Last Minute Buying Advice

[iancole]

I'm ready to "pull the trigger" for my first bot.

I've visited several of your shops (Thanks Eric & Gene), attended a camp (Thanks Gary) and spend countless hours discussing this purchase with anyone who would listen.

I _think_ I know what I'm going to buy and need some last minute buying advice.

I plan to buy:
PRS STANDARD 96x48x6 bot
2.2HP HSD Spindle
Digitizing Probe
PhotoVCarve
Router Bit Starter Set

I will use Fein vacs as a starter, then get vac crazy later as I learn more

I will be experimenting for a good 6 months before I learn what I REALLY want to make on the bot, but at the moment, I suspect it will be lots of signs, fun 3D work, NO cabinets, mostly MDF & foam

This will be a LOW-PRODUCTION bot, more than a few pieces a week for at least the first year would be surprising.

So, first question: I cant think of anything I need to cut that is WIDER than 48" - I can't justify the extra $1k for the additional width. What am I missing? Is there some reason to have that 60" width that I'm not considering?

Second question: For a low production bot where I can sacrifice speed to obtain quality, am I giving up anything other than speed in getting the STANDARD? I've done so much forum reading my head hurts. I'm looking for any crisp opinions so that I can avoid buyers remorse. In the end, I decided that if I am really using the bot in a year, I wont mind the upgrade cost, but given that I'm just learning, I'd rather avoid the cost until I know there is a return.

Thanks as always for your opinions!

[Brady Watson]

Ian,
Your list is a good one & the Standard tool is a very capable machine. It will do everything the Alpha does, just a little bit slower. It is doubtful that you will need to cut anything over 48" wide. I've been running a 5X16 tool since 2001 and I have only needed to use the 5' width 3 times, and that was just to get more parts per run out of a 5' sheet opposed to a 4' sheet.

-B

[Gary Campbell]

Ian..
You saw our machine at the camp. In 8 months we have had only one time that we needed the 5' width. My main reason for the 5' width would be to have the option to add another Z (A)
Gary

[myxpykalix]

I ordered a 60" wide because I wanted to mount an indexer in a bay so that i could leave the indexer mounted and also cut full sheets of plywood. I would also check out www.centuriontools.com (http://www.centuriontools.com) for a better/cheaper starter bit set.

[mitch_prest]

My Bot arrived on friday.. I bought the alpha with the spindle and the 96 x 60 table.. my reasoning is.. that I do not want to have the extra cost to upgrade later on.. I wanted the speed and the extra power... and I wanted the width also to be able to mount a second Z or a indexer...

[stockbub]

I originally ordered a standard and I think I got the 5th one (PRS) made. Luckily I had a lot of problem with it and we upgraded to an ALPHA. Absoluty no comparison. I could stall the standard by holding onto the carriage. My alpha will pull you onto the table, give you a ride and then take you back home. I use my 5 ft section to cut 1/2 inch baltic birch for cabinet drawers and stuff. My opinion baltic birch is much better then regular ply so if you got the $$$ get the 5 foot table. DEfinitly get the ALPHA and not the standard

[tuck]

I've been a bothead for about 6 years now and I've never found a need for the probe that I never bought. I own a 12 year old PRT96 with a home-made wooden table and it does everything I need it to do and fast enough for me. Don't have a vacuum table either. I make signs.

[gene]

Ian,
Sorry that i tried to upgrade mine and it was not working when you and youre wife came to the shop. It has been upgraded and is working great, its my understanding (and correct me if i an wrong) that the standard was the one before the alpha and does not have the closed loop feedback , and can loose position ? The alpha has a closed loop feedback system and will tell you if you loose position immediately , If you are planning another trip to the area let me know and bring your ideas to my shop and give Pedro ( my bot) a test . Also Jack reffered me to centurion tools and i am greatfull
to him for doing so, Thanks Jack , i cant think of many times that i could have used a 60'' table. My 48 is plenty for me , if i can help in any way please feel free to let me know . Good luck

[iancole]

Thanks for all the advice, it seems like I've got a solid plan for now and will order it shortly. Now the work begins to get the shop cleaned out & ready...

[joel]

I've got a question (first time on the forum) ... Have a BT32 PRS STANDARD, 2.2HP HSD Spindle, Digitizing Probe on order. Started reading different forums and came across a term "powerstick"..... What is it?

[Brady Watson]

A powerstick is a soon to be available accessory for the BT line of tools. It greatly increases the size of the machinable area in the X axis.

-B

[joel]

Ahhhh.... That's what Jamie Gillis was talking about when I visited the factory the other month.

Thanks.... Joe

Why the word "powerstick"? (Sounded like it referred to a joystick.) Why not something more descriptive like "long bed"? Just wondering.... THX