Which Model?

[kubotaman]

I have been reading about ShopBot for some time. I just have a question, which one would you buy, a PRSalpha or a PRSstandard? I am a one man shop but want to make the correct decision. I know you can upgrade from a standard to a alpha but I would want to not have to do it at a later date. I am looking at the 9648" version or would you suggest the 60" version? What are the major differences between the standard and alpha versions that would justify the major expense differences?

[myxpykalix]

I can't give you the technical differences other than i believe the alpha is a faster model. I decided to go with a 60" wide model because I had a table made that allowed me to mount an indexer in a bay alongside an area where i could lay a 4' wide piece of plywood and leave them both operational.
Additionally others have talked about buying 5x5 plywood for various projects that you could not cut on a 4' wide bot.
I decided to go with the newest best model (at the time) a PRT Alpha 96-60 because I knew I would alway find something else to spend that "upgrade money" on and never do it.
After all is said and done, bottom line is the decision will be made by your wallet and space available. But good luck with whatever you model you buy.

[rcnewcomb]

Daryl,

What will you be using it for? This will have an impact on your choice of size and speed.

[bcondon]

I was going to buy a stardard but at the last minute bought an alpha...

1. The standard knows where it is suppose to go on an instruction but if it is blocked, or the cutting rate is too high, will not know if it got there. The alpha has a feedback loop that knows where it is and where it should be. If it does not get there (hit a stop, gantry slowed because cut rate is too high), then it will pop a message with a driver error.

SO, if I were building kayaks cutting out 12' parts, I would want to know it will complete the operation every time, the same way.

The increased price is around $5000. if you want to upgrade, it is $6000 so you can wait and see if you will be cutting hard enough to stay within the machines limits. If the standard does not work out, you can upgrade with an extra $1000 cost, but still can be done (which is great)

I have a 48 x 96. I would have loved a 48 x 144
but could not cost justify the extra money on the frame but could easily justify for the control system and motors.

My son wanted to cut kayak parts, but he could not see that he could justify the costs either
(and he can cut scarf joints to extend the overall length of the part

Remember one other thing that the machine is only one item. Bits, vacuum, dust collection all cost money and are necessary so don't spend every last dime on the machine ...

Good luck with your decision

[gene]

Daryl,
I too asked the same questions when i was going to buy a bot . As Bob said in #1 The standard does not have a closed loop system so it can loose position and not know it . The alpha does have the closed loop system and will stop if it looses position, plus the alpha is a faster machine. You can also feel free to call shopbot and just plain ask what the differences in the two machines are and weigh it out for yourself . I purchased the 9648 alpha a few years back and it has done exactly what i needed ,the only problem is that there is so much that it can do , that you cant think of , i cut alot of arched valances and it cuts then so easily and perfectly that it amazes me each time i use it. It does the same with fluted collums , carved cabinet doors , so much more that i wont even think of listing what all it can do. Look at the post of what people are doing with theirs and you will be amazed also ... If you have someone around there where youre at go see one at their shop or go to a shopbot camp. Definately a good machine and the forum is a wonderful place for support and help.

[bcondon]

Daryl,

where are you located? I am sure that folks will let you come and see one if you are near one. I am in the Boston area and am very willing to show you what I am learning today... [my head hurts]... I will even turn on the heater !

[kubotaman]

I live in Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Wa. I live 120 miles above Seattle out on a island. It is about an 8 hour trip to go to the mainland just to see someone. I would do it but have to make sure that the machine would be the one I would want. Bob I would love to visit you and see what the machine can do but I think it would be a long trip. I certainly thank you for the offer!!!

[mitch_prest]

Daryl.. there are a couple of people on vancouver island.. I think there may be someone in victoria.. and i know there is one in nanaimo.. you might want to have go at visiting there.. it is a lot closer.. even by boat..

mitch

[servant74]

I understand a price increase goes into effect in January 2009 sometime. So placing an order before the end of the year could save you some $$$. The RUMOR I heard was 5 to 10% -- Do not order based on this information, please ask SB about the facts!