I want to buy - MPCNC or Lowrider

Hi Guys

I have looked around and cannot seem to find this in any topic, so if it has been asked, please direct me to that thread, otherwise, would love some thoughts.

Firstly, I am a total newbie to CNC. Have been into woodworking and some welding etc, so dont have two left feet/hands!! Also, very competent on the computer side of things.

I am looking to purchase a kit that will be able to grow with my skills. looking to be able to do mostly woodwork at the start and perhaps a bit of Aluminium. I was going with the MPCNC as it looks like an awesome platform to get my hands wet with. However, about to hit the purchase button and realised that I did not give the lowrider any thought.

In comparing the two, all I have been able to see is, if you want a bigger work area, go with the lowrider. Based on that, I would love some thoughts on:

  1. besides the ability to pit to a larger area/table, is the lowrider more rigid that the MPCNC?
  2. I noticed that with the low rider the the spindle seems to be mounted "in the centre of a plate" (excuse my lack of technical terminology) while in the MPcnc it is mounted "on the side of a plate". I have read in various comments, where people have asked about putting a bigger spindle and comments all seemed to focus on the fact that not only is the weight important, but the size as if it is further from the vertical plate the weight will effect stability (again, forgive my terminology incorrectness). In this regard, I have seen that the higher dewalt 611 is used on the lowrider, which is more powerful. Does that mean that the Lowrider is more capable of more powerful Spindles?
  3. Relating to my second question, is the lowrider more capable in some areas than the MPCNC?

While both machines can do all of the options, IMO the MPCNC provides more ready to use capability that can grow with you. But that’s only because folks have made all sorts of tool mounts for it (drag knife, laser, icing dispenser, …) while the LowRider has primarily been used as a cutting/carving machine. Spindle size is probably not as important as you might think - the DW660 can do everything the DW611 can - Ryan has effectively optimized the design among accuracy, speed, tool availability and DIY buildability. A bigger spindle means more weight but does not necessarily mean more cutting capability because of the bits being used, the spindle speed, NEMA 17 motors, etc. There are folks who have successfully machined steel with the MPCNC.

That said, I started with an MPCNC and then converted over to the LowRider because in my small shop, I could use the cutting surface as a table if I moved the gantry all the way to one end. Both choices are great and the community here will provide an outstanding level of support and the occasional entertainment. Good luck!

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Thanks BT

I did see all the comments about the Dewalt 660 being ample power. The main issue is that it does not come with a 220v version. I have a different spindle Ozitto 850w and it has variable speeds AND is lighter than the Dewalt. One issue is that it neck area is 45mm, however I spoke to a guy who said he found the 3d model for the attachment to the MPCNC and that he could help me printing it.

BT, regarding which is more rigid, do you have any info about that?

Thanks again for your input.

Cheers

I’m not sure anyone has tested the rigity comparing the two. For large builds, the LR is definitely more rigid. I’m not sure about builds in the 12-24" range.

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I have nothing to add other than this is one of the best “new person” threads in a while. A question with all the relevant info, a couple of complete answers. Thanks fellas, you make this a great place.

Don’t worry about it, this is not that kind of forum, I do not think anyone has ever said “did you even search” in this forum. Things can move fast here, info can go irrelevant or even proven false as we learn. Ask away, and I try to update the main pages as questions come up.

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I chose the MPCNC as the platform for getting into CNC carving/engraving. I had similar background and considerations as you expressed, fwiw. After poking around this website, I chose to start with something smaller, in line with the “aim small, miss small” approach. (although at 24"x 24", I’m on the large end of the recommended dimensions for MPCNC). I have no regrets, because I was up to speed and working very quickly. As a platform for learning CNC, I’m completely satisfied.

Although I started with MPCNC, I have for a long time contemplated a CNC machine that could cut full sheets (4’x8’), and the LR2 seems like a great choice. I’m working on clearing the space now, but I expect to be starting that soon.

Even though I haven’t yet started that build, I really like the idea of having two machines for two different goals. The LR2 would be dedicated to cutting sheet goods, and I’ll likely modify the MPCNC to do some other things, including having the ability to carve the end of pieces (like Frank Howarth does on his single big and expensive machine). My mods to the MPCNC will be mostly in the base, but I can easily change the dimensions of the MPCNC itself with a trip to the big box store for some new conduit.

Because these machines are so affordable, and because they are so customizable, I was comfortable moving forward with the idea that I might change my approach later. Although I also like to look before I leap, I found the vista after having taken the step well worth the effort.

Hope this helps.

