I have a good amount of “hobby” CNC background, but had to sell my AVID CNC before we moved to a smaller location. The price of AVID has gone way out of reach and honestly, don’t know if the value is there anymore for the “hobby” guy. I have been looking at Altmill for a long time, but now that I’m seriously looking at getting a new machine Onefinity has become a serious option. I know this forum is for the converted, but looking at the G2 option with 1F and being able to used the foldable table for my very very small space is very attractive. Pricing currently is very similar for Altmill 2x4 and the G2 Journeyman they way I have it optioned with rolling/folding table. I don’t really care so much about going super fast, but being able to get very accurate and repeatable results with low maintenance is very important to me. The Altmill is all the rage currently, but when Bamboo Labs was on fire, I still went with Prusa MK4 for longevity, serviceability and eco system. I don’t need the latest and greatest, but I do have high expectations for either of these machines producing very accurate parts in wood and aluminum with reasonable cut times . If I decide to go with 1F will I be disappointed knowing I came from an AVID cnc? I am planning on going with the basic redline controller and running off my computer to save $$$ as well as staring off using a Bosch Colt trim router I have laying around (again to save $$$) and spending money on the table and folding legs since those would give me more flexibility in the tiny amount of space I have. Are my expectations too high? And given my explanation should I be doing anything differently based on y’alls experience with 1F vs Altmill. Anything you folks have heard or noticed about the Altmill that isn’t making it through all the hype on the negative side? I know this is a tough and somewhat subjective question. Thank you for anyone that takes the time to try and help me make the right choice!
Thank you for the response. Overall I was happy with the Avid. It was accurate enough and when it wasn’t usually it was something I was doing with tool pathing being too aggressive or work holding. I am actually hoping 1F might be a little better in that regard since it is using ball screw instead of rack and pinion like the Avid. I don’t do very much aluminum, but there are times when my son and I may work on an RC project or Go-Kart project that would be nice to mill parts. There are many times where I am adding home made accessories to the machine as well, for some examples of aluminum work. Mostly it will be wood. Speaker cabinets, carvings and furniture are the usual, and occasional sign for a friends request. Hopefully that helps? Thanks again.
I machine mostly aluminum on an older, and very modified , Woodworker X50. I set up my own ATC with it with a Masso G3 and it performs very well. I can get to the tolerances I want - as you correctly hint at - with proper machining parameters, optimized toolpaths, work holding etc… There are many others in the forum who also have great success machining aluminum, and many on the larger models, and most without the modifications I have made. I am sure they will add their experienced insights.
Thank you. I think I’m going to move forward with the G2 Journeyman. It’s more than I wanted to spend but thinking maybe splurging for the 1.5KW spindle. 2.2KW would be ideal but I don’t want to deal with running 220 if it do it.
I’ve used all the machines. i started with 1f with machinest, then journeyman, then elite journeyman, and added another elite foreman on qcw. i really like the masso controller. i’ve not had the chance to use the redline controller, but i bet it is the bomb.
i’ve used the altmill in 4x4. it is pretty good, fast. nothing really wrong. i like the controls on the 1f and don’t see much difference running them.
i’ve had a cnc4newbie before and i feel like speed and running it wise, the altmill was very close to the same. i had lead screws, it is ball screw, and 4x8 is rack and pinion.
there were a few things i didn’t like about the buildbotics, like it didnt save position when you reboot. always start from home and load offsets, or whatever. on my masso rig, just push estop when stopped for a bit, pull it back and home, ready to continue where cut left off. exactly. i’ve cut 3d models and swapped mid cut from large to smaller machine to free up for cuts. cut exactly. i’ve run a number of avids and feel like they are really good. i like the new clearpath servo version, as i was not mach 3/4 fan. i used uccnc on my cnc4newbie and it was very good. with that, i’d take the masso everyday of the week. i’ll end up with new controller and i’m betting i’ll love it just as much.
i use vacuum system to hold down and cut cabinets on my 4x4. works great. easy. quick load and change. easiest cnc i’ve ever used. really is just run the heck out of it.
btw, i’m not over 3400 hours of running 1f machines. no regrets at all.
, Woodworker X50. I set up my own ATC with it with a Masso G3 and it performs very well. I can get to the tolerances I want - as you correctly hint at - with proper machining parameters, optimized toolpaths, work holding etc… There are many others in the forum who also have great success machining aluminum, and many on the larger models, and most without the modifications I have made. I am sure they will add their experienced insights.