I am ready to pull the trigger after all my research. Final decision is between the benchtop pro and the standard. I found similar threads here, but a little older. Wondering if there are updated opinions now that more folks have these in hand.
Will be used for hard wood and aluminum, including precision engraving for items like custom coasters and computer part frames. Might make a few hundred of these a year, 20-30 pc parts a year. Decent amount of wood work.
Pro
They use similar aluminum extrusions but appears the pro is double the thickness across the gantry and connecting sides under the table.
Ballscrew driving – less backlash issues, but more worry about dust mucking them up. Anyone have issues with these needing to be replaced for this reason or do the guards do a good job?
Tslot standard – nice to have, not sure I need.
Overall, looks more robust.
Standard
Known to still be very sturdy and I probably could buy extra extrusions to bolster it up to the Pro on that level, but still not a solidly built.
Acme lead screws – can wear out, but is that an issues with CNCRPs? Have folks had to replacement them?
Has anyone upgraded their benchtop system to ballscrews as they weren’t happy? Notice a difference?
Price difference is $1,400.
Part of me wants to go all in and get the Pro for the sake of it, which is terrible logic. Is there that much more value in the two builds?
Anyone lay hands on both? My biggest fear is deflection when working aluminum.
Other difference I am not thinking of?
Any that one way or the other have additional thoughts that made you make the decision?