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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    10

    Stepcraft Choice

    Hi Guys, I'm new so hopefully posting in the correct place.
    I am about to purchase my first ever CNC machine to help build guitars--for parts such as fingerboards, necks, Bracing etc etc
    I saw the stepcraft and its available here where I live in Ireland but I was wondering if its just a hobby machine or would it also be suitable for light production work.
    Any info gratefully accepted and thank you
    Regards
    Rusty

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    It's a pretty light duty machine, since one of the spindle choices is a dremel, and the largest is only a 500w spindle.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    10

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    Thanks for reply and I was kinda coming to that conclusion as well
    The other option I had was this one: [url=http://stoneycnc.co.uk/jbec-lcs-6042-cnc/]JBEC LCS 6042 CNC | CNC Router Systems | CNC Milling Machine[/url]
    It boasts a Rapid feed speed: 6,000 (mm/min)
    The bed is 600x420 so I'm hoping thats large enough. It costs a lot more than the stepcraft but is more powerful.
    But , much more expensive of course.
    So much to learn as well !! But, I'm now looking forward to this unknown journey and hoping it will all be worthwhile.
    Cheers
    Rusty

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    I still think that one is too light duty. From that manufacturer, I'd go for this one. [URL="http://stoneycnc.co.uk/jbec-professional-106512-cnc/"]JBEC professional 106512 CNC | CNC Router Systems | CNC Milling Machine[/URL]
    But I think it's made in China.

    I'd look into getting an XZero, if you don't mind assembling a kit and having it shipped from Canada. Not sure about taxes and duty, but it's a lot cheaper, and better quality. A friend of mine has two XZero's, and uses them for acoustic necks, fretboards and bridges.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    3

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    No the Jbec is not made in China. Some of the parts are made in Germany but the remainder is made here in Ireland. I had a look at one myself and saw where they are made. Did you purchase one rusty?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    10

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    [QUOTE=laurahb;1844784]No the Jbec is not made in China. Some of the parts are made in Germany but the remainder is made here in Ireland. I had a look at one myself and saw where they are made. Did you purchase one rusty?[/QUOTE]

    No, Still hoping to buy one shortly when I get cash organised for it. It sounds like the best option for what I need. Mostly guitar parts including bodies for electric, necks and bridges etc etc.
    When you say you saw them being made --was that in Kilkenny by any chance ?
    Cheers
    Rusty

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    3

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    Yes Rusty it was. Didn't see them being actually made. but saw all the machinery used to make them. Have you gone to see John yourself?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    10

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    No , but I do intend to make the journey down soon --I'm in the west---but I did chat to him for about an hour by telephone and he certainly sounds like he knows his stuff.
    Have you experience of cnc yourself ? Its a first time for me so pretty much starting from scratch but looking forward to learning.
    Rusty

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    3

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    I have no experience of cnc myself. I do printing and laser engraving, so this is all new to me. My head is wrecked trying to make a decision. If I was going for the jbec I would go for the professional one though. I'm looking at getting the Alu 1390 with the high frequency spindle.
    I wont be doing massive amounts of work on it so I'm not looking for a heavy industrial cnc. I like the idea that the supplier is based in Ireland so the support is there. I have bought other machines from England and not had much luck support wise so that is a big plus for me. Downside is he is snowed under at the moment and the waiting list is approx. 12 weeks.

  10. #10

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    The best is to check directly eith them if you live there! It is hard for me to do it as I live far from Ireland, otherwise I'll pay a visit to them and get all info.
    Good luck!
    Teodor
    Teodor
    Imprint Tech

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Posts
    10

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    [QUOTE=Imprint3D;1850940]The best is to check directly eith them if you live there! It is hard for me to do it as I live far from Ireland, otherwise I'll pay a visit to them and get all info.
    Good luck!
    Teodor[/QUOTE]

    Thanks to all who replied,
    Just trying to get the cash together now to buy it. I will keep u all posted when I get it delivered and up and running .
    Does anyone here use CNC for guitar parts and what are the options for using it on Acoustic Guitars---i.e. Bridges-- that should be easy enough ?,
    Necks--?, String pins ? Routing for rosette --?, Inlay on headstock --yes I'm pretty sure that can be done by cnc
    Oh, and very important--bracing.
    Not too sure about what else it could be used for.
    Thanks
    Rusty

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    943

    Re: Stepcraft Choice

    I think this answers your question, found on youtube about the Stoney machine: [video=youtube;OCC_4lJcRAI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCC_4lJcRAI[/video]

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