Pilot Pro CNC Routers, kits, parts, and plans
Industrial parts for the best machine at a great price.
Helping inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses
ROBO-SHOP CNC ROUTERS by PDJ!
Making it Happen!
The competition does NOT stand up to this!
"If we could build the same quality machine with cheap components and pass the savings on to you we would do it! Truth is cheap components makes a low quality machine that will underperform.
This is why we only use the best components to build your machine, no short cuts, no cut corners, only the best is good enough for you!
Phil"
"If we could build the same quality machine with cheap components and pass the savings on to you we would do it! Truth is cheap components makes a low quality machine that will underperform.
This is why we only use the best components to build your machine, no short cuts, no cut corners, only the best is good enough for you!
Phil"
Copyright © 2014 by PDJ • All Rights reserved • E-Mail: sales@pdjinc.com
Our customers are our #1 priority
This CNC Router out performs others costing much more!
Why buy the Pilot Pro CNC Router?
*Customer satisfaction is our highest priority
*The most advanced design available
*The most information offered anywhere
*Opportunity to speak to a designer or operator
*We have over 20 years of design experience
*Manufactured in the USA
*USA support
Support Includes:
*Unlimited email
*Unlimited phone
*CAD support
*CAM support
*Assembly and operation support
Warranty:
*12 months on parts that fail under proper use
Return:
*15 days return if in new working condition,
less shipping and handling. Ask for an RMA number before returning.
CNCs are our passion; your success is our goal. Tell us where you want to go!
Always - Linear Rails - Ball Screws - Best Design - Best Prices!
10 Axis Multi-Head with CO2 Laser 5 Prime CNC
Man Rides On Gantry Videos!
2 NEW Router Models for 2021
-> 5 PRIME CNC - 20" Z Axis with 2 Degrees Of Freedom! 4th and 5th axis mounted on the Z axis for a 5 axis CNC. 5 PRIME CNC MULTI-AXIS ROUTER DESIGN.
Price List Here
-> Pilot Pro CNC router version 4 - is now shipping! NEW - Rigid Z axis, Massive Flange bearings, and more 12 inch Z axis based on the NEW 5 Prime 20 and 36 inch Z axis. Currently the DVD plans only covers up to V2. ~MUST SEE 5 AXIS DEMO~
Price List Here - the NEW V4 comes with a 12" Z and is based on the 5 Prime V3
-> INCREDIBLE - -> The Pilot Pro CNC is now using faster lead screws. Here are demos running NEMA 34 closed looped motors with the new fast lead screws. Vid#1 Vid#2. Other options available. NEMA 24 works well or we can change to NEMA 34 (1,232 oz-in) for only $550 on new orders. NEMA 34 closed loop option is $1250. NEMA 24 closed loop option is $800.
-> AutoTool Change option, This is a drop-in replacement for the 80mm spindle mounts. Same great power, 3Hp, 24K RPM. Includes 4 pneumatic collets, more available.
-> ANODIZE option, The Pilot Pro CNC router now comes in colors. Here are some sample of parts of different COLORS
-> Our Z axis now has a 12 inch travel option $550 with new orders - With longer gantry plates for 12" clearance. The default Z axis travel is 5.5 inches. Here is a video with the 5th axis option attached.
-> NEW LOW SPEED 3hp spindles! 1500 to 12000 rpm. This option includes the spindle with ER20 collet, VFD power supply, and 80mm mount. Requires 220Vac. Water cooled, w/pump - $550 with the purchase of a CNC. These are so nice for nonferrous metals and plastics. Click here. Mach3 can control the spindle speed and power. Manual Click here.
-> VERY HOT! 40 Watt CO2 Laser for the Pilot Pro CNC. We did a few quick demos of the laser burning and engraving. Here is the video posted on youtube. This video shows the CNC router burning a nice 2" square logo. Here is the system picture. The lasers are pre-assembled and tested.
-> Add a replaceable PVC Table Top with T-tracks to your machine. Or use particle board, hardware included.
-> Dawn wants to increase production with her hand carving business. Here is a video that shows the process from going from an image to production with the Pilot Pro CNC router. Click here.
-> The 7310 router from Porter Cable is no longer available and is being replaced with a Bosch Colt trim router. Let us know if you need a larger router mount or spindle.
-> Our Home and Limit switches are now remote sensors. The new switches are proximity sensors and are more reliable than mechanical switches. Take a look, Click here. Here is a video of the new sensors on youtube.
-> We now have custom T-Shirts! Check em out!
