[Tomcat104]

I'm thinking about a 6012 router from Jinny @ ACCTek.

It looks like a rugged & well built machine. But I read so many horror stories about Chinese electronics and loose bolts.

I need opinions from people who have actually dealt with them please.

I emailed with a guy at Automation Technology and he said they make all of his machines, that they just go through them and check them before they are sold. They also handle all of the parts here in the States. Anyone have any experience with them?

[fernando1982]

Hi tomcat
Their machines are good. i biught a big machne from ACCTEK after saw some feedbeck here. and the rusult was good.
Chinese also make quality machines now.it is better than i expected.
thanks

[Tomcat104]

Thank you!

I will post when mine arrives.

[gg_du_78]

Hi Tomcat,
Together with a friend we bought two AKG6090 machines from AccTek.with some improvments compared to the catalog products.
These 2 machines works fine and we can say that all the differences with respect to the order are positive improvments.
If i have to renew my order, I will not hesitate to ask for further additions or improvments.It takes longer to realize them a posteriori.
You can see a mechanism box made by my friend
Attachment 363450

Regards,
Gerard

[Tomcat104]

Hi Gerard,

Talented Friend!

Thank you for the feedback, I pulled the trigger and ordered an AKG6012. Looks like a whale of a machine t an excellent price to me. I order mine without the base and now have to build one sturdy enough for the router, just hope that I can do it justice.

Was this your FIRST CNC? It will be my first, I'm disabled now and need a hobby where I don't have to walk too much.

Which CAD software did you choose? What CAM software are you driving it with?

So sorry for all the questions. I'd like to lean on your experience if I may.

[gg_du_78]

Hi Tomcat,
My very 1st CNC was a DIY model four years ago.
When i decide to change for a new one it was to acquire a lifetime model;
So it must have capabilities for wood plasctic and soft metal.
My prefered CAD software is Solidworks but for lignt project Cambam is sufficient.
With a lot of plugins you can do a lot with it.
My operating software for the machine is Mach3 which is fully reliable.
The missing link to date is a simulation software simple and cheap.
Regards
Gerard

[Tomcat104]

Hi Gerard,

I think you made a good choice. I am trying my best to follow the "experienced ones" on this forum, buy my second cnc router first. I looked at a lot of machines before I settled on the AccTek machines.
For CAD I have only AutoCAD so far and don't see expanding much past that.
I'm torn between V-Carve and Artcam. It looks like Artcam is only available as a subscription service here and that will be a BIG issue to me.
I had planned to use Mach3 as my operating system too but te guys at Newfangled Solutions are trying to get me to go the Mach 4 route instead. Have you tried any of the parellel to USB UC100 USB MOTION CONTROLLER?
I think Mach4 will offer you a simulation software plugin.
Regards,
Tomcat104

[gg_du_78]

Hi Tomcat,
My motion controller is XHC-Mach3 4 axis BOB which comes with an USB interface.and drivers for XP.
It works very well and offers a lot of extension. for 4th axis or more I/O
Regards Gerard

[Tomcat104]

Hate to ask you for a favor today but the English - Chinese language barrier is just too big of a problem.

One the main controller box, where does the parallel cable plug into it?

I'm having a custom workbench built for it and the carpenter needs to know. Can you help me?

[gg_du_78]

Hi Tomcat,
On the main controller box there is a cord on the rear without any connector so the distance between the box and the machine is limited.
In the front of the box there is a hole for the USB cable between the PC and the controller.
Some pictures will speak better than a description.
Attachment 363728 rear view of the controller
Attachment 363730 internal view of the controller when opening its door
Attachment 363732 Front view with the blue USB cable
Regards
Gerard

[Tomcat104]

Thanks Gerard,

That was exactly what I needed to know for the carpenter and yes, the pictures helped a lot.

I didn't even think about the Controller Box to Router CORD length. A quick re-design of my table is in order.

Apparently the English/French "thing" works beautifully!

Cheers,
Tomcat104

[Tomcat104]

Hi Gerard,

I have another question for you. I hope I don't ask too many, but I have a thousand and will try to ask you ONLY the most important ones.

Are you using the Mach3 & Artcam that AccTek ships with the machine? Is it an older version of Artcam or something? I ask since all ArtCAM is now a subscription service here in the US. I talked to the maker of Mach3 today and they told me NOT to use the "Chinese" software; it was "infected". Do you think tey are telling the truth or just wanting more money from me?

[gg_du_78]

Hi Tomcat,
Mach3 license is about 175$ and works fine.
With my previous CNC, DIY, I begin with a cracked version and was disappointed.
Since I work with the license I have no longer had any problems except those due to my own mistakes.
Regards
Gerard

[Tomcat104]

Thanks Gerard,

I was concerned about the version that came with it might be cracked.

I will order a "clean" version of Mach3, it sounds like a wise investment.

Do you have any thoughts of trying Mach4?

Tomcat104

[ger21]

It's the license file that is pirated. It's not "cracked" but just a copy of someone else's license. Mach3 was subsequently modified in later versions to not work properly with those license files.

[Tomcat104]

Hi Gerard,

I have another series of quick questions for you, please.

Do you run your machine on a 32 OS or a 64 bit OS? I was going to use Windows 7 32 bit OS but I wondered if I would benefit from the 64 bit (additional RAM).

Still waiting on mine to ship, seems like it's taking forever!

David

[gg_du_78]

Hi Tomcat,
In my opinion, the most adequate OS for Mach3 is Windows XP 32 bits.
But Hardware configuration is at least as important, choosing a single-core processor is more appropriate and moreover a USB interface with the controller is more powerful than the old parallel port which is limited in number of I / O and term of speed.
Gerard

[Tomcat104]

Gerard,

Thanks for the input. I have an old computer (2006 Dell) already runny Windows 7 32bits so I'm going to try it first but I'll keep this in mind.

It has 2 USB ports in it that I'll try first...I was gong to use the parallel port but I'll get a long USB cable and go that way instead.

I'll have to check and see about the processor since I can't remember if it's 1 or 2 cores on the processors.

Cheers & Thanks Again,
David

[Tomcat104]

ACCTEK just wrote me and my 6012 is ready...for the slow to the USA.

Quick question for you; how did you pay your balance? PayPal? Bank transfer?

I've never bought anything (more than $50) from another country so I have no experience at all.

[gg_du_78]

Hi Tomcat,
In Europe Bank transfer to a Chinese bank is very easy fo do on line and bank charges are less than 30 Euros.
In addition it is fast and your money is at AccTek in less than 3 days.
Regards;
Gerard