Looking to buy my first Shopbot

[bnguyen]

Hello,

As mentioned I'm on the edge of purchasing my first Shopbot. There's a used 2010 PRS Standard 48 x 96 for sale here in the forum and I'm trying to determine what questions I need to ask to make this a "smart" decision. Any advice or recommendation is welcomed.

Thank you!

[scottp55]

Binh, Welcome! See if you can get pics(good ones) from Joey? and post them and you'll get some good advice from the "Big Guys".
What you plan on doing with it, would probably be my first question:)

[bnguyen]

Scott,

Thank you for the response. Please see the attached images.

[MogulTx]

Binh,

I think Scott is exactly right. You want to figure out if a 4 x 8 is the right tool to do the cutting you want to accomplish. That would be based on its size capability, and performance characteristics. If it is the machine that will do the job you want to do, then you go to whether this particular machine is a good one for you.... is it in good condition. is the speed of a PRS going to be right for you ( if you are going to do "high production" ( many run hours) you might want the PRS Alpha which can run a bit faster without communication errors and "lost steps". You may want a spindle ( if this one does not have one already) so that you can run quieter and vary your speeds to your liking. ( PC Routers have 5 speed settings, IIRC. Spindle is variable from ??8000 on the low end to about 18000 on the high end.)

You want to know if the machine has been used in production or as a hobby machine. Has it had regular maintenance? What version of software will come with it? ( Aspire software version or PartWorks... you would like to get Aspire. This is the design software.). The CONTROL Software is downloadable through ShopBot's website. So you can always get the most appropriate software to control the machine- and at no additional charge.

You would want to know - (if it has a spindle) what the power requirement is! And do you have it available..? A spindle may require you to have 220V single phase power or 3 phase power, so be aware of this potential need.

Does a vacuum system come with the machine? If so, what type? What type power does it draw?

Space: You will need a few feet on all sides of the machine. You will need to run cables and to be able to get around the machine to take care of maintenance and loading and unloading the machine. If you are getting a 4 x 8, I assume you will be loading sheet goods frequently. This means you will need room at one end of the machine to load those onto the table. ( Takes up basically a whole side of the garage, if it is going in a home garage.) If you are going to put it in a workshop, then this is not much of a consideration.

That should get you started. Let us know what other questions you may come up with.... and best of luck to you in your search. The fun begins once you have her home and set up! ( Oh! And you would want to take the motors down and move the "gantry" onto the table top for transportation. Otherwise The rollers would be pounding on the rails while you trailer it home. It is MUCH LESS SCARY than it sounds to put it back on. Trust me. I have done it 4X now as I moved up from a smaller machine to a PRS 4 x 8, then to a PRS Alpha 5 x 10. Then when I bought another PRS that I am setting up for testing out an idea I have. It is not really as daunting as it initially seems.

Again: Best of luck. Let us know how you progress.

Monty

[MogulTx]

While I was writing al that, you posted photos...!

So you won't need to disassemble, you will just need to REassemble!

Same questions pretty much apply. Make a good deal on it, and bring it home.

[myxpykalix]

My first question would be...where is the rest of it?:rolleyes: Being a bit facious(?) but what i would do is get some pictures of assembled models and go over them and make sure you can account for all the parts for your Y carriage, your stepper motors, control board, table and all your parts..
There's nothing like trying to put a puzzle together with a few missing pieces!:eek:

There may be out there somewhere, but i doubt it, an exploded view of the shopbot and that might help, you could call shopbot and ask?

[jerry_stanek]

As long as the binder is with it or he can download the assembly manul from shopbot they have it on their support page.

[bnguyen]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for all the feedback! Extremely helpful! Initially, I will be using this for cutting down panels and pieces for cabinets and also the donek tool for cutting industrial fabric. As I become familiar and learn the machine I hope to find other "uses". We're not a high production shop so I do believe the 4 x 8 Standard with router is appropriate for our use and if I understand correctly it can be upgraded to the alpha if needed.

As for the condition the buyer has been very helpful in supplying images and information. I have posted some more images. This will be located in a shop to we will have the space requirements. The biggest factor is determining the condition of the machine and if all the pieces and parts are there.

I'm excited about this decision just wanted to make it a smart one.

Thank you all again for the responses! Will keep you updated.

Binh

[bnguyen]

Gentlemen,

I pulled the triggered! Now a proud owner of my first shopbot. Now comes the hard part, I have to go pick it up. Any recommendations of how to move this thing?

Binh

[scottp55]

Congrats Binh!
NOW the fun starts:)
Have you seen this?
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20361

[jerry_stanek]

Every thing will fit in the back of a pick up truck other than the rails the rails they are 10 ft long. I hauled mine home in my pick up

[MogulTx]

Binh,

Yours is partially assembled. I would go ahead and get a trailer and put the big stuff on the trailer ( take good straps to hold it down). I would put the computer and small stuff into a vehicle to keep it from flying out and to keep it safe and dry.

When you get it "home", take some time and get an understanding of the sub-assemblies the machine is broken down in-to. And reassemble. Don't trust that the assemblies are straight and true. Check them for square. Check them for plumb and level.... don't make assumptions on the quality of the previous owner's assembly skills. Remember that taking time to set it up properly now will save you in resetting the unit later. "Slow and steady wins the race".

I hope you enjoy it for many many years to come!

[bnguyen]

Hello gentlemen,
Thank you again for all the feedback! Your responses played a big part in my decision to go ahead and purchase the machine. I am in the process of cleaning and reassembling the machine now and will let you know when I have it up and running...

Thanks,
Binh