System 4000 vs. Excalibur 5000

[petercox]

Hi folks -
I'm looking to round out my framing workshop with one of these (or some other brand - these are the only two I've had recommended).

What are the major differences? I've been warned off the Excalibur by one or two people saying it's not as good as the older System 4000. Never having used either - what would you recommend?

Cheers,
Peter

[John]

Hi Peter, welcome to the forum.

Probably not a lot of framers will have in-depth experience of both machines.

We bought our Excalibur 5000 four years ago from Lion. In that time we had to replace a spring within the cutting head, which was supplied by Keencut free of charge.

It has served us well, handling MDF, glass, mountboard, and foamcore without any problems. We have no regrets.

[Merlin]

Peter
Welcome
We have had our Excalibur 5000 for 5 years now again from LION and like Big John, it has been a work horse and also no regrets.

This last week I have just changed the glass cutting wheel. Apart from blades not bad for 5 years of hard work.

[zanart]

We had a system 4000 for many years and it served us very well as a board and glass cutter. We brought a new Excalibur 5000 a few years ago which again is a very good machine. The 5000 has two cutting heads and also has a scoring blade which is very useful for cutting perspex.

Personally I prefer the newer model.

Are you buying new or used??

[Mary Case GCF]

Hi Peter. We've had our System 4000 from new for 16 years man and boy or is that woman and girl. It has survived 2 moves. I think we have replaced the MDF head twice. Keencut have sent the odd replacement part free of charge and are extremely helpful with any technical problems. I did have a bit of bother with the counterbalance falling out when I was a bit heavy handed in the early years, but rigged up a system for fixing it that takes seconds. A bit of lubrication, blade changing and the odd glass wheel change and it still operates as well as it did 16 years ago. Some of my staff complain it isn't accurate in cutting but I blame user error as it performs perfectly for me. I certainly couldn't run my business without it. Never could cut in a straight line with a hand held glass cutter

[Grahame Case]

i also blame staff error, as it works perfectly for me too! i'd happily recommend the system 4000

[BaBaZa]

Go with the Excalibur 5000.
It's much much easier to use. The glass cutting function on the System 4000 could be hit or miss, usually depending on the user. Very similar to a hand glass cutter where the wheel wears to the angle that the main user holds the cutter.

[kev@frames]

ive had a 4000 for about 14 or 15 years and Bazaba is right about the glass cutting. It probably is the way different staff use it. Otherwise its fine. Parts are all available from keencut, no problem.

[petercox]

Thanks for the feedback, all. Looks like the opinion is marginally in favour of the System 4000, and considering I can get one of those for less than half the price of an Excalibur second hand, I reckon I'll go with that.

Anyone selling a System 4000? =)

Cheers,
Peter

[Merlin]

Thanks for the feedback, all. Looks like the opinion is marginally in favour of the System 4000,

Peter,
Probably because it is an older machine and there are a lot more about then the 5000. You know what we framers are like. If it works why change it..!!

[David]

Hi Peter

Guess who's got a 4000?

I put it in storage a couple of years ago when we closed one of our outlets, we already had a 5000.

Overall I think I prefer the 4000 especially when I got smacked on the head from the cutting head on the 5000. If I'd got the time I probably would have swaped them and it's why I've held on to it, but it is taking up space or if you'd prefer the 5000???? Open to offers.

Both in excellent condition. I'm in Surrey not sure where you are.

Get in touch if you are interested especially if you are close by.

All the best.

David.

[zanart]

What part of the country are you in?? Do you have a van to collect?

[petercox]

I'm in Ireland, so I would need you to ship it to me. Of course I will pay for packing and shipping...

Cheers,
Peter

[MITREMAN]

Hi folks -
I'm looking to round out my framing workshop with one of these (or some other brand - these are the only two I've had recommended).

What are the major differences? I've been warned off the Excalibur by one or two people saying it's not as good as the older System 4000. Never having used either - what would you recommend?

Cheers,
Peter

Hi Peter,
The new Excalibur 5000, is basically the same frame as the 4000 but with a much improved cutting head, a very good machine

TECHNICAL DATA
Cutting Capacity KE01 & KE03 - 1220mm (48")
Cutting Capacity KE02 & KE04 - 1600mm (63")
Glass / Mirror up to 6mm thick
Mat / Foam / Corrugated cardboard up to 13mm
Hardboard / MDF up to 3mm thick
Plastics / Acrylics up to 6mm
Fracture Sensitive Materials up to 6mm
Gross Weight 1220mm - 56kg, 1600mm - 67kg

Also consider the Flecther Terry Wall Mounted Glass and Board Cutter 3100.

TECHNICAL DATA
Cutting Capacity 1600mm (63")
Glass / Mirror up to 6mm (1/4")
Mat Board / Foam Board / Gator Board up to 12mm (1/2")
Hardboard up to 3mm (3/32")
Scoring Plastics / Acrylics / Fracture Sensitive Materials up to 6mm (1/4")
Aluminum up to .040" thick (Optional accessory required)

The best way is to try before you buy, had you gone to Birmingham these machines would have been on display for you to try. Framers Equipment in Northampton Tel:01604 790333 have both these machines on display with materials for you to play with and compare for youself, both give good cuts, its a matter of personal choice.

MITREMAN says "Try before you buy"

Cheers MITREMAN