new to this forum. I bought a secondhand unfinished C Beam kit locally and have enjoyed it so far. I'm a woodworker and would like a larger machine. My options are: Use this to build plates and build a Lead or other machine Expand/upgrade this one to a larger size Sell and buy a different one What's my best path? Is #2 feasible? my C-Beam is older, so parts may not match the current one... Oh, I also have some 8020 extrusions (quite a bit of the square 20x20, one 8' piece of the wider stuff). if that helps.
As the LEAD series uses many of the modular plates, you may be able to recycle some of your C-Beam parts for sure
I've found a sketchup of the Lead system, is that the best place/way to find the detailed list of items? (assuming they were built properly using components in Sketchup)
I’d opt for option #3. Aside from some wheels, a few clips and a whole mess of screws you’re not going to pull much off an original Cbeam machine. Cash out and start over. A Cbeam XL is a fairly easy conversion to a LEAD but there’s just not enough usable on the original Cbeam to merit a conversion attempt.
Thanks! Still a very usable machine from a learning standpoint. What about making my own plates using this machine? Much savings over just paying for a mechanical kit?
My $0.02 is to go with option 1. If you sell your machine and buy a new one you will have to buy all the electronics too and steppers and router etc.(which may/will come in the new kit) where as in option 1 you just have to get a few extrusions and new wheels and maybe some screws and nuts. BTW, when doing the plates, remember that the most important part is to get the holes in the correct location. The outline cuts of the parts is not as important. Do the drilling/milling of the holes first and if you don't get a perfect outline cut than so be it.
Perfectly valid option. Start with just one and see how it goes. Then put it through the time vs. money vs. pride analysis. If you wind up spending 3 hours to save $10 on a plate ask was it worth it. Even when common sense says no, limited budget or DIY pride may say yes. Truly up to you to determine.
