isn't the be all end all of cnc routers. There are more expensive options that these machines can't compete with. In my opinion, after spending a lot of money on different smaller machines. ShopBot has the best service, accuracy and durability for the money. I've only operated PRT's myself but i wouldn't hesitate using them for what you've described. We have my older 2001 PRT 60x120 and a newer 2005 PRT alpha at work. Go with the alpha for the faster and heavier cutting you'll need along with a spindle for the same and you will not be disappointed.

Regards
Randy

[Ajcoholic]

I seem to be the only member here that doesnt recommend to just go and buy the 5 x 12 machine... :rolleyes:

Seriously, why spend the $$ on a larger, more expensive machine that takes a lot more space IF (and I am assuming since you described your business as a musical instrument supply company VS a cabinet shop, etc) you arent going to be cutting 4x8 signs for people, or trying to cut kithcen cabinets, etc.

If a 48 by 48" machine will do what you need it to, dont be persuaded to go bigger just for that sake...

Just my opinion...

That being said, if you want to start cutting cabinet parts or get into other materials processing then go bigger!


For cutting bodies, necks, fretboards, etc 48" by 48" would be plenty big IMO. By the way I have also been doing custom guitars since 1985... but as a hobby.

[bob_reda]

I have a 48x48 prt built in '96 picked it up used at a good price. Put the RBK contoller on it and new motors. The only thing I wish I could do is put the prs y axis part on it. It runs great, and since I don't do cabinets the smaller footprint is all I need. You could also look into the buddy with the different table lengths, if you needed to expand you could do it that way.

Bob

[bobcef]

Thanks for all the good info guys. I still have a lot of research to do. I'll be back with more questions.:)

[gc3]

if you do get a cnc....what you can make will be endless. go with at least a 4x8 table, you won't regret it.

[WoodMarvels.com]

Welcome to the forum! Whatever Shopbot you get, I'm sure you'll love it! I'd go with what Jack said though - go for the biggest table you can afford (space and money wise)... I have a ShopBot Desktop and although it's small, very happy with what it does for me but some of my projects need up to 12 sheets of 500 x 400mm plywood and those days... yeah Jack - bigger does come to mind!

Jon