ShopBot New full-size Zeta cnc

[jTr]

Stumbled upon this interview of Ryan with the new ShopBot Zeta by George Vondriska on YT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajGjYFlp6uw

Looks like some major mods of the PRS Alpha. Impressive multi-bit drilling head, lower rails for side loading, new style ATC.
Surprised no word here nor website yet.
Turns out, they have been working on something fresh to stay competitive in the full-size machine category.
I'm very intrigued and await more details...
Go ShopBot!

jeff

[EricSchimel]

Here's the pricing and configuration options if anyone is interested

35189

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hwEURByKJ8MC91nU8 (larger format so the text is more readable)

[coryatjohn]

Did they update the control system too or did they keep the old one?

Frankly, it doesn't look that enticing for twice what the old one cost.

[jTr]

Now that I see the price, my enthusiasm is damped greatly. Many others out there doing the same at half the investment. Exception is the drill head, but wow...

[EricSchimel]

From what I can see in the video it’s still running SB3

[jerry_stanek]

I see that it includes a lot of options that are extra from other companies

Both Packages Include:


Robust Dual Z with 5x4 drill bank
5hp ATC spindle
10 HP Becker blower
4-Zone (for the 96-48) or 5-Zone (for the 120-48) vacuum hold down system
Hose Cradle Kit and 4”x25’ Dust Hose
Dedicated Control Computer
VCarve Pro
Cabinet Parts Pro
ShopBot Zeta Bit/Drill Kit:

9 boring bits (1: 3mm x 57, 6: 5mm x 57 & 2: 8mm x 57)
8 popular bits for cabinet making: 1/4” Downcut, 3/8” Two Flute Max Life Compression Spiral, Carbide Tipped Straight Spoilboard Cutter, Raised Panel Straight MDF Panel Bit, 2” 140° V Flute, 3/16” Radius Carbide Tipped Point Cutting Roundover, 3/8” Two Flute Downcut Chipbreaker x 1-1/8”

[coryatjohn]

I see that it includes a lot of options that are extra from other companies

Both Packages Include:


Robust Dual Z with 5x4 drill bank
5hp ATC spindle
10 HP Becker blower
4-Zone (for the 96-48) or 5-Zone (for the 120-48) vacuum hold down system
Hose Cradle Kit and 4”x25’ Dust Hose
Dedicated Control Computer
VCarve Pro
Cabinet Parts Pro
ShopBot Zeta Bit/Drill Kit:

9 boring bits (1: 3mm x 57, 6: 5mm x 57 & 2: 8mm x 57)
8 popular bits for cabinet making: 1/4” Downcut, 3/8” Two Flute Max Life Compression Spiral, Carbide Tipped Straight Spoilboard Cutter, Raised Panel Straight MDF Panel Bit, 2” 140° V Flute, 3/16” Radius Carbide Tipped Point Cutting Roundover, 3/8” Two Flute Downcut Chipbreaker x 1-1/8”

But are they using the same old tired control system that's so beyond obsolete as to not even be funny?

[jerry_stanek]

But are they using the same old tired control system that's so beyond obsolete as to not even be funny?

True but it does work

[coryatjohn]

True but it does work

A horse was great for transportation until something better was invented. Would you invest $65k in a device with a 20 year old control system?

[jerry_stanek]

The beisse I run has a controller that still uses windows 95 and runs flawlessly

[coryatjohn]

Well, I guess you should give SB a call and put in an order!

[jerry_stanek]

Why would I want to do that. If something is working good why try an unknown. I did that with the Shopbot and bought a plug and play unit from Gray and it didn't work. I got blamed that it was my fault that I didn't do every thing to get it to work but after ruining my spoil board and breaking several bits it word not run a full file. It would start out fine then one of the steppers would just stutter and the problem was it was a different stepper each time. I had to go back to that 20 year old controller to get a job done.

[coryatjohn]

I think we're discussing two separate things. A workhorse machine that has no issues is fine even if it's 20 years old. A brand new machine with a 20 year old control system is not exactly fine in my book. No word yet on what they're using for a control system in this Zeta model. Who knows? Maybe it's that brandy new thing they've been promising since 2016 or whenever. I'd love to see SB succeed. They're just going to have to modernize their control system to stay relevant.