Best CNC and 3D Printer , The Stepcraft M1000 | Why I bought it over others!
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- Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
- The StepCraft M1000 was best suited for my needs, and considering all the tool options, including a Laser, Vinyl Cutter, 3D Printer with automatic tool changer this one was an easy selection. Great out of the box solution, with lots of options and room to grow.
Here are the Promised Links.
Discussion with professional about how he uses the machine and customer support.
• On Site Q-Series Inter...
The Dragon Cutting Board that started all of this
• The Dragon cutting boa...
Supplier of the End Mills and bits.
Http://Toolstoday.com
I purchased my CNC Directly from
Stepcraft.us
Thinking of setting up an CNC Business, Listen to the Titan Gilroy story first,
• The Dragon cutting boa...
George Kenner is a San Diego Realtor & Real Estate Broker and as is customary in California Brokers must display their Department of Real Estate Licence Number. George's number is 01229951.
Along with being a Broker George has also been recipient of Realtor of the Year honors and California Association of Realtors, Champion of Home Award. You can see a short video that details why George was given these honors at .
• George Kenner, Recipie...
George also contributes his video skills to charities and his local Realtor Association and will consider working for free for any charity. If you have a video project to discuss with George please do not hesitate to call him at 619-723-5714
Been having so much fun watching you and your Stepcraft. Thanks for all your great videos.
Thank you for the very nice comment. I have a new one going up today. I really try and send the message this is lots more fun that watching television. Wait till you see what I made next. Making is learning.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser I have a really high end 3d printer and a mini cnc machine. So I have been learning so much over the last three years. Been dreaming of a Stepcraft for awhile now. Really like your video editing. Have fun with that M1000. P.s. Stoked on that tip for the "Learn your cnc website". Thanks George.
I'm saving up for this machine so I can start doing CNC has a hobby! I'm so excited.
Good luck! I am enjoying my machine.
Hoping to get this machine and start something new and exciting. Looking forward to more videos!
I have more content on the way.... getting everything in the shop takes time, but I am surely getting there.. made some of my first signs, now. Set up a production of my first sign, six at a time.
Well done George, I just found out about step craft today
Thank you..... I am very happy with my machine, but it is just a few months old.... The guys at Stepcraft have been great to work with.
Good start to your new hobby. I checked out the Ball Screw backlash tolerance and it’s very good for a CNC that is not industrial. Great for repeatability. Going to be fun!
Thank you, I have a Dart Board Repair Project that is going to be one of my first things to do.... it will just be some cut circles to build a bezel and a dart holding system.
I just got mine last week and I got it all assembled and running. The quality seems to be very good as are the instructions, they have bar codes to scan for videos during each step although they have not completed all the videos so some steps don't have videos. My ultimate decision was based on the ease and time they responded back to me and was never rushed off the phone. It's also the only machine I know of that does the "freestyle" milling. I run a festool ct15 and when the coupler is removed it connects to the stepcraft dust collection
Amazing..... wait for my next video... You will crack up. Thank you very much for the comment...
I Like it Greats from Holland 👍👍👍
Just about to do the second in the series video.... going to buy the Dust Collector system today... thank you for the nice comment.
great video, keep it up 👍
Thank you.... I have some more planned.
The selected dust collection system depends on your cutting volume. If its hobby small items you will be good with a small Cyclone Pail and shop vac, or a festool CT26 . But,if you are going to do production work you will need a poweful system line the Laguna 2-3 hp cyclone that has a large primary cannister and secondary one with the drum filter.
It will take up a corner of your shop, but you will not regret it because you can run 3 lines with blast gates and be productive doing other work like sanding and routering as the CNC is working and the Laguna takes care of the wood chips/dust as you multi task.
I have the 3 hp, and love it !
Thank you for the comment. Dust is something every needs to consider.. this worked fine for me but I can see in a bigger shop where it could be a little less that optimal .
maybe I'm a bit late but I'm from the Netherlands and we use here Festool vacuum cleaner like the MIDI or the MINI it's a great cleaner for the price I think. Good luck with the CNC from stepcraft it's a great machine to use!
