ELEKTOR FORUMS

Hi, all.

Has anyone any experience with the ProfilerPro kit? Would you recommend it?

I was originally very keen to buy a Profiler, but thought I'd wait until a) I had enough cash and b) I'd seen some feedback.

From what I read, there seemd to be some initial problems (mainly on delivery & customer svr/support - probably all volume-related)

However, there have since been a couple of reassuring articles from Elektor in the following 2.5 years. Also the "Pro" version, although a bit more expensive, looks quite appealing.

I'm looking for a machine that will let work with extruded acrylic (upto 6mm), make PCBs, make PBC panels, engrave, and make gears & small components from aluminium and brass.

Do you think the Profiler Pro would be suitable? Would it be worth upgrading the spindle? Are there more suitable comparably priced machines on the market?

Any advice & experience would be most appreciated?

Regards...

Hi Perro,

I can only adivise you to screen all messages on the (several linguages) Elektor Profiler fora.

This gives an objective picture (and much to learn), because it seems that here mostly only one person is answering messages with questions like yours..

Even if they are not your native linguage you can look at the pictures and if necessary translate the text via a internet translation service e.g. http://babelfish.yahoo.com/

Alas the English forum has in general much much less messages and pics then the Dutch and German forum.

You've certainly seen here the sticky "Profiler picture gallery: Decide for yourself.

http://www.elektor.com/forum/elektor-forums/2007-2008-main-projects-and-articles/profiler-millling-machine-(january-2007)/profiler-picture-gallery-decide-for-yourself-!.739355.lynkx

In the Dutch forum e.g.: Part 1 and 2 of "Looking some pictures":

http://www.elektor.nl/forum/forum/actuele-projecten/profiler/wat-plaatjes-kijken.220781.lynkx

http://www.elektor.nl/forum/forum/actuele-projecten/profiler/wat-plaatjes-kijken-part-2.336989.lynkx

In the German forum e.g.: Part 1 and 2 of "Looking some pictures":

http://www.elektor.de/forum/foren-ubersicht/foren-zu-elektor-projekten/elektor-frasmaschine-profiler/zeigt-her-eure-arbeiten-ii-).913931.lynkx

http://www.elektor.de/forum/foren-ubersicht/foren-zu-elektor-projekten/elektor-frasmaschine-profiler/zeigt-her-eure-arbeiten-).290177.lynkx

For very nice pcb's (!) search in the German forum on the name PK or PK1.

I personally make the things you want to do, with the (old version) Profiler.

Hessel

You are looking at about £6800+vat.

Be aware that the S42 is not a 3d milling machine. You can make pcb's and do engraving on sheet material. As I have other 3 & 4 axis cnc milling machines this criteria was not relevant to my purchase.

LPKF also have, from time to time, reconditioned older machines at very reasonable prices. Likewise there are, from time to time, second hand machines appearing.

If you want 3d and have a limited budget I would strongly recommend looking at the Roland machines. Please note that with Roland you are not confined to using their expensive long cutters, the standard resharpened ones from Axminster Tools work just fine, as well as the new ones sold everywhere else.

Hth.

Bartman,

The S42 looks like a nice machine, but the price is over my budget (plus it would cose even more for a 3D/2.5D machine).

Custer, wow! I read your experience. What an awful thing to go through. I can see why you're so against Colinbus.

Anyway, I took your advice and looked around again. I came across a couple of alternatives. As you say, though, "it's a lot of money to get wrong" (even though my budget is less that yours). So, I'd be really interested to hear people's opinions on these...

Marchant Dice.
Their machines appear to do what I want, are within my budget, and even use ball-screws. I think I could get started for just over £2000

Range:
http://www.worldofcnc.com/products.asp?recnumber=177

Specifically, MDL-A4-BS (BALLSCREW), MDL-SBOX controller, Kress 1050FME spindle (plus collets etc), "MACH3" software:

 "http://www.marchantdice.com/forumimages/cnc_milling_machine_catalogue.pdf" 

It looks like they also sell on ebay (cheaper than their catalog?)

 "KIT Desktop CNC Machine Engraving Milling Router" 

Spec:

 "http://www.worldofcnc.com/images/MDL-Machines-Router.pdf" 

Prototools.

Heiz S-400 CNC Machine (5-Channel Controller) - X=400 mm; Y=300 mm; Z= 110 mm

 "Heiz S-400" 

They came back with very helpful covering letter and a quote (to include a Keress1050w, plus collets, bits, software - in fact, everything to get me up & running) for about £3000

This is about £1K over budget - but tempting ) HOWEVER, that is for trapezoidal. For a ballscrew version
,

 "Heiz T-400" 

I'm looking at about £3800 !!!

The more I look, the more confused I become...

Hi Perro,
You have email.