-> 3D printer option kit turns the Pilot Pro CNC router and other routers into a plastic extruding machine for additive manufacturing. Click here
-> Our CNC dust boots have a new look! We have added a mini skirt for carving bits to the mix. Our skirts are made from clear PVC with 1/4" slits for maximum flexibility and visibility. Click here
-> We have 3hp spindles! This option includes the spindle with ER20 collet, driver, and mount. Requires 220Vac. Air cooled - $350, Water cooled, w/pump - $450 with the purchase of a CNC. These are so nice! Click here. For programing information Click here. The VFDs MUST be programed before use. Mach3 can control the spindle speed and power.
-> New Manual remote to run your Pilot Pro CNC Router. Plugs into a USB port to control the CNC machine movement. Have a look at our CNC parts page.
-> We have a new 5th axis option shown here in this demonstration of the operation. See the YouTube Vid
-> David shows you step by step how to use the Pilot Pro CNC to cut foam with a hot wire. See the YouTube Vid
-> USB interface is available for Mach3. Add this option for only an additional $129 for USB interface. This makes the parallel port for control obsolete.
-> CNC machine covers. These covers are made from heavy canvas to protect your CNC router when not in use. Click here.
"Hello, I really, really like the look of your Pilot Pro machine. With a 5th axis for the turret. Also like the idea of the laser, the probe tip and the extruder, and the dust shield, and the coolant spray Can you ship a kit to the UK ? I'm pretty determined to buy one, so if I have to I'll get my cousin in LA to buy one and send it to me. best regards, John" - Thank you for this FEEDBACK, YES we ship Globally
Specifications:
-Max milling area (W x L x H):
Pilot Pro 2626 CNC- The model number is the travel ~ X = 26" Y = 26" Z = 5-5/8"
-Machine footprint (W x L x H) - ~ add 13.25" to X travel, add 17" to Y travel, Z = 16"
-Surface face-milled stock and CNC cut for precise assembly.
-Gantry clearance - ~7" but is completely adjustable.
-Working area is unlimited In the length with indexing or tiling.
-Rigid extruded frame with massive gantry.
-Precision ground rails on all axes.
-12 precision linear recirculating ball bearing blocks.
-16m (~5/8") diameter precision lead screws, 5.08 TPI with anti-backlash nuts.
-X/Y/Z accuracy / resolution - Precision rolled, class 5 accuracy, Better than JIS (<+-50 µm / 300 mm).
-Ball nuts are pre-loaded for no backlash.
-All lead screws are mounted at both ends with a pre-loaded radial ball bearing assembly.
-Spindle mount - Bosch colt or Dewalt 611, or 3.5" body and spindle options.
-4 Stepper drivers rated at 1.3 to 4.2 Amps each
-4 NEMA 23 Stepper motors rated at 623 oz-in bipolar.
-DVD with CAD / CAM programs and setup information for operating the Pilot Pro CNC (The Pilot Pro CNC and Projects DVD).
-Operations - Mill, Drill, carve, 3D Route, engraving, Options: plasma, additive rapid 3D prototyping, laser, dispenser, test probes, camera, etc.
-Computer requirements - any PC running Windows.
-Power requirements - 115Vac at ~15 amps (standard outlet) or 230Vac / Spindles are rated for 220Vac at 2.2kW, 110V to 220V converters work great.
-Control Software - Most programs will work. Lite versions of Mach3, Kcam, and DeskCNC included.
-PCB Layout - Eagle Light (free for non-commercial use)
-Shipped - Some assembly required, waste board tabletop not included
-Max milling area (W x L x H):
Pilot Pro 2626 CNC- The model number is the travel ~ X = 26" Y = 26" Z = 5-5/8"
-Machine footprint (W x L x H) - ~ add 13.25" to X travel, add 17" to Y travel, Z = 16"
-Surface face-milled stock and CNC cut for precise assembly.
-Gantry clearance - ~7" but is completely adjustable.
-Working area is unlimited In the length with indexing or tiling.
-Rigid extruded frame with massive gantry.
-Precision ground rails on all axes.
-12 precision linear recirculating ball bearing blocks.
-16m (~5/8") diameter precision lead screws, 5.08 TPI with anti-backlash nuts.
-X/Y/Z accuracy / resolution - Precision rolled, class 5 accuracy, Better than JIS (<+-50 µm / 300 mm).
-Ball nuts are pre-loaded for no backlash.
-All lead screws are mounted at both ends with a pre-loaded radial ball bearing assembly.
-Spindle mount - Bosch colt or Dewalt 611, or 3.5" body and spindle options.
-4 Stepper drivers rated at 1.3 to 4.2 Amps each
-4 NEMA 23 Stepper motors rated at 623 oz-in bipolar.
-DVD with CAD / CAM programs and setup information for operating the Pilot Pro CNC (The Pilot Pro CNC and Projects DVD).
-Operations - Mill, Drill, carve, 3D Route, engraving, Options: plasma, additive rapid 3D prototyping, laser, dispenser, test probes, camera, etc.