Greetings from the Netherlands
I wrote and earlier comment but it did not get posted.... More videos soon. Thank you for the comment.
Hi George - I’ve been going through the same thought process and am heading in your direction as well, so that’s given me some confidence. Thanks for posting. Re: the dust collection, noise is a big consideration and I don’t know about the Bosch. I’d recommend harbor freight’s $150 dust collector. Very quiet. That a little PVC and some 3d printed fittings and blast gates from Amazon and you can do the whole thing for under $250. I was surprised at how well it worked. Happy to share some specs and design docs if you reach out.
James thank you for the great comment... I will look into your the idea for the dust system. If you have any questions I did not address and you want to ask them in private, my e mail is g.kenner@yahoo.com. I am going to start the next video today about going through shop set up. CHEERS!
Nice video well explain!
Glad you liked it!
Ultimate way to control dust, perhaps instead of or in addition to dust extraction at the point of the cutter, is to build an enclosure for the whole CNC. You could easily make one from plywood or MDF and some acrylic sheet and cut it out on your new CNC!
Steve there are enclosures you can buy but when doing a carve or cut, but you may want to so something on the CNC table like vacuum up some chips to see how the project is going along. I totally understand what you are saying but just have not gone that route and have seen few people do this, and I think for that reason. I opted for Vaccum , a Dust collector filter system and face mask equal to an n95. I throw in my radio / bluetooth head phones and just "music while I play" Thank you very much for the comment.
Hi there. For dust collection it would be worth checking out the cyclone type collectors that you can put between your CNC machine and the vacuum. This will save on having to clean or change out your filters.
The Festool that I have does that. I save some of the small chips to fill cracks and that type of thin
Go have a look at the Festool CT Midi shop vac and add a CT-VA 20 dust separator to it.
Great efficiency, and footprint is pretty small, because it is stackable. I do have the same setup running at my cnc. No problems and emptying is very easy and comfortable
Thank you for sharing... I purchased another Festool sander and the CNC just arrive... new video in production right NOW!.. Thank you for your comment, it is very nice to know I am not the only one that made the Festool decision.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser you are welcome! You def earned my like and subscribe!
It will be a pleasure to see your journey!
Did you have to wire the electronics or most of the wiring was pre-assembled? Thanks!
For Dust extraction I use the Harvey dust Processor (it's very good and easy to Maintain , it sits under my machine with the chiller), I was using a standard shop collect with a cyclone and a .005 Mic paper air filter. The floor does not need to be perfectly level I think my CNC would work just fine Upside down, Although I would n't do that. You see the main thing is that the bed is perfectly parallel to the the Gantry and that should always be to create the correct depth in your cuts.If you Need help( a design or something let me know and I will help you, I wish all the luck in the world. Don't get Frustrated....If you have tried to find an answer for 30 minutes and cant find the answer just ask)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I'm looking into buying a Stepcraft as a hobby machine myself. I'm a bit more sold on the Onefinity machines but they're really expensive when you order from EU where as the Stepcraft is the only CNC I can find that is made here - And as you mention they do have a ton of extra features that you can add to the machine.
I just got my machine and have it in the garage setting it up now. Worked on the automatic tool changer today. There is a learning curve but I knew that going in. Very impressed with quality of construction. Should have another video out in a few days... I have been taking progress videos.
Awesome! I'm looking forward to watching that.
I have no experience with CNCs either so following your progress will give me an idea about what to expect myself.
Good luck with the assembly!
@@dachr2 I bought my machine assembled. Meaning the table and all the table drive motors were there. I also got the vacuum table and the automatic tool changer. They sent me the most updated "tool changer" better than I even expected, but it requires some computer file adjustments and they are a little above my knowledge base. I got this knowing there was some "puzzle factor" and I was going outside my area of expertise. I try and solve the problems myself before I get on the phone to customer service, I figure I will learn the most that way. There is a facebook users group you can follow, I followed it a bit before I purchased and found it to be a valuable asset in making my decision. This is like getting a new car, you got to figure out all the buttons, but I am having a blast doing it.
