5 ms·

Actually it's a little of both. You do have to guide it by hand according to the map it shows, however it will correct small deviations from the path allowing r

by janekm 9y ago

Actually it's a little of both. You do have to guide it by hand according to the map it shows, however it will correct small deviations from the path allowing relatively accurate cuts. It has two huge downsides over a regular router: you have to place marker tape (quite expensive) all over the workpiece, and it will stop working once the marker tape is cut. Also, you have to keep guiding it throughout the process so you don't get the time benefit (multitasking) of a regular CNC router. I don't think it's a really good choice for a makerspace actually compared to a regular router table, unless there is a serious lack of space.

otherwiseguy 9y ago
It does not stop working when the tape is cut, only when there isn't enough visible tape. Also, you can put tape on a place outside where you are cutting and reuse it. The camera isn't pointing down where it is cutting. Also, it'll correct for fairly large deviations. It is more for one-off things as opposed to madd producing something like standard CNC router. Limitless size is nice, I am unlikely to buy a 4'x8' CNC router for my garage.
- janekm 9y ago
  Indeed, it makes more sense at home rather than in a makerspace. But you'd be very unlikely to make the money back compared to sending it out to a professional shop. It could be perfect for interior designers and similar jobs where one-off pieces have to be cut on the spot and cost isn't a big issue. The issue about the cut tape was brought up in the "Tested" review, and you may not always be able to put tape outside your work area if you are trying to use your whole workpiece.
linsomniac 9y ago
I just don't see a router table serving a similar need. Unless by that you mean a CNC like a Shapeoko or similar, rather than one of those tables with a fence and a router poking up underneath it. As far as a lack of space, there's ALWAYS a lack of space at maker spaces. :-)
- gtvwill 8y ago
  Hand router buddy, they exist. Router tables are generally used for edging/mitering/straight cuts. Hand routers are for doing narly shit preferably you want one with plunge capabilities so you can just ram it down where the cut starts and you don't have to pre-drill or cut it in from some angle.

by janekm 9y ago

otherwiseguy 9y ago

It does not stop working when the tape is cut, only when there isn't enough visible tape. Also, you can put tape on a place outside where you are cutting and reuse it. The camera isn't pointing down where it is cutting. Also, it'll correct for fairly large deviations. It is more for one-off things as opposed to madd producing something like standard CNC router. Limitless size is nice, I am unlikely to buy a 4'x8' CNC router for my garage.

janekm 9y ago
Indeed, it makes more sense at home rather than in a makerspace. But you'd be very unlikely to make the money back compared to sending it out to a professional shop. It could be perfect for interior designers and similar jobs where one-off pieces have to be cut on the spot and cost isn't a big issue. The issue about the cut tape was brought up in the "Tested" review, and you may not always be able to put tape outside your work area if you are trying to use your whole workpiece.

linsomniac 9y ago

I just don't see a router table serving a similar need. Unless by that you mean a CNC like a Shapeoko or similar, rather than one of those tables with a fence and a router poking up underneath it. As far as a lack of space, there's ALWAYS a lack of space at maker spaces. :-)

gtvwill 8y ago
Hand router buddy, they exist. Router tables are generally used for edging/mitering/straight cuts. Hand routers are for doing narly shit preferably you want one with plunge capabilities so you can just ram it down where the cut starts and you don't have to pre-drill or cut it in from some angle.