Hello all, I am going to detail the entire process of purchasing a CNC router from an overseas manufacturer. I have a small commercial woodshop in NY.
I had talked to a company, StyleCNC, a few times over the past 2 years, as I was considering upgrading the shop with a CNC machine. Prices were certainly lower a few years ago, but the quality of the machines that StyleCNC offers also seems to have improved. For example, I was getting prices in the range of $7-8k shipped CIF to NY back in 2020. Currently I am in the market for a 1325 or 1530 machine with ATC and prices for this better machine are between $15-20k landed in NY CIF. I will post final prices for the machine after the process is complete so I can list things like any taxes or import duties that pop up. I have a shipping broker, and hope to use them for the customs process. If anyone has comments about getting the machine delivered Door to Door DDU (duty unpaid, but all of the fees and trucking included) vs CIF (delivered to port, but duties, port fees, and local transport not included). I am only 60 miles from NY/NJ port and I have picked up one other international crate before which was a pain, but not terrible. The difference in price is significant (3.5k). Shipping was listed at 7-14 days to get produced, 30-45 days in transit. I will take these with a grain of salt.
Looking around, their website seems to be the most professional, with plenty of videos, blog posts, information, etc. I was not impressed with some other companies' web presences receiving 404 errors and such. Obviously a website is not required to make a CNC, but taking the time to have a good English website is a good start. I have looked at Blue Elephant, who is very present here, but I don't see them being better than this.
I have had excellent communication with the sales people so far. Little to no communication issues or broken language - their English is excellent. My emails get returned either late at night or early in the morning, which is to be expected.
The specs for the machine are listed on the website https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-wood-ro...-machine.html\
Model STM1530C
Working Area 1500x3000x200mm
Table Size 5' x 10'
Traveling Positioning Accuracy 0.03/300mm
Repositioning Accuracy 0.03mm
Table Surface Vacuum and T-slot Combined (Option: T-slot table)
Frame Welded structure X, Y Structure
Hiwin Linear Rail, Helical Rack & Pinion Drive, Z Structure Hiwin Linear Bearings & Rails, TBI Ball Screw
Max Power Consumption 4.5KW (Without Spindle)
Max Rapid Travel Rate 45000mm/min Max Working Speed 30000mm/min
Spindle Power Air Cooling ATC
Spindle Spindle Speed 0-24000RPM
Drive Motors Leadshine servo motor 1500W + reducer
Working Voltage AC 380V/50/60Hz, 3PH or AC 220V/50/60Hz
Command Language G Code Operating System LNC CNC Controller
Flash Memory 128M
Collet ER32
X,Y Resolution <0.03mm
Software Compatibility Type3 and Ucancam software (Option: ArtCAM Software)
Additional specs that I have received are:
#9KW HQD ATC spindle
#Taiwan LNC control system
#Leadshine servo motor 1500W +reducer
#Vacuum table with vacuum pump
#Fuling inverter
#Double bags dust collector 3KW
#Position cylinder 3+2
I would be happy to have anyone comment on these specs. I don't yet have a vacuum pump power rating and I assume it is a Chinese or Taiwan pump. The HQD spindle is air cooled China clone of the HSD spindle. I don't plan on operating it 8 hours a day (or even every day), so there is no need to go overboard on the spindle specs. I would actually be fine with a lower power spindle, but it seems that this is what works with the ATC, so no need to go messing with that. Some things are interesting, like the fact that it comes with a dust collector - I asked for it to be removed and they told me it was free. I already have a fully plumbed shop with a cyclone, so it is not necessary, but I will take it if it is free. Rack and pinion is not name brand at this time. Is that something I should ask for? 1500w Leadshine Servos seem to be good spec for this type and price of machine. I see 750w servos on Blue Elephant machines.
Their video on the LNC control system seems very nice to work with. It comes with a full computer cabinet and lice large color screen. I find it amazing that some machines are still working with small text only screens with how cheap they should be. Since I don't have prior experience working with Mach3/4 or other legacy controllers, I don'e see any issues learning their system. https://www.stylecnc.com/cnc-router-...ontroller.html
The machine comes complete with full multi-zone vacuum bed with pneumatic positioning pins. These features are not found on many of the US machines that I looked at. For example I was about the buy a ShopBot PRS Alpha at auction (went for $12k used - higher if I had been bidding). This machine was only single spindle, flimsy aluminum extrusion bed and gantry (compared to full welded steel bed), no standalone control computer, no vacuum bed, and still sold for $25k new in 2018. I can't see how that machine could be better than this new China machine.
There is a very nice large rotary option for only $1500 extra. Seems like a no-brainer, but I don't have the room, especially if I upgrade to a 5'x10' size. It sits alongside the router bed on its own frame and handles 2.5m objects (full columns or bedposts). But I also think that it will go mostly un-used and be in the way so I am opting for a $500 small rotary that sits on the CNC bed. It will be harder to setup, but also won't take up any space and can be put on the shelf for all the time it is not used. This only handles 100mmx2000mm.
I have discussed some safety items such as using Alibaba for the purchase with Trade Assurance, a paid inspection of the machine prior to shipping (either through Alibaba or Third-party), and placing our company name on the machine so that we can be assured that the machine that is inspected is the one we receive. All of these request were granted without any pushback. Warranty is 1 year and the spindle does need to be shipped back if defective (manufacturer requirement). Other issues should be able to be resolved without return shipping according to them.
They gave me the name of a customer in NY, so I will be contacting them to see their thoughts and find out any issues they had with the machine or delivery.
All in all, it seems like something worthwhile and I should have a very functional machine here for less than $25k, which I have been unable to find in the used market.