Sounds awesome! I hope it lives up to your expectations :) I'm subscribed and will follow along on your journey!
@@dachr2 go have a look at sorotec. Sells EU wide and the machines are def one level above stepcraft.
Looking at buying this same machine. Would be interested in talking/communicating and talking attachments and features …. Thanks!
love my machine... but there is a learning curve. I would be happy to answer any questions. G.kenner@yahoo.com They will just be my OPINION as I am not sponsored by Stepcraft....
Great videos Can you tell me if there was a deciding factor you chose the m1000 over something like the d840? I'm trying to decide between the two.
Sorry for the slow response, I was at a woodworkers even in Phx. I went with the biggest I could for my working area. That was the M. No other big reason.
Hi George. Great review! Did you happen to review the AVID CNC machines? I see this brand widely used and its price is in the same ballpark as stepcraft with a larger work area. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Michael , Avid was my second choice there were a few things that made me go Stepcraft. Sales Approach and what I think customer support will be, there was a passion at Stepcraft. Now to be fair I have not got my machine yet but at least in the approach I think I made the right decision. Second thing was I saw a video where someone made a sign for a Legal office. It was on a large round piece of wood that clearly would not fit on the Avid Table. But with the Stepcraft they lifted the machine on to the wood and carved the design. The light bulb went off... I would not be limited to the working table size. I should have my machine in a few weeks, I got it FULLY loaded and they were waiting for the special spindle I ordered. MORE TO COME SOON! Thanks for the comment.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser Thank you so much for your response George. You make a great point that by being able to lift out the floor in the stepcraft it allows you to work on a larger piece of material. A great feature but unless I'm missing something isn't the actual carving area still limited to the extend of the working area of the main table? For example if you carved half the round sign you mentioned are you then able to reposition the stepcraft, establish it's EXACT new location relative to the drawing file in order to continue cutting the round sign precisely? I'm a long time wood worker but have no experience yet with a CNC so thank you again for your insights! Looking forward to your review once you have your machine.
@@michaelolshefski5845 your welcome, as I have said this all started with a Dragon Cutting Board on saw on UA-cam and I started researching. I found most of the content about CNC good but NOT GREAT. The idea of opening up the bottom of the table was something I just happened to see, I made the comparison myself. I have my table set up and am excited for the arrival.
You should look at Festool for potential dust extraction.
In the next video I talk about buying a festool vac for dust collection... we were thinking alike... Thank you for the kind advise.
Get a cyclone dust separator (dust deputy has small, medium, and large versions to suit your application). This is a must to give that expensive festool filter the longest life possible.
@@ckent1975fm Thank you wfor watching but I purchased the Festool dust seperator that just stacks on top of the Vac. I think I cover that in another video.
Don’t go with the Bosch vacuum. I purchased one for dust extraction on my floor sander but quickly found it doesn’t have the suction, also the dust back function that is supposed to clean the filter is not very effective and the filter clogs quickly. Buy an Oneida dust system, more expensive but excellent extraction.
I ended up with a Festool .., it sucks good...
Did you look into the OneFinity prior to purchasing the Stepcraft? If so, why the Stepcraft over it?
I did look into the One Infinity and avoided it for the assembly aspect. ( I may not have done that today) I have a brother in law that is a high tech quality control manager and he aided me make my decision. I AM NOT SPONSORED BY STEPCRAFT they have never given me anything. What I advise people is to call the sales staffs and ask them and have them share "WHY THEIR MACHINE" is better. I just got back from Florida and did a review on C02 Lasers. Aeon Laser us in fact has all the machines there to look at. But trying to compare by UA-cam is hard. If you were near me I would some come look at my machine and run a cut or two. I am happy with my machine. I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING BAD ABOUT ONE INFINITY... Got to Be FAIR... CHEERS and thank you for reaching out. I want you to have the best machine for your needs.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser thanks so much for your reply. I have had my hands on a Stepcraft and did some minor traffolyte work but it's been a long while since then and wondered if it still the best option. I do like the fact that you can set it on a surface and Z goes all the way down (the person that let me use it bought it to do designs on concrete). The last piece of the puzzle for me now is how easily I could use Fusion 360 with it but not a lot of great reviews on that yet.
