Shark/Pirrahna CNC Machines

[Owego]

Does anyone have experience with a Shark or Pirrahna CNC Machine ?  Occasionally (like right now) I have a need to do some engraving (either laser or router) and this units seem to meet my requirements.

 

[o2b4wln]

Rockler sells the Shark and I believe the bulk of it is made out of HDPE, especially the gantry. The issue with using HDPE is that there is inherent flex in the material that manifests itself when you are using it for carving hard materials, hard woods, soft metals, etc.

If you're looking into a hobbyist level cnc machine, I'd look into machines that use aluminum vs HDPE. Not familiar with Piranha but that too looks like it uses a HDPE gantry, so there will certainly be flex when carving.

Hope that helps.

-o2b4wln