Buying a Used Shopbot

[parabolicsecan]

Hello All,

I am interested in purchasing a CNC router that has the ability to carve very fine details into 4x8 or similar sized HDP/butterboard in order to pull master molds and cast them...in addition to being able to inlay, 3d carve exotic woods. Will the rigidity and power of a PRS or PRT allow me to do this? There is a machine available for purchase however I am not able to distinguish whether or not it is an PRS or PRT or standard/alpha for that matter in the pics. I am assuming I would need an alpha machine. Thanks in advance!

https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/tls/6105216816.html

[knight_toolworks]

I don't know for sure but it is a belt drive I think it is a pr. it is pretty old

[parabolicsecan]

I don't know for sure but it is a belt drive I think it is a pr. it is pretty old

Ok, great..thanks for letting me know!

[knight_toolworks]

others here can tell me you could tell the most by looking at the control box. but it seems expensive for how old it is. but think around year 2000

[zeykr]

That is a PRT with an older PR ball screw style Z. Would need to see control box to know if original control or 4g control.

[parabolicsecan]

That is a PRT with an older PR ball screw style Z. Would need to see control box to know if original control or 4g control.

Ok, thanks for the info. I will have to find out if the control box is 4g and if so look at an upgrade to a R&P for the Z to maximize the speeds. Would the machine with those upgrades be able to perform the cutting tasks mentioned?

Thanks.

[Gary Campbell]

Your time (and dollars) might be better spent looking at one of the PRS models that have been in production since 2007. I also think you are correct is assuming the task would be best done with an alpha model. At the very least, the hardened rails of the more modern machines makes a great difference when you are looking for mold quality.

[parabolicsecan]

Your time (and dollars) might be better spent looking at one of the PRS models that have been in production since 2007. I also think you are correct is assuming the task would be best done with an alpha model. At the very least, the hardened rails of the more modern machines makes a great difference when you are looking for mold quality.

Ok great, thanks Gary and to all for giving me information on the machine, glad I didn't jump into that one for 7500 obo.

[tri4sale]

Ok great, thanks Gary and to all for giving me information on the machine, glad I didn't jump into that one for 7500 obo.

I had same experience, old ShopBot offered to me at $6000, almost bought but someone beat me to it (thankfully now), waited a bit and found a very nice 3 year old ShopBot for a good price.
Keep an eye out, you'll find a good machine to do what you want.