One of the Competitors

[Steven Alford]

Got an email from Rockler on this CNC router.
It is interesting and I like the idea that it is "open" to the air so that you don't get saw dust stuck in all the important components. But take a look at the other photos of the machine. It requires a lot of other attachements that would clutter up the shop. Whereas the CC is an "all-in-one" machine. The router is also extra.

Shark CNC (http://www.rockler.com/gallery.cfm?Offerings_ID=19441&TabSelect=Details)

[PCW]

Steven

I have a similar machine and it is a pleasure to run. You would have to learn gcode to run it and gcode is not as easy/versatile to program as designer however you have a lot of control over it.

Don't forget the designer software package is a $500.00 value in comparison to other similar software packages.

My CNC is a K2 14x24 with stepper motors.
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[Steven Alford]

Very true about the software.
The machine I am referencing comes with a $500 software of it's own. One that was shown in another thread about software. I can't remember the name at the moment.

[fasteddie58]

PCW,
How is the quality of your K2? Did you buy it with all the electronics and stepper motors included?
Thanks!
Ed

[PCW]

PCW,
How is the quality of your K2? Did you buy it with all the electronics and stepper motors included?
Thanks!
Ed

Ed

I love it. I purchased just the bare frame from K2 minus table and built it up it up from scratch. The machine is very quiet and very well balanced. I have not had to repair anything on the machine since I put it together two years ago. I use it more than my CarveWright. There is very little maintenance and the 2" vacuum port at the spindle removes all the dust.

The software that I use is Rhinoceros 4 (http://www.rhino3d.com/) for Cad/Cam and Mach3 CNC (http://forum.carvewright.com/Mach3 CNC)for machine control. I have not use either machine to there full potential because this is still a hobby for me any I am still in the learning process.

I like both machines and the CW is a good way to get started into CNC world. The K2 I have around $2500.00 in it not including software and a dedicated computer. Hope this helps.

[fasteddie58]

PCW,

Thanks for the response. Was the controller hard to build and do you have a picture of the inside?

Ed

[PCW]

Ed

Here is a picture from Keling Technology web site. The controller that I have is the first one from the top at the link below.

http://www.kelinginc.net/ControlSystem.html



http://www.kelinginc.net/sitebuilder/images/3AxisAssemble-235x166.jpg

3 Axis Controller for NEMA23 and 34 Stepper motors

Ready to plug and use , Tested With Mach3

1: 3 PCS KL-5056 Bipolar Drivers, 50V, 5.6A, DIP
switch current setting, Automatic Idle-Current Reduction
Over-Current, Over-Voltage & Short-Circuit Protection

2: 1 PCS 48V/12.5A power Supply, 115V/230V

3: 1 PC Breakout Board for 6 axis, Isolated signal .

4: With E-Stop, x, y, z limit Switch, Home Switch

5: 1 PCS Fan

[PCW]

Ed


Here is a wiring schematic of the controller. Easy to put together.

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