I have been following AVID for so long...I have the owners cell phone number from when it was just him running it. I have come close to pulling the trigger a few times, but life has always kind of made it impossible to move forward. I am at a point now where I have some cash set aside specifically for a new machine. I have gone through several iterations of the best way to spend the money, and was hoping to get a few opinions before I put my order together.
For the longest time, I was sure I was going to go with the 2x4 Pro, but have decided that the 4x4 Pro isn't that much bigger, and doubling the capacity I feel will be a much better long term decision. My main issue is that I can afford the frame kit and the leg kit, but not much else from AVID. I would love to just do a plug and play system and be done with it, but I just don't have the cash. I have a left over Masso Controller and some Leadshine DM556T drivers and was planning on getting by with setting up the controller for this machine using those. I also was planning on getting the frame kit set up for NEMA 34 motors since its only $100 more. Again, I am looking at the cost of the NEMA 34 motors from AVID and they are just pushing me past where I can go right now. I found some motors from Automation Technologies that are an 8wire Nema 34 with similar TQ specs and low inductance when wired in parallel. They have the same sized 1/2" shaft, just not keyed (I don't think being not keyed will cause me any issue?) and are $70 for each vs $120 for the AVID Nema34's. I would rather go with the AVID motors just for the sake I know they are matched to the system an will be no drama, but I am already a little over budget just doing the frame and leg kit. I am trying to decide if the AVID limit switches will plug and play with the Masso controller or if they need voltage applied to them? Lastly, I have an old AVID (CRP) router mount for a PC 7518 router and was planning on using that, but thing I need to buy the mounting plate and was going to get the tramming plate with it.
My thinking is get the hardware in place, or at least the hardest and most expensive things to upgrade in place up front. Then work on refining the controller, limit switches, router and motors if need be when time and money permit. Just wanted to see if there is anything I am missing or making a bone head move on. As I stated before...I already have the Masso, drivers and 36v 11A power supply. I have plenty of shielded cable. So if I'm not missing anything major, I can be up and cutting and still be in my $5500-6k budget.
Your input is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Erik