Thread: Turnkey CNC Machine

the biggest learning curve of cnc , is material selection , holding that material down , working out what bit is best to use , how deep you stick that bit in , how fast to move the bit , in what direction to move the bit

there is no CNC that you just give it a peace of material , and soft ware and say go for it

CAM is the program you use to read CAD drawings and make the code that runs the cnc is just as important as the cnc

its all huge learning curve

the hair pulling and frustration of trying to get the machine running is quite important for when it doesn't run , to fault find the CNC is important

an "A pillar" would probably need a 4th axis , and the job " turned " in a lathe set up , not some thing to start with ,

keep an eye out for a " CNC day " that get offered on this site in your area so you have some expectation what has to be done when that box turns up in your shed ,

with a 4th axis job , look at local CNC workshops and get a quote ??? or bye one and spend 3 month learning how to use it

i hope this comes across the right way , you cant bye one , un box it , and use it with out a huge learning curve

cheers ken

I have the largest Shark.
My main reason for buying this particular one was the Vectric software that was included, the huge support from the Shark forum and the equally huge support from the Vectric forum.
Although I hit a snag setting it up, I have learned everything I can in the meantime.

Cheers
Wolffie

Without ever having used one myself, I would liken the Shark to a Triton home setup.

Yes, you do get all the bits and pieces and it will more or less do what you want, but for the money involved I would go elsewhere. In fact,I would be willing to bet that you could fly to China, find and buy something cheaper, fly home again (with the machine as excess luggage) and still have a fair bit of change in your pocket from the ticket price of the Shark.

Check out Ebay and see what is on offer there. I see that you are from Melbourne. So I would further suggest that if you do buy a Chinese machine (with a fourth axis) then it would still be cheaper to pay one of the forum members $500 to make sure it all runs nicely.

As Wolfie points out, the Shark does the huge advantage of including Vectrics software. But, with VCarvePro v6 (the Shark comes with v5) selling for $600 and Mach3 selling for $175, you would STILL have change from the $5K-$6K for the Shark. The Shark does not come with Mach3.

Think long and hard grasshopper.

I second Bob's comments. For around the same price you would be better off looking into some of the higher end systems on the market or even trolling for a second hand machine on ebay which come and go.

Personally, i dont see alot of money in design or components of a shark and would not be pushed that way. It definitely has its place as a turn key solution for the hobbyist though and depending on how often/long your planning to do work, it could work.
Daniel

Thanks for the replies everyone.

A 4th axis would be ideal for the A pillar models, but a 3 axis should do a good enough job.

To be honest I'm just looking for good enough reason to justify me getting machine.

I might do some more looking at the Chinese machines and stick with getting these models done externally too.
(Anyone in Melbourne with a 4 axis machine interested in doing a job???)

Originally Posted by MCorp

(Anyone in Melbourne with a 4 axis machine interested in doing a job???)

would probably be better asking
" im looking at justifying the cost of a cnc machine before i plunge head first into a new hobbie , and was wondering if anyone in the Melbourne area would have to the time to run me through the process of
1)turning CAD drawings into CAM ,
2)machining on a 4th axis , a part i have drawn "

rather than just a ," please make me this "

cheers ken

CNC Router Pro | Tools & DIY | Gumtree Australia Glenorchy Area - Collinsvale

Came across this shark, and thought i would post it in case you were still thinking of going along the shark line.

Daniel

Thanks, I think I'll hold off just for the moment while I look into the Chinese machines a little more.

Originally Posted by MCorp

(Anyone in Melbourne with a 4 axis machine interested in doing a job???)

How big are they?

What material are they to be made from?

How many?

Do you have solid models?

What standard of finish do you need?

Greg in Geelong

Originally Posted by Bob Willson

Without ever having used one myself, I would liken the Shark to a Triton home setup.
As Wolfie points out, the Shark does the huge advantage of including Vectrics software. But, with VCarvePro v6 (the Shark comes with v5) selling for $600 and Mach3 selling for $175, you would STILL have change from the $5K-$6K for the Shark. The Shark does not come with Mach3.

Think long and hard grasshopper.

Sorry Bob.
Actually, the Shark comes with V-Carve Pro 6.5 et al.
Saying something like that is like saying I have never driven a Nissan Patrol but know how Toyotas work, therefore Toyotas are better.
Also, why would you buy a 5 tonne truck if all you need is a trailer?
If one has never used something one cannot justify criticising it, it will all be hearsay.
As far as the Shark goes, it is not just the software that swerved me, it was also the unequalled support and experience from other users in the dedicated forums.
I do not have enough time left in my life to spend it learning to drive a 5 tonne truck, let alone build it first, whereas it has only taken me a short while to learn to pull a trailer.
It all comes down to what suits your purpose.
Cheers
Wolffie

ps: I believe you would be surprised what people can do with the Shark

Originally Posted by twistedfuse

CNC Router Pro | Tools & DIY | Gumtree Australia Glenorchy Area - Collinsvale

Came across this shark, and thought i would post it in case you were still thinking of going along the shark line.

Daniel

Please dont buy it, that is just an overpriced baby Shark toy.
Cheers
Wolffie

Originally Posted by MCorp

Thanks, I think I'll hold off just for the moment while I look into the Chinese machines a little more.

Great decision!!!

There are a lot of opinions floating around this forum on many different machines and all of us, i am sure, are willing to help where we can. But i hope that with so many different opinions, that it doesn't cloud yours. Everyone has different needs (Budget, accuracy, time etc etc etc) so each machine has its own place, even the shark machines. So as you are doing, i would say just do your research and make your own mind up and ask any questions you have.

Otherwise if your not careful, we'll convince you to build your own machine...lol.

Daniel

Originally Posted by Wolffie

Sorry Bob.
Actually, the Shark comes with V-Carve Pro 6.5 et al.

My apologies Wolfie. I was looking at their 2010 catalogue which says that it comes with version 5 of Vcarve. I was wrong, but the 2012 catalogue does say "Vectric’s VCarve Pro V6.0 Design Software is included with this model" not 6.5

Originally Posted by Wolffie

Saying something like that is like saying I have never driven a Nissan Patrol but know how Toyotas work, therefore Toyotas are better.

No, it's nothing like saying that. I have looked at the Sharks and seen them working and what they are like. However, I have no wish to denigrate your decision to purchase the Shark. If it meets your requirements then great. I am happy for you.

Originally Posted by Wolffie

ps: I believe you would be surprised what people can do with the Shark

I am sure that people could do all sorts of wonderful things with the Shark and make all manner of beautiful items, but I personally would still rather have one of the larger Chinese models