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Now On Sale now through November 25th, 2009! Now includes 5.0 software, 1/2'' dia. V-groove router bit and two hold-down clamps!
Bring the speed and precision of computer-controlled machinery to your
shop with this top value CNC system! With a table measuring 15-3/4" x
31-1/2" it’s ideally suited for carvings and machining operations on a large
variety of signs, doors and other small projects. It boasts impressive power,
speed, accuracy, and ease of use. With its robust steel and high-density
poly-ethylene construction, it can take accidental impacts that would
normally
damage or destroy an aluminum or MDF machine. The included
Clamping Table features two hold-down slots for securing work anywhere
along the
length of the table. The unit comes with two hold-down clamps (additional
hold-downs are available separately). It is fully compatible with the Bosch
Colt Palm Router and includes a 1/2" diameter V-groove router bit. The CNC
Shark also includes the new
version 5.0 of the VCarve Pro software interface — a $500 value. You supply a
PC computer with USB 2.0
port and a Bosch Colt router (router sold separately). Simply connect the USB
cable to the controller box and the other end to your computer (not
compatible with Mac computers).
Visit a store near you for a live Demo!
Features:
- Travel: X: 13" Y: 24" Z: 4.5".
- High Speed traverse rate 120+ ipm.
- Bearings: 12 precision linear bearing guides (4 on each axis) for
maximum rigidity.
- Resolution: Full step of 0.0005 inch; at 1/8 step 0.0000625 inch.
- 269 oz/in 1.8-degree steppers.
- USB interface with on controller memory storage.
- 5 turn ACME precision modified threaded with acetyl backlash
reducing nuts on all axes.
- 24V Supply to provide full power to the steppers.
- VCarve Pro 5.0 software program included ($500 value).
- Includes 1/2'' Dia. V-Groove Router Bit
- Includes two Hold-down Clamps
- Mounts for a Bosch Router included (Router sold separately)
- Free downloadable control program included
Click
here for more detailed information on the CNC Shark Routing System.
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Customer Reviews and Photos for:
CNC Shark Routing System
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Average Rating:
(4.9)
(12 customer reviews)
Add your review...
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1) Submitted by
Larry Stobbs Jr., from St. Joseph, MO
on 10/25/2009
Customer Rating:
I bought my Shark earlier this year and it was money well spent. I did a lot of research before the purchase and for a homeowner or a small shop this is the ticket. I used the V-Carve program that came with it and it was easy to learn and a well thought out program. I have also bought the 3D program that is available called Aspire, which is expensive, but I am getting great results. The photo is an Army Seal I did for a veteran recently. I do have a few recommendations for anyone that purchases this. First, the MDF clamping table is ok for when you first start using it and if you make a rookie mistake and cut into it, you are not out much. I bought a laminated birch top that is 1 1/2 inches thick, installed T-tracks in it and took the time to level it to the cutter head. This is important if you are doing very precise work. Second, the collet on the Bosch Router is pretty good, but I bought a precision collet that keeps the bit perfectly centered. Third, get some type of dust collection for the system, an enclosure is easy to add but it needs to be on the machine. I orignally did not worry about anything but the computer and controller so I enclosed them to keep out dust. The problem I found out is that even though the Colt Router is excellent, the machine produces very fine dust when working with walnut and cherry and those fine particles were getting sucked into the router. I have had the bearing replaced on two routers so far due to dust getting in and am working on an enclosure now that I can hook up to my dust collection. Keep in mind, I run my Shark almost everyday, so this may not be an issue for most, but if the router acts like it is underpowered, this is probably the reason. One last point that several have addressed before, I bought the smaller version and now I which I had bought the larger one because you will end up wanting to make bigger projects. I plan on buying another one of these in the next year or two as an additional machine.
Army Seal
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2) Submitted by
Caleb Dawson, from Troy, AL
on 9/22/2009
Customer Rating: 
The car model in the picture below took several days to machine on the CNC Shark but I am happy with how it turned out. The learning curve on the CNC Shark is relatively steep but the results are worth it. I would like to add a physical E-stop switch on the machine itself and the control software could use a few usability tweaks.
I have been using the CNC Shark for about 18 months. It's a good value-especially compared to my experience with another, more complicated, less capable carving machine. The CNC Shark is well built and designed to withstand the rookie mistakes that users like me will inevitably make. I'm glad I bought it.
more pictures of the car model at:
flickr.com/photos/calebdawson/sets/72157621387534592/
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3) Submitted by
Bob Hartig, from Sheboygan, WI
on 8/24/2009
Customer Rating:
I continue to have fun with this machine. Instead of writing a thousand word review, I'm sending this picture of my latest CNC project. All parts were cut on the Shark. The wood gear clock was intended to be made using a scroll saw. It was easy to use the Vectric software to adapt the plans for cnc cutting. All cuts and holes were made using a 1/8" up spiral bit.
Wooden gear clock
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4) Submitted by
Don Strenczewilk, from Rochester, NY
on 6/27/2009
Customer Rating:
Got the machine a couple of weeks ago. It was simple to assemble. I was up and running my first piece in a couple of hours, including the time it took to download and install the software on my Vista laptop.
