Re: CNC enclosure fabrication advice

Carlos,

I have the Enco, an older one. Later than the obsolete Picture shown
in their literature(AND H/F's, oddly enough) which shows nicely
cast "rounded" link arms. When I drove 150 miles to pick mine up, we
opened it and it was not "green" like the catalog pic, and
had/has "ugly flat" link arms. But it works well. Circa mid-90's.

I use it mostly as a press brake for .063 alum, and short bends
of .125 alum. I've added a second actuating arm (1/2 x 1 cold roll,
24" long) so that longer bends don't over-stress the machine
by "winding up" the slip roll (torsion), which makes for uneven
bends/shears.

I DID mill the "vee" of the brake/shear blade holder (they're one and
the same piece) more accurately, adding a little curve for "spring".
And to keep us on topic, I also added a cnc backgauge for the shear
and brake.

I really don't think there is any difference between the JET, H/F and
Enco in this machine. (I've seen all but the Jet recently) But I
would NOT buy the 40 inch version! This 30 inch is at the limit for
the type of bends/shears I've mentioned above, IMO. Like most all of
the "cheap" import tools, properly used within its limits; and "gone
through" to improve the fit and finish, and to correct the
adjustments, it's a good buy.

But it wont "touch" a foremost...

Hope this helps,

Ballendo

P.S. I haven't read ahead to see what the response to your "P.S. OT"
question is; but I'd sure think choosing the tools we use to make our
cnc machines are included in "DIY cnc". No different than geckos vs.
Camtronics, IMO.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Carlos Guillermo" <carlos@v...> wrote:
> HI All -
>
> I need some advice before I buy the wrong machine. I've been
> looking for a decent 3-in-1 sheet metal machine, 30 inch capacity.
> I'm currently looking at the Enco and Jet versions. I know the
> Enco brand looks a lot cheaper than the Jet, and I've been warned
> that they are flimsy. I also found out that the one McMaster-Carr
> offers is the Jet. The Enco sells for $300, and the Jet is $580.
> Is the Enco as flimsy as I heard, and is the Jet worth the extra
> money?
>
> TIA,
>
> Carlos Guillermo
> VERVE Engineering & Design