Any Axiom CNC Owners in Western Canada?

[northviking]

Thanks to all for the excellent forum! Just curious if there any forum members out west here in Canada that are using an Axiom AR8 Pro or Pro Plus. I have the plus - just arrived and it would be great to connect.

Regardless, I am looking forward to participating on the forum and eventually being in a position to share some knowledge gained along the way. However, for the near term, unfortunately I will be inhaling information from you folks, instead of the other way around. I am way up in the Northwest Territories of Canada and I believe I am the only person with an Axiom Cnc, or any other type of machine that I am aware of. So, thanks again for the forum and all the knowledge and experiences you are sharing to new-comers like me.

Cheers, Eric

[aluomala]

Hi Eric. I'm down south in Edmonton (hard to believe that Edmonton can be called south of anything). I have an AR4+ Pro. I am planning on getting a bigger machine, but my experience with getting an Axiom in Canada left me less than enthused about the prospect of doing it again (it was more the distributor than the main company, but you are known by the company that you keep, so....).

I have found it difficult to find CNC related items in Canada, so I tend to buy online (ToolsToday is my go-to for bits). I prefer the Amana brand, and ToolsToday has a good shipping deal to get around the border issues (you pay a premium, but if you need bits in a hurry, its worth it.... I got a shipment in 2, maybe 3, days once).

If you need hardwood, and come down in a truck, I can hook you up with a guy in Edmonton who has all kinds of different hardwood. Windsor Plywood is OK, so if you have one up there anywhere, that's where I'd recommend looking. For small pieces (6"x12"), try Inventables.com. They have promotions occasionally, and it works out to be an OK value. They carry more than just wood (acrylic, etc), but be mindful of sizes when ordering since the shipping costs (as you are probably more sensitive to than most) can get crazy.

Anyway, hope you enjoy your new machine!

Allan

[northviking]

Hi Allan - thanks for the reply and connection! Yes, I guess Edmonton is considered south (1000 road miles) but I drive it all the time, so not a big deal. I'm really looking forward to getting into production of guitars with my machine but as you say, here in Canada, there is very little cnc support out there. I am going to do the training offered by Axiom as I want to jump the initial learning curve a bit. I will make contact when I'm next on my way to Edmonton to check out your wood supplies (appreciated very much).

All the best, Eric

[northviking]

Allan - one last thing, sorry about your experience in getting your machine into Canada. I got mine through Felder in Calgary and they did an excellent job handling the initial order and all of the logistics. It was real simple - just paid for the machine in full, and it arrived a few weeks later, well packed, and it was dropped at my shop door. In all a great experience, so I guess I was lucky to say the least.

Cheers, Eric

[aluomala]

Well, Eric, I'm envious about your experience (getting your machine). Without getting into dragging a company's name through the mud (it might have been a one-off issue, but based on other things, I doubt it...), I had to go with the only company (at the time, which was December of last year) that was distributing Axiom products in Canada (that I was aware of). I heard that Felder was going to start distributing them out of Winnipeg, but not sure what their status is now.

The wood supplier that I use is W.G Chanin Hardwood. He's in the industrial park near Telus World of Science. Gary (the owner) has a reputation for being a bit of a grump, but he has so much wood, and knowledge, that you can't blame him for being grumpy when he gets asked stupid questions. When I first met him, I was a little nervous (his reputation preceded him) and was rambling on about what I needed, and he said "Stop talking! I'll tell you what you need for your project!". I was a bit taken aback, but he was right, and he didn't want to waste any time on extraneous matters. It helps to make a list of what you want, and call him in advance (couple days maybe) since he has a warehouse full of wood, on lifts, stacked to the ceiling, and it takes a while to get to some of those stacks, so don't go there if you're in a rush and indecisive: HomeDepot its not. But he has stockpiles of wood/veneer that go back before a lot of these new restrictive wood laws (CITE, I believe), so he has stuff tucked away that might make you weep. He also has bookmatched pieces for guitars, so he'd be right up your alley.

If you're passing through the city, drop me a line (I'm between Spruce Grove and Edmonton, just off the Yellowhead (Hwy 16)), and I'll show you what I'm making (military badges mostly) and maybe give you a few tips (or you can pass on some tips, since i plan on making my own guitar one day (body only I think) since I'm a beginner guitarist and want to make something cool).

Good luck with your machine and take care,

Allan

[northviking]

Allan - thanks so much for the contact information on your wood supplier. I will definitely check him out. Also, I will send you a note when I come down to the Edmonton area. It would be great to meet you and share insights and experiences.

Thanks again and all the best.

Eric