I cut some mdf and it worked wonderfully. But it made a dusty mess. So, it needs some sort of dust collection, especially with the computer nearby whose fans suck up the dust. I built an enclosure around it with mdf sides, a Plexiglas front and top, added a 4" port for the dust collector and made another 4" hole at the opposite end of the enclosure. Total cost of the enclosure and hardware was about $50. At the end of a job, I blow it out any remaining dust and shavings with the blower end of shop vac. Two unanticipated benefits of the enclosure are that (1) the servo's and router stay pretty cool since the air is constantly flowing around them which should make them last longer, and (2) it quiets it down enough that I can work on the next program without earplugs to muffle the whining router.
Being my first experience with a cnc machine, quite a bit of experimentation with bits, feed rate, and pass depth, was needed to get as clean cuts on hardwood that I get by hand with a router.
The Vcarve software is fantastic. It is very easy to use. I thought I'd need a CAD program for design but Vcarve is fine for my CAD needs, and it's much simpler to learn.
The controller software works but there a couple of minor annoyances. It has button controls that let you manually move the router along the axes at any of three speeds to move the router to its start point. Problem is that after you run a program, it moves very very slowly and the speed buttons don't work. The only way I've found to get it to function properly after running a program is to shut it down and restart it. I emailed New Wave Automations about it and got no reply. The other annoyances probably aren't worth mentioning.
This review is getting toolong so to summarize, the machine and software perform very nicely and I am very happy with them, especially when comparing the price of other CNC routers. Sorry I didn't get one sooner!
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5) Submitted by
Brad, from Minneapolis, MINNESOTA
on 6/3/2009
Customer Rating:
My only mistake was not buying the bigger size. This works so well you want to do bigger projects. The MDF table was off just a hair - I only noticed it when I was routing a topographical lake map and noticed the depth of the lines at the top was just a fraction higher than the depth of the bottom some 12 inches away. Nothing that a couple of cards won't take care of. I did get a little frustrated when the X and Z connections were mislabeled - but that became obvious when trying to zero out the machine. When you push the Z+ button and it goes to the right - you know the connections aren't right. Other than the slight alignment issue - the accuracy of the machine is incredible. But the map of the lake would be really impressive if it were 24 x 24 instead of 12 x 12...... I hope it lasts - this tool has tons of possibilities!
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6) Submitted by
Bob, from Sheboygan, WISCONSIN
on 5/10/2009
Customer Rating:
Tim,and Al,
Everything seems to be working just fine. The Shark is making huge amounts of sawdust. Neighbors are getting ideas for things I can make. The variety of what can be done with this machine is just incredible. It looks like I'm in for a lot of fun. I agree with all comments others have made so I will stop writing and keep on making sawdust
Thank you for your help.
Bob
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7) Submitted by
Joe Wainwright, from Highlands Ranch, CO
on 3/29/2009
Customer Rating:
After seeing a number of advertisements about Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and what they can produce I had to investigate. It is amazing that a computer controlled tool can create beautiful 3 dimensional carvings and much more. I have always been partial to ornate furniture and have found that this tool will add a whole new dimension to your woodworking.
First, let me say that I spent time researching the other commonly seen CNC machine on the market. The more I read about this other machine the more I felt that it was a risk to buy it. Over 50% of the people reviewing that machine were unhappy with it and their customer support. I am convinced that it is plagued with problems.
On the other hand, I found that the CNC Shark is a simple and well thought out machine. But, do not let the simplicity fool you, the more I work with it the more I am finding it to be very precise and able to handle some pretty challenging tasks.
Initially, I knew nothing about how these CNC machines operated. So, I decided to spend a few weeks just reviewing the software behind the whole thing. The CNC Shark comes with an application for designing projects called VCarve Pro 3.1. It is produced by a British based company (www.vectric.com) and let me say all of their products are just out right great! Don’t take my word for it. You can download free trial versions with excellent tutorials to check it all out.
If you upgrade to VCarve 4.6 or 5.0 you have more options like importing bit map drawings. The software will trace the outline of the drawing and allow you to create cutting paths for it. How cool is that! As an example, I imported a bit map drawing of a cluster of grapes and created a complex carving. You can use it to create inlay work, build templates, do precise drilling, mortises, and more. With a special bit the machine will also let you engrave in soft metals and ceramic. The uses are endless.
So what about the more complex stuff? I was wondering if it was possible to create more complex 3-dimensional shapes like a round solid sphere, a finial for a clock, or a toy car where it needs to be cut on multiple sides. If you purchase Vectric’s Cut3D application you can create tool paths to do just that. To build a 3D image you can buy them or build them using CAD software.
PROS:
• I really like the simple design of the machine. Simple relates to fewer problems. Having a removable router as opposed to a built in router makes a lot of sense.
• I found the Customer Service people at Next Wave Automation (manufacture of the Shark) to be very responsive and very good about answering my questions.
• The Controller software is very easy to use and had a great interface.
• VCarve Pro 3.1 that comes with the product is a great application. I found Customer Support at Vectric to be a little slow in responding but they always came through.
• I also really liked all of the optional applications created by Vectric. All of their applications had a great user interface.
• Overall the machine is fairly light weight but very rugged.
• You can machine wood, soft metals, plastics, and ceramic.
CONS:
• I really felt that the CNC Shark should come with the latest version of VCarve Pro 5.0. It is an additional cost to upgrade to this version. You are spending a lot for a great machine it should come with the most current version of the application.
• The power pack and electronics come as two separate boxes. It would be nice if at some point these were merged into a single housing.
• The bolt and nut that hold the router in place uses a star head screw. I switched mine out to use a more common wing nut and Philips head.
• The instruction manual did not cover any real information regarding the maintenance of the unit.
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12 reviews...
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