Hello everyone, I am brand new to the forum. I joined as I'm considering purchasing a lightly used Lead 1010 with the Z axis upgrade and brand new touch Z pad, router, dust boot and interface control. The machine was originally purchased a few years ago for home hobby use but rarely used. I've been reading and searching the forums trying to get up to speed on the machine, but wondering if anyone can inform about significant issues/risks to watch for in buying a used OpenBuilds machine. Pretty certain there'd be no warranty, but what about general support? Are there software licensing/availability issues I should be aware of? Does the machine typically come with software to generate gcode and run the machine, or should I expect to purchase separately? Although this would be my first cnc router, I am very fluent with 3d printing/calibration/maintenance/hardware upgrades, design software (SolidWorks for making functional parts), gcode, electronics, etc. I also have no issue tearing into things to repair (eg, car engines, electronic devices, computers, etc). I also prefer to troubleshoot and fix/build things myself. My intended use for the cnc will be mainly hobby stuff relating to repair and restoration. I have some ideas for useful items like custom lamps, furniture parts, custom small bore target rifle stocks, etc. Appreciate any and all thoughts before pulling the trigger and purchasing. The current owner is asking $2350 US for the machine as is.
Checkout docs:software:overview [OpenBuilds Documentation] Rarely used could sometimes be : "didn't quite get the hang off it, crashed it a lot, shorted out the controller wiring a couple times and gave up on the hobby and sold the machine". Has happened to folks here in the past. A quick mechanical tune up and checking all wiring is the bare minimum to avoid issues. Prepare mentally for the possibility that there may be more costs if anything needs replacement - better to be mentally prepared and strike it lucky, than other way round. Look up the user here on forum, see if he had any issues / history that might scare you away Rewatch the build videos, read the docs, read the Grbl Wiki Consider a partials stripdown and rebuild when you get it - the Build videos has lots of info, you miss out on the learning by skipping the build. Also chance to check for damage, retram and resquare everything, replace any worn components etc so its ready for the learning curve You will like Vectric then Vectric Products - OpenBuilds Part Store then - ideal for that kind of work We'll help here on forum, but of course sadly warranty issues would be out of pocket yes
I have not seen the math work out on the used ones, at least near me. With the welcome coupon a 1515 with spindle and all the regular add-ons is $2700. See guys trying to sell used ones for $2500-$2800. That math isnt working.
