ShopBot Buddy
The Buddy is a small footprint CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine designed for industrial, commercial, or residential applications cutting in wood, acrylic and non-ferrous metals. CNC machines are powerful tools controlled from a computer software program which enable you to make everything from simple cut-out shapes to intricate 3D carvings (and everything in between). Typically these machines are large, heavy, expensive, difficult to work with and so have been mainly used in industrial settings. The Buddy incorporates many of the same features as ShopBot's full-size industrial systems, yet weighs less than 600lbs and occupies as little as 16 sq. ft. of floor space. It also comes with easy to use but functional software to drive the machine to make parts for everything from the dedicated home improver to a small business owner. Buddies are available with either a 24"x32" work area or a 24"x48" work area and come pre-assembled and ready to plug in and use. This work area can be expanded by use of the PowerStick attachment to lengths up to 8 feet.
A Buddy has the speed and accuracy necessary for precise cutting and milling applications and detailed 3D carving. The Buddy is available in a PRSstandard version sufficient for most users but there is also an option of a PRSalpha, performance, production version. The Alpha provides increased speed for some operations as well as a feed-back loop for positioning so it can keep checking its own accuracy. [Click for a few quick tutorials on using a Buddy]
As well as being ideally suited to the hobbyist and small business owner, the Buddy is also great for 3D prototyping and educational applications. Buddies are available with optional casters (wheels) that make it easy to position the tool for any project, or to push it out of the way when not needed. Picture to the right shows a Buddy PRSalpha with casters and Spindle with VFD.
All Buddies come fully equipped just like ShopBot's full size tools and include: Z-Zeroing Plate (for accurate tool position setup), Dust Skirt (to control and allow removal of waste), ShopBot CNC Control Software, ShopBot PartWorks Design Software, and our "Get Carving Quickly" project files and tutorials.
Click here to explore the Buddy in pictures
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The machine itself is built in the USA using materials and components primarily sourced from US suppliers. It has a level of build and quality way beyond its price-point and ShopBot make use of many precision components and an innovative assembly method to ensure that each machine is shipped calibrated and ready to cut.
 |
Model | Nominal
Cutting Area* (green outline at left) |
Total
Tool Movement Area* (red outline at left) |
Footprint** (black arrows at left) |
| BT32 Buddy 32" | 24" x 32" x 5" .61m x .81m x .13m |
25" x 33" x 7" .64m x .84m x .18m |
38"(+12") x 56" x 67" .97m(+.3m) x 1.42m x 1.7m |
|
|
BT48 Buddy 48" |
24" x 48" x 5" .61m x 1.22m x .13m |
25" x 49" x 7" .64m x 1.24m x .18m |
38"(+12") x 76" x 67" .97m(+.3m) x 1.42m x 1.7m |
|
| *Nominal Cutting area and Total Movement Area
refer to the areas that can be covered using a single z-axis.
**For Buddies, the cutting table under the work moves in and out to provide motion on the X axis. The table moves out up to 6" (.15m) in the front and the back of the 38" table size. |
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| Prices | Buddy Package | |
| PRSstandard BT32 | $7,195 |
Ready to cut, ready to roll for only $8070.00
|
| PRSstandard BT48 | $8,795 | |
| PRSalpha BT32 | $10,745 | |
| PRSalpha BT48 | $12,345 | |
The Power Stick
Every Buddy is fitted with ShopBot's new PowerStick technology. The PowerStick is a (patent pending) system for configuring Buddy to various working lengths or to provide a system for swapping out one deck with another. The standard size PowerStick included with each tool provides a 2' X-axis working length (the PowerStick itself is 4' long). We provide a plywood starter deck with each Buddy, but one of the advantages of the PowerStick is the variety of approaches available for setting up decks or work hold-down systems. PowerSticks are available with working lengths from 2' to 8' (see below). [Click for Video Intro to Buddy and PowerStick]
A PowerStick adds great versatility to what you can accomplish with a Buddy. This new approach to configuring the workbed on a CNC tool will allow you to cut, drill and machine projects of much greater length than what would be possible on a standard bed. Also, one or more PowerSticks can be used as multiple work fixtures that can be readily swapped in and out of your tool. After setting your tool up to use a PowerStick, you will be able to quickly and easily switch between different length PowerSticks.
- Easily re-configured for larger projects
- Swap out multiple jigs or fixtures
- Cut, trim, carve or make joints on long boards
Upgrader's PowerStick Installation and Use Guide [Click to Download Now]
All Buddies are now shipped complete with PowerStick systems, and a 2' PowerStick is used for the the standard size table. If you have an older Buddy, your tool can be retrofitted with a PowerStick system. Get the details on how the PowerStick works with a Buddy and how you add one to your Buddy.
PowerStick Part Pricing (same parts for Buddy 32 and Buddy
48)
(#10451) 4' PowerStick (6' long); PRICE $895
(#10452) 8' PowerStick (10' long); PRICE $1,495
(#10456) PowerStick Outfeed System (to handle long material, shown to right); PRICE $395
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Go Deep with a 12" Z Axis
For more depth and clearance while 3D cutting in foam and other soft materials, the PRSalpha Buddy 32 and 48 are now available with extended-height tablesides and a 12" Z axis. The 12" Z axis makes this Buddy the perfect tool for mold making, foam carving and prototyping.