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-   -   Comparison: MechMate 4'x8' System to the EZ-Router 4'x8' System (http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=775)

dmoore Thu 22 May 2008 10:23

Comparison: MechMate 4'x8' System to the EZ-Router 4'x8' System
 
I was entering this information in another post and though it needed it's own seperate post. This details the EZ-Router system compared to the MechMate. This "review" is somewhat biased since I built a MechMate. By going with the MechMate I got:
  • Heavier main beams and support board beams for more stability (turned inward for more room)
  • Better motors with better resolution and without exposed gear reduction (3:1 I'm guessing instead of my MechMate's 7.2:1)
  • Much better and more professional cable management (they offer cable management for an extra $763)
  • Better electronics and eletrical (shield cables , non-mechanical proxies, just one e-Stop, the better 203V Gecko's)
  • The same speeds for cutting and jogging with the ability to double the speed for an extra $175 with a SmoothStepper
  • More Z (10+" as opposed to 6") with options for ~14" of Z for just a few hundred more (they offer 12" of Z at a cost of $1,800)
  • Larger cutting area (100" x 52")
  • Better step resolution - .0003 on the MechMate (X, Y, Z), .0005 on the EZ (only applies to X and Y, Z is likely to be ~.0010)
  • Better fastners (stainless steel)
  • My choice of color - not just Grizzly Green
  • Better integrated dust management system (I'll post on this in the near future)
  • I could add a second, independent spindle/router for only $575 (excluding the router itself) - not possible on the ez-router due to it's design
  • Better finish (electrical connections, hardware, adjustable feet, etc)
  • A better understanding of CNC and of my particular machine - I don't need to rely on support that may or may not be there
  • I saved ~$7,500 with my MechMate (the 4'x8' ez-router is $11,489 + $763 for cable mangement + $1,800 for extra Z). As to my own time building the machine - I would have had to spend 300+ hours at $25/hour to make up the cost difference. I've spent (building, excluding research) less than 120 hours building the MechMate.


http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImages/4X8.gif

http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...xis%20shot.jpg

http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...d-for-web1.gif

Note the mechanical limit switches without proper cable strain reliefs and the "dangling" y-Car cable hose running through the gantry:
http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...d-for-web2.gif

Note the smaller and exposed v-bearings (the pinion gear also doesn't appear to be fully on the track):
http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...d-for-web3.gif

http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...d-for-web4.gif

Bigger Z stepper with better resolution (note the lack of a geared setup):
http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...-alternate.gif

Better spring perch design and shielded cables on the MechMate (the motors do appear to be grounded though):
http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...alternate3.gif

Geared motors on the MechMate Z asix for better resolution:
http://www.ez-router.com/ProductImag...-alternate.gif

I could have even built the 5'x12' ez-router for just about $600 more than a 4'x8' table which they sell for $14,580 (two main beams, additional legs, additional support board beams):

http://www.ez-router.com/index.asp?P...PROD&ProdID=52


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