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Thanks for that last comment too. Did not even think of the idea of having two machines, each one specialising on different things… cool

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It does as it happens, but it is a different model number. The DW26200 is the European 220-240v option. Its exactly the same except voltage.

I recommend buying the DW26200k version which comes with both fixed and plunge bases and fence etc. Oh and an 8mm and 1/8" collet (8mm to use festool and european bits, particularly the 20mm bit if you wish to make doghole surfaces, akin to the festool MFT table or Paulk workbench) :slight_smile:

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I have looked for that one, but could not find one. There are a few other Dewalt ones in australia however they are around $300-$500.

I was thinking of simply using the Ozito one I have which is 850w, variable speed, lighter than the dewalt… with one problem that it will not fit the mount. But I have seen this mount on Thingiverse.com - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3210390

Just not sure price to print. I do have someone who said they can do it for me for $20 when they get their 3d printer in a couple of weeks.

Still question around if I would not be better off with the Longrider. and if it could handle a heavier spindle without affecting the rigidity. For me the LR is cheaper, unless I am missing something. (considering I have a lot of timber for the base table).

You would have to make a mount for that router on the low rider too. The LR has a plate, which many routers can attach to, similar to an inverted router table. If you have a bandsaw and enough sanding tools, you could build a mount for either out of wood.

The main reasons for liking the dewalts here (in North America) are:

  • Available all over. They sell them at home depot.
  • 1/8" collet in the box
  • Lots of power 600W for the money
  • 1 year warranty
  • Built for builders, who are usually pretty mean to tools. Especially the handyman style 660.

Some of those don’t apply to you, so it makes sense to find something else. I would also consider the chinese spindle option, since there are several mounts for the mpcnc (AFAIK, no mounts for the LR). The power supply will be 220V. There are different diameters and I would find one with adjustable speed.

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Also, FWIW, $20 seems high for that one part. But it’s not crazy. Just to say, if you pay $20 for that, it had better be right. Don’t pay $20 for it if it isn’t a good print. Better would be $20 for two or three of them.

Ah yes…the gateway machine…

Yesterday my neighbor and I were discussing a beer delivery robot and automated gate that uses Arduino and RFID to deliver the refreshment depending on who’s yard or garage we were in. This conversation would not have happened had I not built an MPCNC (and MP3DP…and second MPCNC…and cheap Chinese 3D printer…and…)

Regarding the 3D print being expensive. OK, i thought that was really cheap. I went onto 3D hubs, got a quote and it was ± $112 hmmm…

Regarding the Chinese spindle, the price difference for a 500/800/1500/2200w with controller etc are not that massive… before I found the MPCNC option, i was looking at building from scratch and was looking at building something around the 2,200w water cooled spindle… I know it’s overkill for most applications, however if I ever wanted to get more into aluminium, I thought i would rather spend a bit more on the spindle… and work in some options around rigidity. I guess that is part of the reason for the question around the LR being more rigid :slight_smile:

Huh. Maybe I have no idea how much these things cost. I know my local library has a 3D printer you can use for free and if it’s PLA filament, it’s probably less than $1 worth of material.

Be careful with those huge spindles. The extra weight won’t be worth it. I think 500W is plenty. The machines that can actually take advantage of a 2.2kW spindle are a different class, running 1/2" bits through beefy material at high speed. The MPCNC/LR gets it’s strength from a balance with a healthy dose of leniency. You cnan go bigger or smaller but too big and you end up with a real unprecise machine that can make a mess really fast.

$20 each is quite expensive if you want to buy 100 of them. $20 is fine if you want 1 right?

I mean theres $3 in there to cover materials, and $17 for the fuck around factor of having to do something for someone else and wanting to be able to buy a beer and a burger afterwards right?

Plenty of people around with printers that will likely happily have you over, show you how it works, print the part and have some good yarns about 3d printing (which is a CNC machine as well, so might be a welcome discussion/lesson?) and either charge nothing or expect you to bring around a couple beers to drink while the machine prints your thing?

Go visit a local hackerspace or makerspace or library? or find a local facebook group for makers or 3d printer people etc?

Thanks guys.

I think I am going to the MPCNC. Also, Perhaps as a starting point. I will then either try organise my Ozito spindle or look at buying the Dewalt 660 as described, and also purchase a 110v to 220v converter… hope that will work

Anyone has a new or used MPCNC for sale. I was about to purchase a new MPCNC and it is sold out and I’m trying a different route that might help my needs. Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

my email is
paul_smith1401@yahoo.com

Paul

Did you look in the #leftovers section?