How would you compare a shopsabre to a shopbot?

[knight_toolworks]

Just got a brochure from them and it is interesting to compare them. the rack and pinion verses the linear bearings and full assembly are one thing. though it seems you don't have any real jog speed compared to a bot.
accessories are pretty expensive. hsd spindle over 1000.00 more. bu they do have tool changers.
seems you need a more hefty computer to run it too. two pci slots.
anyone really compare the performance of the two? the two things I really like are the fully assembled and tool changers

[joe]

Steve,

Also servo's and G codes.

[scottcox]

Steve,

Try comparing their forum to this one. ;-)

I also looked at the ShopSabre before buying my Shopbot, but quickly realized that technical support would be "extremely" limited compared to the Shopbot support system.

So while it may look great on the outside, take a peek behind the curtain and compare again.

[knight_toolworks]

I know it does not have the speed. but is that the way it is driven or the servo's? and is g code bad?
I know shopbot has great support and that really helps out.
but looks like others are starting to do the forum thing too.

[joe]

Scott,

I doubt there is another router manufacturer that has as good a forum or user partition as Shopbot. I wouldn't disparage all the other manufactures on this account however.

This is a tight nett community made up of, part timers for the most part, and this a great outlet to show what they are doing and get necessary assistance. It's lots of fun and a great sales tool.

When it comes to Rack and Pinion versus Led Screw transports, it's not too important. Their are top manufacturers using both. Like Techni-Isel v/s Multicam. It's like the choice between a Ford or Chevy. Many big iron machines use a combination of both. Often the Z is a screw while the X&Y are R&P.

[knight_toolworks]

I agree on the forum part. others are starting to catch on. they are foolish not to really.
I was not sure on the transport issue. screws seem quite a bit slower with no real jogging speed.

[gpari]

Screws can be extremely fast if executed properly. Ever see the y-carriage on a Biesse Rover at full tilt? The secret to speed with a screw is to fix the screw and spin the nut, then you don't have to worry about whip. Or just use a HUGE screw (read: expeeeensive)

If I recall correctly, Biesse uses a ball-screw on the y-car and r&p on the x-car.

Gabe

[joe]

Steve,

I've not owned a Shopsabre but from my converstion with them a couple of years ago, they were operating at industry speeds.

The reason screw machines haven't been as fast is the pressure, resistance, needed prevent backlash. From what I've been told, these units can produce excellent quality but may require some maintenance.

I doubt there is much interest, on the part of other CNC manufacturers, opening up a froum like this. None that I've heard of anyway. It's expensive, time consuming and can be a real pain in the neck.

Thanks to Nancy, the Shopbot forum moderator, who quietly stays in the background and goes unappreaciated all too often. You'd have to find a person like that. Wouldn't be very easy.

She deserves a word of appreciation from all of us.

Happy Holiday to Nancy.

[joe]

Gabe,

What a great product line! I've been interested in these little jewels for years. Good to see them still on the market.

J.

[drodda]

I looked pretty hard at the Shop Sabre before when I was looking to buy my first CNC. The software and the forum were the two thigs that tilted the scales in the Shopbot Direction. I am now looking into upgrading or building a new one myself or another machine altogether, The shop sabre is once again near the top of my list as I need a machine that is 80" wide and 120-144 inches long. They have such a machine. I have not done all my research yet, I hope to buy a new machine right after the first of the year though. I like the idea of a ready to use machine delivered assembled and ready to use.

The forum is very good for a new person to CNC. But now that I know a little more about the way CNC works I don't know if the forum is really all that much a part of my decision on the new machine.

[knight_toolworks]

I agree at first the forum is a life saver now it is just great.

[elcruisr]

I've known a few owners of the mentioned machines. Sign shops cutting foams and thin plastics seem fairly happy as long as there haven't been issues. The tech support can reportedly be spotty. The shops that have tried to use them for wood and heavier plastics production have been less than happy in general.

[joe]

Eric,

I spoke with a Dallas woodcarver last spring who used his Shopsabre for 3D rough-outs. At that time he had his unit for about two years with only one initial problem. He was wishing he'd sprung for the tool changer however. Since the unit was an earlier version, kind of slow, it ran all day every day.

From what I've heard technical breakdowns are rare. Still, they don't have this forum.

[elcruisr]

Joe, 3D roughouts are still kind of light to moderate duty because the speeds are low. When you start pushing full cutting speeds and single passing 3/4 sheet stock all day then you find out if what you have is going to cut it as a production machine. These are the guys who've been less than happy that I've talked with.

[dingwall]

They don't look like they're built for speed. Even the servo option is slower than an alpha is it not?