Onefinity’s Black Friday Ultimate Package has put my Black Friday purchases in a tail spin. I had been planning on buying an Elite Woodworker and a PwnCNC ATC during the Black Friday sales. I was hoping for at least a small to medium discount from both Onefinity and PwnCNC. Now just two days before PwnCNC releases their Black Friday deals Onefinity releases what on the surface seems like similar functionality for 86% less!
I’ve read the, “New Releases from onefinity”, topic here and I’m aware of the concerns, but isn’t it also hard to believe the Onefinity would make such a big deal out of something if they hadn’t tested it to give them self high confidence it would not be a support nightmare or legal liability?
Am I missing something or is the functionality similar?
I’m looking at spending $500 for a spindle with ATC from OneFinity vs $3,628 from PwnCNC. Part of me is thinking that if the PwnCNC Black Friday deals aren’t epic maybe it is worth the risk to try out the Onefinity Ultimate Package. If it work great I’ve saved $3,100. If it doesn’t I’ve lost $500 and will just buy the PwnCNC ATC.
FWIW, I looked at the Rapid Change before I bought the PwnCNC ATC.
Like you, the difference in price was really tempting. I reluctantly decided to go with PwnCNC and pay the high price because the technology for their tool changer is nothing new and is used in industrial applications. And, as expected, it’s worked flawlessly (minus some early user error/learning pains).
If the pneumatic ATC technology was brand new(ish) like the Rapid Change is (my understanding is that Rapid Change is only a few years old), I’d bet it would be a much higher price. That $3600 difference could be $10,000 if the spindles weren’t mass produced (if that makes any sense ).
I also like that I can buy tool holders on Amazon (they’re ubiquitous) and really pack in the tools to make it as useful as possible. I designed my own tool racks and 3D printed them giving me the capacity to have 14 tools down the left hand side of the machine on the Y axis on my Journeyman. I was also able to make them at a custom height that allows me to use long tools without drilling into the table while still getting 6+ inches of z cutting space (and a rotary off to the right hand side).
If I was using a Woodworker, this maximization of real estate would be that much more important.
I have no connection with PwnCNC, other than being a customer, and I’m no fanboy (I have my gripes), but this system works like a champ and I don’t regret buying it.
As for an ATC in general: what a great thing to have! I never worry about how many tool changes or in what order they occur. It makes no difference to me. If I need to clear material for an inlay, I’ll use multiple clearing tools (successively smaller) to save time. I’d never do that if I had to change each tool manually, I’m way too lazy.
I am not a believer in that change system. Cross threaded spindle comes to mind. Plus over torquing the spindle while tightening. The time frame would have to be spot on. I’ll pass.
I looked into and researched the RapidChange ATC system about six months ago. Like you, I was attracted by the price (even before 1F partnered with them). I decided against it then and haven’t changed my mind. The reasons were well explained by Loopback77 and GJM. I’ll be ordering a PwnATC during the Black Friday sale.
To maximize the # of tools I can have on my 1F Woodworker, I’m also going with the UglyDogWoodshop QCW tool racks and Sidekick dust boot.
I am not associated in any way with PwnCNC, 1F, UglyDogWoodshop or RapidChange ATC.
One other consideration is that PwnCNC has an upgrade path (around $2700) to the pneumatics ATC, discounted for customers who already own the Pwn plug-n-play spindle system because the existing Pwn VFD can be used with the ATC system. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!
If I’m not mistaken PWNCNC researched, designed, developed and tested their system… which I’m sure required countless man hours and a good deal of financial investment. 1F took something already developed / available elsewhere and added it to their machine… not that there’s anything wrong with that, but just saying.
I agree with others that although they state it’s near impossible… it seems likely that cross threading and torquing issues are inevitable.
PWNCNC’s customer service is second to none… you WILL get near immediate response and reconciliation if you do have an issue. I’m sure 1F has good customer service as well (I haven’t had to rely on it… yet), but having experienced PWN’s customer service first hand I find it hard to believe anyone can do better.
Lastly, and I admit this is petty… but this whole ‘safety certified’ thing with Redline… can’t seem to find any information on exactly what that means. Makes me think marketing gimmick?
I am not affiliated with either PWNCNC or 1F… beyond being a customer.
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts. Interestingly, now that the PwnCNC Black Friday sale has started the ATC system is $100 more ($3,700) than it was 10 minutes ago. I hope this is a glitch on their website.
But they’re still 10% off, which is a better position than it was before.
3,700 was always the price, but we discounted it for a while. That while has expired.
We’re not hobby lobby where we say, “Product X is 40% off… forever.”
@Chris shortly after my post I went back to the site on my phone and noticed the message about the discounts being visible in the cart. Now I see the 10%. I totally understand that you don’t have the high margin items of some business or the loss leaders.
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