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I have to admit not having any time on a Shapeoko (or any other tabletop router for that matter). I've always had access to manual or CNC industrial grade mach

I have to admit not having any time on a Shapeoko (or any other tabletop router for that matter). I've always had access to manual or CNC industrial grade machines. I've seen some impressive work done on Shapeoko and other small machines. While this is possible, the issues are always the same: tolerances, repeatability, finish and tooling. Without the mass to dampen vibrations it is impossible to produce smooth and accurate cuts. It is enough that aluminum is like rubber at cutting pressures. Now we add a machine with a structure, materials and mechanics that can visibly deflect a few thousands with finger pressure and the end result is predictable. That's not to say they are not useful. They are. Definitely. For the right kind of part and project they are fantastic. At $1,000 to $2,000 they are hard to beat. Frankly, the right way to use something like a Shapeoko for a project like this is to design the parts for the process. In other words, knowing about the limitations of the machine, design parts that will fit these constraints in the first place. That said, a machine like this is a million times better than a Shapeoko could ever be, no matter how much it might be modified. https://www.ebay.com/itm/LAGUN-FTV-1-VERTICAL-KNEE-MILL-w-Allen-Bradley-CNC-Control-42-x9-Table/143227630306?hash=item21590832e2:g:LEkAAOSwpWRcwN~T https://www.ebay.com/itm/LAGUN-FTV-1-VERTICAL-KNEE-MILL-w-Al... I owned several similar machines --all purchased used for $1,500 to about $5,000 max-- before I could afford to buy my first $100K VMC (vertical machining center). These "knee mills" as they are known, can make quality parts all day long with accuracy and excellent finish. They can make nearly anything you care to throw at them. I still have one today (sometimes it's easier to work on a part on one of these than to fire-up a large machine for a few cuts). They also fit very well in a garage workshop.

justinclift 7y ago
> Frankly, the right way to use something like a Shapeoko for a project like this is to design the parts for the process. Definitely agreed. :) > https://www.ebay.com/itm/LAGUN-FTV-1-VERTICAL-KNEE-MILL-w-Al.. https://www.ebay.com/itm/LAGUN-FTV-1-VERTICAL-KNEE-MILL-w-Al.... Heh Heh Heh It'd be tempting to get one of those, then convert it to CNC. But... other priorities atm. For my stuff, the tolerances of a Shapeoko are fine. For now. :)
- robomartin 7y ago
  BTW, the eBay link I posted is, in fact, a real ready-to-go industrial CNC machine for $3,900. My Bridgeport, which is similar, weighs 2,200 lbs. this one is a bit heavier but still just fine for a garage shop. I’ve had 7,000 lb machines in my garage. Seriously, I’d buy one of these any time over a router, for the money there is no comparison. Let’s put it this way: The x axis leadscrew alone is worth as much as a Shapeoko.
  - justinclift 7y ago
    No worries. :) No garage here, so limited options (thus the Shapeoko, etc). :( Btw, are you in contact with Elliot (etc) from the Open-Source Leg place? If not, there's a response to your query, with initial contact details. :)
    - robomartin 7y ago
      Thanks for making me aware of the response. I’ll go check it out and see if I can help in any way.

justinclift 7y ago

> Frankly, the right way to use something like a Shapeoko for a project like this is to design the parts for the process. Definitely agreed. :) > https://www.ebay.com/itm/LAGUN-FTV-1-VERTICAL-KNEE-MILL-w-Al.. https://www.ebay.com/itm/LAGUN-FTV-1-VERTICAL-KNEE-MILL-w-Al.... Heh Heh Heh It'd be tempting to get one of those, then convert it to CNC. But... other priorities atm. For my stuff, the tolerances of a Shapeoko are fine. For now. :)

robomartin 7y ago
BTW, the eBay link I posted is, in fact, a real ready-to-go industrial CNC machine for $3,900. My Bridgeport, which is similar, weighs 2,200 lbs. this one is a bit heavier but still just fine for a garage shop. I’ve had 7,000 lb machines in my garage. Seriously, I’d buy one of these any time over a router, for the money there is no comparison. Let’s put it this way: The x axis leadscrew alone is worth as much as a Shapeoko.
- justinclift 7y ago
  No worries. :) No garage here, so limited options (thus the Shapeoko, etc). :( Btw, are you in contact with Elliot (etc) from the Open-Source Leg place? If not, there's a response to your query, with initial contact details. :)
  - robomartin 7y ago
    Thanks for making me aware of the response. I’ll go check it out and see if I can help in any way.