Below is a rough chart, with incomplete and bad data. Even so, hopefully this is good enough to convey my observations… A crowded field of fixed sized machines in the $ price range.
Am curious what features and quantifiable significant factors people considered when deciding between a V1E MPCNC and alternatives? Things like community support, shared .stls, feed-rates, MRR, but what else(s) ?
Personally like that MPCNC Primo, MPCNC LR4 (and MaslowCNC to some extent) are not fixed size or fixed materials, we can build to the size and material budget that makes sense for our initial needs/wants. The awesome flexibility, lets us slowly dip into these belt/emt based projects on a relatively limited budget, see how it goes, potentially diving in incrementally deeper if/when our interest, time and budget allow.
However, that awesome flexibility came with a bunch of upfront time consuming decisions needing to be made. Time burned, and the analysis paralysis experienced will vary depending on how deep people zoom into the details and options. Today, for LR4, I see many builds being 1/4 sheet or full sheet. Am wondering if this topic ends up with an additional even smaller common Light build that fits entirely on a common 2’ x 4’ desk. Maybe a few clear paths to onboard could be help minimize time to decide and build, e.g. Light, Regular, Pro…
So, I personally like the idea of a single platform that, if possible, has a really cheap entry point, but can be significantly upgraded incrementally if/when needed/wanted.
For example, previously shared Printable XZ Plates for LowRider 4, practically begged people to not download or use, but some are anyway (because shipping, taxes…). Is there a cheaper linear rail alternative (e.g. vertical 150mm 2020 extrusion, belt, high+low idlers with printed mounts, printed carriage block that grips belt ends similar to mp3dp v5) that’s good enough for the minimally viable entry level LR4, something that helps people take their first step into a platform that can be used with a CNC Router, or Laser, or Pen, or Engraver, or Drag knife, or whatever… Can the $$ parts of the LR4 motion have a cheaper option that’s good enough for some scenarios available at a point that matches what people want to invest day 1.
LR4 docs continue to be updated. Cool mods and premium builds by the community are starting to surface, am hoping to see many more interesting builds. Consider a MacGyver contest to see who can innovate to create the cheapest LR4 build that can still cut plywood. Personally feel like LR4’s multi-dimensional journey is just beginning…
Consider a LR4 Yellow Brick Road that has multiple 3 on-ramps (e.g. Light, Regular and Pro), and multiple optional stops that can take people close to AVID CNC, or better, on a fraction of the budget.
Again, I’ve never built/used a MPCNC Primo (so I’m ignorant to it’s benefits over LR4). Currently, I’d sooner build a smaller LR4 than a Primo.