I purchased a ShopSabre a few months back. It has taken a few months to get it working...Many, Many problems with the hardware. Some of the problems may simply be my expectations, and I am trying to figure out whether I just bought the wrong machine, or if I am expecting too much from it. I have tried talking with the company with limited success, they don't seem to really know what I can expect and keep having me try things. Stated tolerances are .001 , machine is rated at 600IPM (which I know doesn't mean much)
I do fairly detailed carving work, and some engraving of letters. In engraving, if I run the machine any faster the 20IPM the results become somewhat less than desirable. (circles not round, letters slightly deformed, etc.) I use Onsrud cutters, and have tried several types to see if I can find a difference, with no effect. The machine came with RhinoCam and WinCNC. I also find that the machine chatters. This is regardless of speed or depth of cut, and the patterns also look the same and happen in the same spot. (looks like chatter, but doesn't act like chatter) Depth of cut is .125 with several passes to get through, yet chatter marks are consistent all the way through like it is a tolerance issue in the machine or program. I have had folks says they run their machines at up to 200IPM with repeatably good results (not ShopSabre, but similar price point machines) I don't know if they run the same level of detail or not, so I don't know if it is a fair comparison.
The machine is a 4896 with 5HP spindle and t/c. I screw parts to the spoilboard to prevent movement since I don't have 3 phase power to run a vacuum. (Machine uses an inverter)
With that background, what is reasonable to expect from a machine like this? Should I continue to press the manufacturer for help or is this what I should expect from a machine of this caliber. I am very frustrated and not sure what direction to take next. Looking for some advice.