@@raymondreyes4244 you are most welcome. I will say this about Stepcraft... I have always got straight answers out of them. I have never used Fusion 360. Stepcraft gave me Vcarve pro as part of the purchase deal.
Where can I get all the info to buy one of this? Ty for sharing. 👍🙏🤜🤛🤝
Go to Stepcraft.us all of their information is there you can write to them or as I suggest call them on the phone and tell them what you want to make with the machine. I have found them to be very helpful. Best of Luck, I bet you really enjoy getting involved.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser sounds good ty again for taking the time to reply back I really appreciate u.🤝👍🤜🤛💯
@@jesusontiveros19 if you have any other questions send me an e mail to G.kenner@yahoo.com I will share whatever I can.
A cheap shop vac with a dust cyclone is ideal for a cnc
thank you for the imput, the reason I was / am favoring the Bosch system is out of the box and roll away solution for the small space I have.
I started with a “cheap” middle of the line Rigid shop vac and a dust deputy cyclone. Didn’t cut it for my workflow. I went with a dedicated Laguna CFlux1 system and couldn’t be happier. No more breathing dust. Two 4” inlets. One goes to the CNC and the other has a 25’ flex hose with a Rockler quick connect that I move to other tools around the shop as I need it.
You still use it today?
yes and I have my second one for my second shop location...
I’m considering the shapokoe HDM or this machine. Which one is better ?
I am pretty honest. I have never used a Shapokoe, but when I reviewed it I did not find it to be as finely crafted machine as the Stepcraft. But Price is a consideration also. If you call STEPCRAFT they will be happy to help you. I am not sponsored by Stepcraft but they have always helped me with service after sale, in a very timely manner.
Your inspiration of the 'dragon' cutting board, a question; Do you think that guy sells 500-2000.00 cutting boards? His work is nice, but I wonder if he actually sells the crafts, or it's really a hobby and he hopes he can sell them. I guess if you sold two or three you paid for your cnc!
It is my understanding he "SELLS" the boards, I have watched his channel and there is lots of custom work. I am getting close to attempting a board like that. It has been hot in Arizona and it's just starting to cool. Cutting wood to make the end cut board just does not work when its 115 degrees outside. I am doing a video now on how to make a board with almost no tools. I say TRY something, you never know what will come out of your attempts.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser WOw! That's great if these crafts sell. Encouraging! I can't believe how quick the costs add up! I'm over 2700.00 for a complete xtool setup with all the bells and whistles! Keep jumping back and forth between laser and cnc :) Both would be perfect. Some day...
I know why you bought it 😁
Because my new "mega power" computer will drive it... lol... You need a cutting board?
Every time I researchbthus company bad reviews with instructions customer service etc
I understand what your saying, about the only people who ever say anything are those that are mad for some reason. CNC machines for the most part are TOOLS.. and not all people know how to use them. If you are really interested in machines I suggest that first you research TRAINING. There is a website call learnyourCnc.com they have a list of manufactures for CNCs... What I do on my channel is try and show what I have made and what I have learned, thus far I have no complaints that I can justify as I am far from an expert, YET. The general advise I give is TALK to the machine company directly, tell them what you want to make and have them "price" their machine combo for your needs. Check out my 6 month review of the machine. I AM NOT SPONSORED, I want everyone to have the best took for their needs.
dont believe this lot of bull worst cnc ever just look at the 3 watt laser wont cut anything
Beg to disagree with you, I made some really nice things with my CNC. I did not buy the laser attachment, and now own an Aeon Mira Pro 7 CO2 laser. And for anyone reading this... I have never got anything for free from Stepcraft, other than great customer service.