-Computer requirements - any PC running Windows.
-Power requirements - 115Vac at ~15 amps (standard outlet) or 230Vac / Spindles are rated for 220Vac at 2.2kW, 110V to 220V converters work great.
-Control Software - Most programs will work. Lite versions of Mach3, Kcam, and DeskCNC included.
-PCB Layout - Eagle Light (free for non-commercial use)
-Shipped - Some assembly required, waste board tabletop not included
CNC Router facts and myths
CNC stands for computer numerical control. A CNC router is like a printer with a cutter instead of ink. It's really simple.
The setup is a computer, control box, and machine.
Computer
Any PC running win xp and above will work. If you do not have a parallel port there is a USB adapter.
The computer needs 3 types of software, CAD or drawing, CAM or tool path design, and last is the software to run or control the machine.
CAD is a drafting tool or Drawing program. CAD stands for computer aided design. Once you have the drawing now it is time to generate the tool paths.
Software referred to as CAM is computer aided machining. Some software will do both CAD and CAM, mostly for doing art work, 2.5D, reliefs, etc. For parts, 2D or 3D stuff you need separate programs for CAD and CAM.
The software to control the machine can be any software that runs on a PC or Linux machine.
The Control box
The control box gets data from the computer and sends data to the computer. The data is mostly X, Y, Z coordinates just like graph paper or the Cartesian system. The 3 or more axes require parallel data and normally the parallel port is used. This is required for simultaneous movement.
A USB device gets data serially then sends it to the control box as parallel data if a parallel port is not available.
The Machine
The machine is made from basic parts; motors, linear drives, and frame. The best motor option for the dollar is the stepper motor. These motors are designed for this application. They are accurate yet simple, powerful, and affordable.
The linear drive uses a slide and motion generated in a variety of ways. The slides we use are rails of the highest quality, designed for this purpose with very high load rating and ground to tight tolerances. We use Ball screws to generate motion because this is the most accurate and the most rigid method of driving a CNC machine. The screws we use are the same grade and pitch you find in a machine shop.
The frame is the skeleton that holds it all together. We use 6061 aircraft grade aluminum that is made for building machines. The design is based on what works best for machining items as tough as carbon fiber yet precise enough to engrave fine pitch circuit boards. To work with heavy loads in 3 dimensions you need a thick stout frame. We use extruded aluminum for a rigid 3d structure and 6061 plate for accuracy, and hardened steel for massive load handling capabilities.
Myths
Anyone can design a CNC
Not all designs are equal. Low cost components will not function properly under the extreme loads of a router or spindle. Giving your machine a ferocious name does not make it so. The Pilot Pro CNC is way above designs like shark, bulldog, Fireball, etc. These other machines are entry or hobby level so a comparison doesn't make sense. The Pilot Pro compares to professional milling drilling machines that can carry a 5th axis with a heavy duty spindle while backpacking a CO2 laser and carrying other options! We use the Same Rails, Same screws, Same design standards, Same everything you find in a quality machine shop.
You can see those others are not going to give you the performance you want and need. Look at their pictures, note the thin gantry, end supported table, center lead screw, motor coupling, rod bearings, acme lead nutz, plastic and wood parts, etc. These designs are designed for minimum performance and maximum profit.
These machines are under engineered and use components not designed for this application. Chinese made machines are no different, they too use items that underperform, often use defective parts, craftsmanship is also lacking. And where do you go for assistance?
Aluminum structure
The difference between plate, architectural, and structural aluminum is important. Plate aluminum is soft aluminum. Architectural aluminum is very similar to plate; both are pretty to look at but too soft to make a good machine, however, these alloys are used by others as structural components. We use Structural 6061 aluminum each batch is certified. Because it is structural it is not handled as nicely by the suppliers as the other alloys, but this stuff is what you need for this job.
Using a CNC
Using a CNC is not as difficult as it may seem, check out all the youtube vids and online tutorials, remember CAD, CAM, then run. Work with us and you will be an expert after your first project.
Speed
Speed is inversely proportional to torque and precision for all systems, even your car. Speed can dictate design and function. We use the most common setup for a general purpose CNC, this gives focus to Force and Precision. If you change the lead screw you change the Speed, Force, and Precision. A change in NEMA frame or motor size will only change torque.
Multi Use Tool
CNC machines generally are single use, a router, 3D printer, laser, milling, drilling, plasma, etc. The Pilot is so well designed that it handles all these jobs and more. NOW You can plan on using any machining method and configuration with just 1 machine, the Pilot Pro CNC.
Copyright 2016 by PDJ
"Mr. Politician,
A good job is NOT our final destination but only a part of the journey to self-employment. Support small business!"
CNC stands for computer numerical control. A CNC router is like a printer with a cutter instead of ink. It's really simple.
