Looking for some help deciding on a CNC Machine. We seem to have it narrowed down to the SCM Morbidelli N100 5x12 bed. Or the Biesse Rover K FT 5x10 bed.

Both Reps make a solid case for their machine, and they are pretty close in price, with the Biesse being 8% more expensive.

We are a higher end millwork shop, looking to get a lot faster on the shop side of things by eliminating our skill guys from having to cut and drill boxes. Would like to do a lot more with our CNC into the future, but are happy for it to take the casework load in the beginning and go from there. We cut mostly Baltic Birch, Pre-Finished ply and the odd job in Melamine.

Ive been through the forum a lot, but wondering if anyone can comment on either of these machines.

We have an SCM slider that has been a workhorse for 15 years with minimal issues.

We have a Biesse widebelt sander that is pretty good, but had trouble getting timely service on it when it went down in the past. I've been assured by local Biesse CNC owners that is not the case for CNC service, and they seem happy with the response time for any service.

The Biesse Rover has 8 vacuum zones, operated at the computer, the SCM has 2 zones. Both have the same 10HP vac pump. Should I be very concerned for movement on smaller parts with the SCM?

The gantry on the Biesse has motors on both sides while the SCM has it on one only.

There are other differences as well.

Any help or comments is appreciated!

Can't comment on either brand. But one thing caught my eye -- I can't imagine running a 5' x 10' or 5' x 12' with only 10hp in vacuum. That doesn't seem like nearly enough. Our 5' x 10' has four separate 10hp pumps that always run. We have the option to turn some off, but we never do.

I would try the Biesse. I have a SCM and when it works it has been a great machine, but when it doesn’t work no one has a clue on how to fix it.

I 2nd the Biesse. Couldn't be happier with ours

Biesse is my choice hands down.

Our router is 4x8 with three zones controlled by the computer. Which is substantially smaller than a 5x10 in square footage.

It's nice to have the zones. We have three pumps totalling basically 12 hp. I wouldn't want less pump than what we've got. You have to be careful with how you do things, and return skin some parts to prevent them from moving. If you have a nest full of tiny parts, it's best to do it on a fresh spoilboard and out of a very flat sheet.

We do unfinished plywood, so it's like throwing a potato chip shaped sponge on the table sometimes. Melamine is certainly seals better.

I don't buy the giant pump plan. I like the three smaller pumps we've got.

I think an ideal setup would be to have say six pumps the size of mine, controlled by the computer, that's also controlling zones and controlling the number of pumps operating by monitoring how much vacuum is being pulled. As you get more and more holes in the sheet from cutting parts, you are bleeding more, and need more vacuum, so it kicks on more pumps. Balancing load on pumps would be a win for wear. Taking a single pump offline because of an issue and having five others for redundancy would be awesome because things break, and being down sucks.
Starting them sequentially to save power costs would be a boon, versus spooling up a 40hp motor yanking a zillion amps.

Thanks Everyone.

So seems like the consensus is that Vacuum is King.

Ryan, I like the thought of just throwing a piece of Laminate on the unused portion of the machine. Makes the zone shutoff less of an issue. And yes, we are definitely going with the offload feature, onto our own table.

I'm going to see if either manufacturer will come to the table with more Vacuum. We are going to see each machine this week in action. You guys have given me a few good questions to ask, and specifically to see what Vacuum these shops are using.

We are pretty much right at sea level here. I've been told that helps out quite a bit with Vacuum, but not sure how serious to take that.

We have a 20hp Travaini pump on our 5x10, Holds well. The computer also controls the zones.

We also use laminate on the table if we're using smaller sheets. It helps quite a bit.

I went through the exact same choice. Went with SCM. It's been fine, but given the decision over again, I'd go with Biesse. Sounds like their service is better and truly free. SCM will make you pay for logging into your computer after the 1st year. Other's are correct. I've had a problem that required them going to Italy for an answer. Because of the time change, it took quite awhile before I was back up and running.
More vacuum is always better, I don't care what your elevation.

Biesse. Service is great, 12 years with first Rover B and 2.5 years with Rover S with auto load unload. Never needed it much but when I do they get back with me quick, log on and help you out right away.
Vacuum pump ran my first one with 4x8 table and single Becker VT 250 pump. New one has Bosch or Busch can’t remember which, we onion skin smaller parts and don’t have. To much movement. When we do it normally has dust build up or something holding it up off table.
Call me if you have questions

You absolutely want more than one 10hp vacuum pump. I'm guessing the pump is likely a VTLF 2.25 by Becker. That pump is good for about 32 square feet. You of course have 50 square feet with a 5x10 table and 60 square feet with the 5 x 12. You need 2 pumps for these machines. Don't allow budget constraints dictate your future satisfaction with the machine you purchase. Find a way to get what you need.

I've worked on over 20 CNC brands since 1990 and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. I have also transitioned into the sales side of the business (Giben owned and built by Anderson Industrial). I don't spend time trying to tear down any manufacturers product and believe depending on the application there are several brands that will meet a customer's needs. When I speak with individuals looking at multiple brands, I like to prepare a spread sheet that helps clarify the differences in the machines being considered. I would recommend you do the same. Create columns of the most important features, for example spindle size, machine weight, feed rates, service and so on. You'll be better able to access which machine best meets your needs. I would even be happy to assist you with a spread sheet like that but if I do, I would only ask that you allow me a third column to list the features of the Giben. If you're savvy to the CNC business, then you should be able to list the most important features yourself. If you're newer to the CNC world than your salesman should have helped to educate you. If they didn't than they are only that, a salesman.

Good luck with your purchase and feel free to pick my brain if you wish.

I should add that I meant to say assess which machine, not access which machine.

I would also go with Biesse, I have SCM, I like their smaller equipment like the shapers, sliding saws, planets and jointers. I have great luck and service with that stuff, but they should stay out of the CNC market, I have had issues and their service department in Georgia and Italy have not been able to repair the problem, why sell something you don’t know how to repair??

I wouldn’t be in such a hurry to buy way more vacuum than you need. You have to pay a bunch of money up front and then you have to pay a bunch of extra money every month for electricity. I guess if you have a money tree then it is no big deal.
Like mentioned 2-10hp vacuum pumps is the absolute maximum you need and I would have them set up to only run one most of the time.. I have cut for years with only one 10 hp pump, but my table is only 4x9.

Looking forward to hear how you make out.

1 More for Biesse.
Great service. We are expecting a truck with our new Rover A any minute now :-)

Vacuum zones are important.
I will save time blocking off when working with small parts.

As far as Vac: we currently use 2 10hp VTLF-250s. If that is the pump they are providing and for your application it is not enough, you can add one.
Those pumps are indestructible.
If price is an issue then you can find them on Ebay for $3K.
Then add some new vanes. We just tried some from china off ebay at $350 they seem to work fine.
If you are concerned about electricity usage
add soft starts and turn them off between sheets.
Again Ebay - the ones I use come up pretty often at $250 to $400.
Make the veins last longer at well.

It's crucial to make the proper option when selecting a CNC machine for your millwork shop, and it's excellent that you've settled on the SCM Morbidelli N100 and the Biesse Rover K FT.