about to buy a Shark CNC

[davek]

I have been looking for a CNC machine available in Oz and cant seem to find one but have found the Shark CNC in the US.

I am about to order one, especially with the current exchange rate, but before ordering I was wondering if anyone has had experience with this machine or know someone who has?

[shafian]

G'day Dave,

I don't know of any builders down under who have gone to such lengths of buying / building a CNC. Indeed it would make life so much easier. atleast i hope. Anyway I as a sim builder myself I have researched those areas and would still be up for it for a good price but I managed doing most stuff with a dremel . As far as I understand (which by no means is a thorough enough) that the concept of CNC is same. All it boils down to is its build and flexibility. The kind we mean by hobby or trade sort of thing. Also the different axis that are present that would determine what you can and cant do. I haven't had a chance to take a look at the one you are after but it should definitly do the job atleast to a hobby standard.

Regards
Shafi

[davek]

Hi Shafi

I have spent heaps of time over the past few months looking for an aussie distributor of cnc and can only find the huge trades type ones.
I have read reviews and watched videos of the shark and it gets a good rap so will have to take my chances i spose.
I know you can build them but i wanna get stuck into making panels and so on rather than taking time out for building the cnc. Also the risk of not getting a good tolerance with engraving text etc.
Once i get it i will post a couple of pics so u can see the results.
Its not a bad price with the Aussie $ vs US $ at the moment. Its also way cheaper than the ones on ebay which come from china.
cheers
Dave

[riche543]

Heres what i copied & its awesome cutting your own stuff , Still early days for me but lovin it.. http://buildyourcnc.com/latest.aspx Cheers..:)

[davek]

What plastic are you using and which company.
Thats my next challenge

[autocadplease]

I built a DIY Rockcliff CNC http://www.rockcliffmachine.com/routerplans.htm

The plans can be downloaded for only $20US.

If you are handy, you will have no problem building it. I built mine with all the electronics, bearings, shafts and wood for around $600 (excluding spindle/router). It can do up to 18"x18" which is great for panels. Some people are making laser CNC simply by adding a small laser on the spindle - like the ones found in DVD burners.

If you are interested in CNCs, it is a great way to be introduced. Now that I have built one I know exactly what I want in a future unit.

A great site for reviews and info is cnczone.com

[m_gansler]

I also built a CNC inspired by the Rockcliff design. I found the oil-impregnated bushings over polished rods to be a bit difficult to work with however. Aligning is a bit tricky even with the help of a friend's high end table saw and dado blades for the bushing channels. A good alternative is to scour ebay for linear bearings and rails. Lots of good ones are available for reasonable prices (<<McMaster-Carr). I modified mine to use what I found on ebay and got really good results. Overall - I recommend the Rockcliff design though. Easy and cheap to build.

Mike