Buddy help...

[ocelot]

Hi to all,

I'm new to the cnc world. I've been considering investing in one of the PRS standard Buddy machines. I was wondering if anyone that already owns one of these has had any problems with it? Does it live up to your expectations? How is the sliding table as compared to the bigger machines? If you could give me all the pros and cons that would be great.
I plan to use it for light hobby machining to start with, then maybe a little light to medium production type stuff. Mostly custom type items.
I'm relatively quick at learning software and I know it will take time to get familiar with using it and getting it to the work piece. I'm just trying to get input about the machine itself right now. Thanks for any information anyone can give.

J.B.

[dana_swift]

JB- expect to be amazed.

The machine I have is more than what I expected. I have a BT-32 alpha, so I cannot comment on the standard version, but it should be an excellent machine for the purposes you stated.

The buddys are built mostly from the identical parts as the large CNC routers, so the small size makes the machine unbelievably rugged and stiff. Flexing of the frame is not a problem. As the machine gets larger the frame becomes more flexible, so the small machines are in some ways better. That depends on the application.

I did had trouble with mine, but tech support really does help solve problems and they really are there and know what they are doing. My problems all got resolved and currently the machine is just cutting out parts on a regular basis. Shopbot stands behind their product, and that is a great testament to a company.

If you know software then learning the SB is just a matter of starting with something simple and exploring out from there. The community here gives excellent help and suggestions from their diverse experience.

When I think I have seen it all, I find another trick the SB can do. As I said-

Prepare to be amazed!

D

[Brady Watson]

It's fabulous...

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/27/27659.html?1209682446#POST67378

-B

[sawdust535]

Ditto on all of the above. Especially the great tech support and the help from the members in this forum.

[kelly]

Hi JB - I received my new BT32 standard on Tuesday, unpacked on Thursday night, setup on Friday and was cutting on Sat AM.
It has been a dream to setup. Solid, heavy but portable (I really recommend the castor option
)
I am very familiar with computers (day Job) and I have been woodworking for over 10 years. For me bringing the two together was a natural.
I have had a few challenges but ALL of them have been my errors. It really is a machine you start playing with and then your imagination really gets going.
I have been looking for a CNC machine for 4 years and although I am only 2 weeks into my new machine, I am confident I made the right choice.

I have never owned a CNC before so I can't comment on how the table might be less or more than another system but it certanly has not slowed my efforts nor seemed to be a negitive to my projects.

Good luck with your decision.

K.Z.

[dana_swift]

Congratulations Kelly