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[Smokey]

Hello!

I’m finally ready to buy a cabbing machine. I’d like to buy new and not have to upgrade in 5-10 years. I just sold gear from a previous hobby and all machines are within my range. I'd like be able to move the machine myself from a table top to a wheeled cart. Easy cleaning, good warranty, and easily available replacement parts are important to me.

Genie – A very popular machine! I’ve took some local classes that used a Genie. I like the Genie wheels but dislike the messy water system or plastic parts. The new ones have ½ Baldor HP motors, which would be even more powerful than the class machines. The plastic trays were super easy to empty and clean which is important to me. This also seems pretty portable if I wanted to move it outside to the porch for cabbing (only 56 lbs).

Barranca GP6-6 – Looks impressive and beautiful but I’ve found little reviews.  I love the all metal construction but am not sure how easy it would be to clean. I’m probably going to buy their BD7 saw so it would be cool to get their cab machine too. This only has a 1/3hp Baldor motor and is ~$1000 more than the Genie. Also, this is 81 lbs which would be a bit harder to move to the porch than the Genie.

EZ Cab Maker – I can find very little about this one on the internet. Any experiences?  Love the construction but am also unsure about the cleaning. It has the largest motor at ¾ hp (not sure the brand). This looks the heaviest and I can’t find the price.

The Kingsley North 6” machine with Nova Wheels looks good but also a 1/3 hp motor (not sure what brand). I like the all metal build and it is only 10lbs more that the Genie. Not sure how easy to clean this would be.

Any others I should be considering? Any advice would be appreciated. I've read through a few threads like this but am reaching out for new info/experiences.  Also, some of these machines don't have very many (or any!) reviews online.

For the price, motor, and weight the may Genie win... I could always get metal pans made to replace the plastic trays. Has anyone done that?

Thank you so much!

[irockhound]

I cannot answer to the longevity between the machines although I did buy the Kingsley north for my brother but it hasn't been that long.  I can speak to the Genie and Titan machines though since I have used them for 32 years.  They are workhorses and last a lifetime.  My Titan that I got used I have had for 23 years and it still runs like new with the exception of one of the water pumps going out and I simply haven't replaced it since I use aftermarket spitters from Kingsley to double the water flow on the wheel I mover the remaining DP spitter from side to side and have 2 of the kingsley one per side so whatever wheel I am on I use 2 spitters.  The motors for both my DP machines have never faltered.  You can also buy attachments like the trim saw attachment or the boxer attachment for DP equipment.  They stand by their products too.  Although I have only once had a problem which was with a Nova wheel that had some backing separation they took care of it right away.  They are rock people at heart and treat people fairly.  The Kingsley may hold up as well just don't have the years to wait and tell you.  BD is a solid company too but have never used anything but their blades and those I swear by!

One modification I have made to the DP machines is used some Pipe insulating tube foam and slit one side and slid it over the front edges of the trays to make it a little gentler on my wrists as I cab.  With the Genie it will help protect the front edge of the tray, with the Titan it is a must since those trays are thick metal.  On the Genie the side wings are easier to break but I took mine off and use a ziplock baggie in the tray leaning up the side to the motor where the wings normally are since it is just easier for me to deal with and catch more of the water drips from the top of the Wheel hoods.  It would be nothing to a local fabricator to make you 2 metal trays and then just paint/seal them well.

I also have an old Opal Machine 4" that used plastic trays and those have cracked and chipped by accidents so as plastic ages it does get more brittle just haven't had problems with the Genie yet.

[Smokey]

Thanks for the reply Steve. I appreciate the info. I’m glad the Genie and Titan have been holding up for you!

I’d also be interested in hearing how your brother is getting along with the Kingsley North cabber.

After more thought , research, and emailing a few manufacturers, dealers and lapidary artists, I’ve narrowed my choices down a bit. I’ve decided to go with a 8” cabber as I intend to make larger cabs. Also, I have a wheeled metal service cart that would fit an 8” cabber, so weight/moving is not a consideration anymore. For 8” cabbers I’m looking at the KN cabber 8, EZ Cab, and Titan. Unfortunately the Titan is a bit out of my budget.

EZ Cab - $2350, Drip System, 2 speed 1/2 HP Swamp Cooler motor (<$100 to replace & easily available), Johnson brothers wheels, “grease fittings on the bearings”, made in USA

Kingsley North 8 Cabber - $2300, Drip System w/ 8 valves, 1 HP motor (“high efficiency, ~$260 to replace), KN wheels (NOVA wheel model coming soon), “sealed arbor bearings”, LED light, also made in USA

It seems the main difference are the motor and wheels. The KN motor is twice as strong but more expensive to replace. Also, I’m not sure on the benefits of the different arbors. KN seems like a bigger operation. I’ve bought equipment from small companies and it becomes an issue when they go out of business.

I’m sure either of these will be awesome. Could anyone explain any differences they see? Any pros and cons? Both companies responded to my questions within 24 hours so that is another big positive for both companies.

[irockhound]

Smart choice going with the 8" units, I am sure people will step in here with advice on the other units.  I am sure you will be happy with whatever choice you end up with.  Grats on moving forward with the hobby!