My background…just getting into the Avid world, but have been dreaming of one for 10+ years. I found a old unit near me for what I would call cheap for a avid cnc, but as I look into the details of all the new EX and clearpath servos I almost feel like it’s not worth it to buy a used one and just buy brand new as the price difference is about the same. Seems like a lot of folks are upgrading to the newer ATC spindles so I almost think buying that used might be the cheapest option for me. Cost is always a factor. So used or new?
Our old machines are compatible with the new controls, so depending on how good of a deal you get it might make sense to get the old machine and toss/sell the controller and upgrade it…
yup I was thinking a REALLY good deal. It’s a 4x2 and my dream is to at least get into the 4x4 and it’s got the extension on the gantry so really it could be a 5x2 and if I upgrade it to a 5x4 that’s at least 3k (which would be around 8k currently) just the hardware and to upgrade to the EX with clearpath that’s at least 5k so up to (13k) so before shipping…that’s like a new one…and it’s pre 2019 (CNC Router Parts stickers)…but looks in good condition
Make a machine wider is really expensive. Longer isn’t as much, but I think you answered your own question… why get an old one, then upgrade it when you can get a new one for the same cost..
yup…just had to talk my way thru it…thanks for listening Eric!!
Of course! If you want a quote on a machine that’s going to be exactly what you want use the contact form up top here. Our folks rock and they’ll get you any info you need.
yup I’ve been kind of talking to them the last week. Great team!
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Hi Nate,
You didn’t say how you will use the machine which would help with answers / opinions.
I have a 2019 machine running MACH3. I am a Hobbiest so don’t need a “production machine” with all the bells and whistles. I always thought I wanted servos because they track location better , instead of stepper motors but the steppers have never been a problem losing steps for me.
I never upgraded to MACH4 because it seemed highly problematic to me and less stable than MACH3. I also probably won’t upgrade to the new AVID controller / system because of cost. I have also read about a number of challenges / problems in this forum like drilling thru the spoil board, not homing - go through all the posts and make a list.
Of course I realize that people post problems to get solutions and many may be caused by the user not setting up the system to instructions - but it does seem like the “new system” is a whole lot more complicated / difficult to learn - and remember how to use - I’m an old guy so have to use check lists like a pilot does!
The good news is that AVID is exceptionally good at communication and support, so no matter what you acquire, you will be satisfied with the value / quality / cost of the machine.
I also think you will be happy with the “old technology”, especially if you are a Hobbiest like me. It just works and for me, never has had any problems - well once I got an error code that said I ran out of data during a very long file - never did figure out what happened.
The only thing I wish is that my machine had the new grease nibs on the Z axis bearing blocks that are easier to access and keep lubricated. My understanding is that these became available in late Spring or early Summer of 2019.
Tim
I think that was the right choice
This new control has been a very new product for us, and not without some launch issues we’ve been working through. I will say by the numbers it’s serving our customers WAY better than previous ones in terms of reliability and stability.
Totally!
Thank you for that, we work really hard at that, no matter how old your machine is.
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Very good point Tim! As far as what I would be using it for it depends on the size. To start off I want to work on some deep trays and things that would take advantage of the larger steppers. At this point I’ve been learning and growing in my skills so I’ve been focusing on trays and text signs, but if I got a 4x8 I would really expand it to lots of different things(work benches (Ron Paulk style, corn hole boards, etc). I’m not 100% against getting used at all. I just wanted to get others views on it. I guess at the end of the day my pocket book and wife might determine what I do..lol
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Eric your a rock star buddy! So helpful just in the short time I’ve been on here.
Hi Nate,
A couple of points - I’ve owned a 4x8 Avid Pro machine for about six years. It had the NEMA 34 motors and the 3 HP spindle, running Mach4. In that configuration it was a great machine and I had very little trouble with it. Recently I just completed the EX Controller/Servo motor upgrade and so far it seems to be smoother/better/more reliable. I’m still running the 3 HP spindle, which has had more than enough power for anything I’ve wanted to do. I’m not planning on upgraded that unless it dies or my needs really change. So, I think an older machine could be fine for you.
The second thought is that a great piece of advice I got while I was thinking about what I should buy was ‘get your second CNC first.’ That is, buy the machine you think you really want assuming you can afford it and have room. I considered a smaller machine but I could manage the 4x8 and I’m grateful all the time that I didn’t end up with something smaller.
And lastly, Avid really is awesome to deal with.
Cheers,
Garth
Thanks Garth! Yup Currently I have enough space for a 4x4, but I really want a 4x8. It’s a slow process for me as I have a couple other cnc’s to sell before I pull the trigger and maybe I rethink my current tools and sell a few as I might not need them anymore…drill press, planer that always has snipe everything I use it. Even my jointer. lol. I know those all do their jobs well and quicker, but with a 4x8 you can do a lot. Lots of table top flatting…and honestly I don’t 100% know i need the upgrade currently.
You’re welcome Nate. I get the dilemma! For most of what I do I don’t need an 8’ table, but then things come up, including some molding I’m making right now, when I do. Also, I really wanted to be able to put a full sheet of plywood on the table and make stuff.
This is just me, but I would not want to have to do all my jointing and planing with the CNC - it’s just too slow for normal boards (as opposed to flattening slabs). I want to prep blanks for the CNC quickly, and I do have some woodworking that does not benefit from the CNC as much.
Cheers,
Garth