Introduction - Considering a WD-1

[banduramaker]

Hi All, My name's Andy and I'm seriously considering a WD-1, probably within the next 2 to 4 months.

I am a luthier who builds a pretty unknown instrument called the bandura. I have a blog documenting my builds here: banduramaker.blogspot.com

I'm looking to CNC to automate a couple of the really hard tasks such as scroll and neck carving but particularly I'm looking to the accuracy and repeatability of CNC to help develop a key change mechanism for my instrument.

I've been researching various machines over the last month and so far, the top contenders are the WD-1 and the K2 3925. Depending on options, they're pretty close in price to way off in price!

I live in SE Michigan and am wondering if there's anyone with a WD-1 in the area (or the smaller one) that might be willing to show off their machines a bit and possibly show me a couple of test parts. I'm really interested in being able to cut curved parts that are glue ready (i.e. no clean up work required). Not having any experience with any CNC router I just don't know if it's possible or if I'm barking up the wrong tree.

Anyhow, any advice would be much appreciated. I'll have more questions coming but figured I'd introduce myself for now.

Best,

-Andy

[georgemyers]

Hi Andy

Good choice on the WD1, I do not think you would regret it at all. Not sure which 3925 you are looking at but imo do not buy anything that does not have support rails on x,y. Accuracy and repeatability I don't think you will find anything better in wood routers than the Romaxx machines. I have the HS1 now for over two years and very happy with it.

I have not looked in some time but I think there is a 2.4D (3d) mermaid in the gallery, only sanding I did to it was around the edges, and may have hit the surface with 0000 steel wool, can't remember but I did not want to take any detail away so no sanding on the surface at all.

Also there is a lithopane (sp) of the wife and I when we got married which was cut out of corian, for detailing the Romaxx machines can handle it with ease.

[dan]

Hi Andy,

Welcome to the forum.

You are located pretty close to where the machines are made in Redford MI. I bet that if you scheduled something with Ron at Romaxx he would demo one of the machines for you. I'm up in Northern MI.

I own a K2 CNC as well as a WD1 and I think the WD1 is a better machine by far. Dan

[banduramaker]

Thanks Dan,

I'll actually be up in Traverse most of next week (at least until Wed night). If you're not too far from there, maybe I can impose on you for a demo.

That's pretty impressive that you think that the WD-1 is better than the K2 - I've read a lot of good stuff about them.

[dan]

Andy,

I'm actually near Alpena on the other side of the state. If you want you can send me a PM.

I don't own the K2 3925 machine.... I have a smaller machine the K2 2514.

I'm very happy with my WD1 and have never second guessed my decision to purchase it. Sent you a PM.

[banduramaker]

Is anyone out there using a WD-1 with the PC 892 Router or any other router in that HP range - or HF spindle for that matter. I

s the machine rigid enough for big cuts with a 1/2" bit?

[nova290]

Yes it is strong! I use 3/4" bits with the PC 892 all the time with no problem.