Thread: CNC Shark

So are Carbatec selling these? I couldn't see them on their website

Yes they are (or will be), but they won't be on their website for a while. If you are interested, contact Tony Forbes at the Brisbane Carbatec - he has the demo model and is the most up to speed with the product. You get some change from $5000 (although with the way the Oz dollar is at the moment, it might be getting better!) Check with Tony.

The only other reference to CNC Shark I could find was here from Rockler.

Is this the one Carbatec are selling?

Originally Posted by Stuart

Yes they are (or will be), but they won't be on their website for a while. If you are interested, contact Tony Forbes at the Brisbane Carbatec - he has the demo model and is the most up to speed with the product. You get some change from $5000 (although with the way the Oz dollar is at the moment, it might be getting better!) Check with Tony.

and yes - it looks to be the same as the one Rockler are selling.

Yes, This is the same model as sold at Rockler, plus we are bringing in the larger CNC Shark PRO. We have had to have a few modifications's done to make sure the unit is electrically safe, and okay for retail sale here in Aust. We also have to source the Bosch Trimmer/Router locally. Interested?? Keep a look out on the website, or contact a local store.

Interest at the Melbourne WWW show was hot, and our first order (due late Feb'10) is already looking like it will be mostly pre-sold.

Dohboy

think i have just found a awnser to my problem, and my crissy present to my own self

From memory when I saw this at the show, CT wanted $5K for these units . Could be wrong given Rockler have it at US$2500.00

For this price I would expect better hardware in certain areas.(ballscrews)
But I suppose this is not a run out item and CT must make money on holding items like this in store.

Can the control SW be swapped out to something else? I hate proprietary SW! Actually, can you buy this without the SW thats supplied? I expect not as you don't want complications for customer support of the unit.

/M

I just read the Rockler unit comes with VCarve Pro 5. Nice touch.
Gives the user a complete package to get up and running.

/M

Hi Mike,
From a machine builder's perspective I agree with your comments.

The machine does fill a niche for those that do not have the time, confidence, ability to machine parts for a build, etc. I get requests all the time to build machines for people that want CNC but do not want to build a machine. When I do the sums to build something with quality components and make a buck the price is too high. I think this is the reason the Shark has been constructed from acme threads, etc. All the same it should be a great entry level machine and quite capable of producing good parts.

A turn key machine will mean fewer grey hairs for the operator and Vcarve is an easy software to pick up and run with.

I think Carbatec have shown vision by stocking this machine and I hope it is popular enough that they can expand the range of CNC machines they stock. Their links to China manufacturing might result in higher quality and larger machines.

The only thing I wish is that they advertise CNC for more than engraving - these machines have so much more potential and it would be good if they promoted their full capabilities. I am sure sombody like Greg demonstrating them would have people reaching for their wallets.

It would be good to see Greg put it through its paces and see what its capable of that's for sure as you said Rod Engraving is Engraving all good but CNC can do much more then that.

4-5k for ACME thread sorry but don't like the sound of that but then I guess I am spoilt.

As you said rod It will be a good level entry machine just wish they could keep it in line the the US prices somehow so we could get more into the hobby/fun.

Who will be doing the product support will you have a help line?

Hi Guys

I bought the Shark CNC from Rockler in November. It cost me just under $4k with freight and import tax. Its one big and heavy box. Good packaging protection inside.
It was the only one I could find at the time which was 'out of the box' working. Too lazy to build one.
I am pretty impressed with the construction of it. It seems solid and motors work well.
I have only just got the time to start playing today, huge learning curve with the V Carve software etc.
I do have a problem with the Shark Basic Panel stopping when importing a gcode or tap file for some reason, which is frustrating as I cant cut anything as yet.

Once I get it up and running I will let you know more.

Addit... Its amazing what you learn when you read the manual. Put the card in the machine, not in the computer

Well cut out a panel tonight. A test piece in MDF with the wrong size bit as I am waiting on the smaller ones. Not too bad but I still need to refine my work withn the V Carve program. So far so good

Welcome to the forum InDaBack

Vcarve Pro is possibly the best bit of software you could start out with. There are a few users here who can help with it, and make sure you get acquainted with the Vectric support forum.

Vectric Forum • Index page

If you fly me up to Horn Island, I will show you how to get going with it all..... For FREE....

Greg

Hi Greg
thanks for the welcome and the offer for help. Mate you would hate it up here, its 'orrible,





and besides you would be stuck in the shed the whole time
cheers
Dave

Originally Posted by InDaBack

Hi Guys

I do have a problem with the Shark Basic Panel stopping when importing a gcode or tap file for some reason, which is frustrating as I cant cut anything as yet.

I had a small issue with that...it turned out to be the SD card was not in the slot correctly. I pushed it back in...restarted and.. Presto!

I found the leaning curve very small. If you've got a little experience in dealing with drawing programs...it helps, but its still pretty easy to use.

Hope that helps.

Dohboy