Lack of Axiom YouTube presence

[alonsorobots]

Hey there,

I’m debating buying the Axiom AR8 Elite CNC router and on paper it seems to have the best stats: 3hp liquid cooled servo motor, cheap price.

Two things making me lose faith are 1) how little customer review videos there are on these machines 2) that Axiom had talked about making a ATC many years ago and so far seem to not have delivered.

Any insight by current AR8 users would be truly appreciated!

Alonso

[dadealeus]

Nov 26, 2023 23:47:04 GMT -5 alonsorobots said:

Hey there,

I’m debating buying the Axiom AR8 Elite CNC router and on paper it seems to have the best stats: 3hp liquid cooled servo motor, cheap price.

Two things making me lose faith are 1) how little customer review videos there are on these machines 2) that Axiom had talked about making a ATC many years ago and so far seem to not have delivered.

Any insight by current AR8 users would be truly appreciated!

Alonso

Hey, Alonso.

Been using my AR8 for many years now without any issues. It's a solid, well-built machine. The only complaint I've heard (which is not applicable to my machine) is the recent VFD controller (the controller used to set the spindle speed). Mine works fine, but over the years Axiom switched to some different hardware and one of those VFD controllers was horribly unresponsive; you'd try to adjust the speed by turning the knob and either nothing would happen, or the numbers would change erratically.

I can't imagine this is something they haven't fixed by now (this was a few years ago), but it seemed bad enough that I'd recommend you make sure it's fixed before investing.

Have a read through this thread to see a couple of videos of what I'm referring to (be sure to visit the second page of that thread, too):

axiomprecision.proboards.com/thread/1647/spindle-speed

Other than that, the machines are great and very reliable in my experience. Would definitely recommend assuming that VFD issue has been corrected.

- Gene

[Neil]

Seriously, you measure a manufacturers success and ability to deliver based on their YT presence? Perhaps owners are too busy using their amazing machines to pander to a screen addicted society.

[alonsorobots]

neil, There is broadly a correlation between good tools and people wanting to show off 1) what they have been able to make with it 2) Video reviews of the machine. Perhaps with a tool that few can afford there is not. When dropping this kind of money on a tool that you won't be able to see in person, it's nice to see both text and video reviews.

Follow up question for everyone: Why might someone choose the AR8 vs the Laguna IQ Pro? I know the IQ Pro has an ATC, the Vacuum table, 10" height gantry clearance, and optionally the MQL cooling system for things like non-ferrous work. AR8 has servos (is that much better for non-ferrous metals?)

[dadealeus]

Nov 27, 2023 19:32:41 GMT -5 alonsorobots said:

neil , There is broadly a correlation between good tools and people wanting to show off 1) what they have been able to make with it 2) Video reviews of the machine. Perhaps with a tool that few can afford there is not. When dropping this kind of money on a tool that you won't be able to see in person, it's nice to see both text and video reviews.

Follow up question for everyone: Why might someone choose the AR8 vs the Laguna IQ Pro? I know the IQ Pro has an ATC, the Vacuum table, 10" height gantry clearance, and optionally the MQL cooling system for things like non-ferrous work. AR8 has servos (is that much better for non-ferrous metals?)

I'd say mainly price. The Laguna model is over twice the price of the AR8, but is also a solid machine with (obviously) quite a few additional features.

Honestly, if you're looking for ATC functionality and a vacuum hold-down table for non-ferrous metals, I'd take a look at StepCraft's M-Series machines. While not quite as rigid as either an Axiom or Laguna machine, it's pretty comparable with the Axiom machine's price - even with the ATC and hold-down table - and will mill aluminum/brass/copper just fine; you just have to take slightly smaller bites.

[Neil]

Alonso,

Perhaps my concern is the question that you are asking is unanswerable. Your faith is something you alone can manage. Youtube is not a substitute for good objective evaluation based on your needs. ATC is just a part of your needs. All of this said let me share my entry into CNC.

I write software for a living. I have always loved woodworking as a hobby. 2015, as I had more time and disposable income I wanted to combine two of my passions, both of which provided me with a creative outlet. I documented my needs, my limitations such as budget, space, projects and bought a Shapeoko 3. It was a wonderful entry into the world of CNC and it took me from infant into adolescence (CNC wise). I learned so much and the S03 forum was incredible. 2018, I found a buyer for my S03, packed it and shipped it to Minnesota. I was ready to step into the grown up world with a new machine. Again I defined my needs and for around $10k bought my AR8+. It has been and continues to be an incredible machine. I have since added a rotary attachment and rarely needed support from Axiom, but when I did they were amazing. I also have sufficient confidence to work through problems and try to fix and learn at the same time. Never an issue and the support from Axiom will not be found on a machine spec page. Also, this forum and Vectic's forum is frequented with experienced, friendly and willing elves, who without reward provide a wealth of knowledge. Again that alone makes Axiom a worthy choice.

I have made countless works of art, had immense pleasure and my faith has never been questioned. One last comment, if you want the ATC you will add around $2k. I have a bio-chemical semi-intelligent tool changer (me), and have never encountered any hardware or software issues other than needing sleep each day.

Good luck in your quest and I sincerely hope you get the machine you want and it provides half of the pleasure I have had with my AR8+.

Regards,
Neil