The setup is a computer, control box, and machine.
Computer
Any PC running win xp and above will work. If you do not have a parallel port there is a USB adapter.
The computer needs 3 types of software, CAD or drawing, CAM or tool path design, and last is the software to run or control the machine.
CAD is a drafting tool or Drawing program. CAD stands for computer aided design. Once you have the drawing now it is time to generate the tool paths.
Software referred to as CAM is computer aided machining. Some software will do both CAD and CAM, mostly for doing art work, 2.5D, reliefs, etc. For parts, 2D or 3D stuff you need separate programs for CAD and CAM.
The software to control the machine can be any software that runs on a PC or Linux machine.
The Control box
The control box gets data from the computer and sends data to the computer. The data is mostly X, Y, Z coordinates just like graph paper or the Cartesian system. The 3 or more axes require parallel data and normally the parallel port is used. This is required for simultaneous movement.
A USB device gets data serially then sends it to the control box as parallel data if a parallel port is not available.
The Machine
The machine is made from basic parts; motors, linear drives, and frame. The best motor option for the dollar is the stepper motor. These motors are designed for this application. They are accurate yet simple, powerful, and affordable.
The linear drive uses a slide and motion generated in a variety of ways. The slides we use are rails of the highest quality, designed for this purpose with very high load rating and ground to tight tolerances. We use Ball screws to generate motion because this is the most accurate and the most rigid method of driving a CNC machine. The screws we use are the same grade and pitch you find in a machine shop.
The frame is the skeleton that holds it all together. We use 6061 aircraft grade aluminum that is made for building machines. The design is based on what works best for machining items as tough as carbon fiber yet precise enough to engrave fine pitch circuit boards. To work with heavy loads in 3 dimensions you need a thick stout frame. We use extruded aluminum for a rigid 3d structure and 6061 plate for accuracy, and hardened steel for massive load handling capabilities.
Myths
Anyone can design a CNC
Not all designs are equal. Low cost components will not function properly under the extreme loads of a router or spindle. Giving your machine a ferocious name does not make it so. The Pilot Pro CNC is way above designs like shark, bulldog, Fireball, etc. These other machines are entry or hobby level so a comparison doesn't make sense. The Pilot Pro compares to professional milling drilling machines that can carry a 5th axis with a heavy duty spindle while backpacking a CO2 laser and carrying other options! We use the Same Rails, Same screws, Same design standards, Same everything you find in a quality machine shop.
You can see those others are not going to give you the performance you want and need. Look at their pictures, note the thin gantry, end supported table, center lead screw, motor coupling, rod bearings, acme lead nutz, plastic and wood parts, etc. These designs are designed for minimum performance and maximum profit.
These machines are under engineered and use components not designed for this application. Chinese made machines are no different, they too use items that underperform, often use defective parts, craftsmanship is also lacking. And where do you go for assistance?
Aluminum structure
The difference between plate, architectural, and structural aluminum is important. Plate aluminum is soft aluminum. Architectural aluminum is very similar to plate; both are pretty to look at but too soft to make a good machine, however, these alloys are used by others as structural components. We use Structural 6061 aluminum each batch is certified. Because it is structural it is not handled as nicely by the suppliers as the other alloys, but this stuff is what you need for this job.
Using a CNC
Using a CNC is not as difficult as it may seem, check out all the youtube vids and online tutorials, remember CAD, CAM, then run. Work with us and you will be an expert after your first project.
Speed
Speed is inversely proportional to torque and precision for all systems, even your car. Speed can dictate design and function. We use the most common setup for a general purpose CNC, this gives focus to Force and Precision. If you change the lead screw you change the Speed, Force, and Precision. A change in NEMA frame or motor size will only change torque.
Multi Use Tool
CNC machines generally are single use, a router, 3D printer, laser, milling, drilling, plasma, etc. The Pilot is so well designed that it handles all these jobs and more. NOW You can plan on using any machining method and configuration with just 1 machine, the Pilot Pro CNC.
Copyright 2016 by PDJ
"Mr. Politician,
A good job is NOT our final destination but only a part of the journey to self-employment. Support small business!"
Email - pdj@pdjinc.com OR call 503-632-6693
The competition marks their prices up as high as 50% to cover marketing costs.
WE DO NOT! YOU ONLY PAY FOR THE BEST MACHINE - MARKETING NOT INCLUDED!
Thier focus is profit - Our focus is Quality
Softer Material
Foam, Wood, Plastic, Etc
Foam, Wood, Plastic, Etc
Harder Material
Aluminum, Wood, Plastic, Etc
Aluminum, Wood, Plastic, Etc
Great For 3 Axis Milling
Great For 3, 4, 5 Axis Milling
Great For 3, 4, 5 ,6 Axis Routing
