I built a CNC Router using 3/4 MDF, 1/8 aluminum angle for bearing races and various other odds and ends. I learned a lot about how not to build a CNC router. I found Openbuilds.com and decided to build a C-Beam for my first build. The long term idea is to use this machine to build custom plates for and OX type machine and a 3d printer.

C Beam Machine built in a server cab. Hopefully this keeps every thing enclosed , clean and quite ?

So we have new plates, stronger motors, belt drive reduction, but what should we do with them? In this article you might find the answer you were looking for as we took an “old” C-Beam machine and started to upgrade the X/Z body and added more torque and precision to the Z-axis.

This build will be based on the C-Beam Plate Maker, with additional changes based on other builds and ideas.

I took what I thought were the best parts of the sphinx and the c beam xl to build a bigger and faster machine.

This build is my version of the CBeam machine. I opted to NOT use the Gussets, and instead went for the 40, and 60 mil angle brackets to cut the price back a little further. I started with the smoothieboard but decided it was still "too new" and very much experimental. This build took me a few (2-3) days to complete. The CBeams and Lead-Screws really make building things faster since you don't have to clamor over belts.

C-Beam XL build using TinyG V8.

The reason for building this CNC is to help me in my guitar building hobby. (telecasters)

Larger, more rigid build plate C beam machine

CNC Based on CBeam, with No custom Plates, and Z GANTRY

My new build to upgrade from my worn out shapeoko

C-beam Plate Maker V-slot Table System to aid in clamping and setup of jobs.

A modified C-Beam Build with a few Addons

Build a manual camera slider.

A re-imagining of Dollarz81's XXL Tank in Laser form

a 1000mm x 1500mm CBeam build with hgr20 hiwin rails 600w er16 spindle

My first build based on the original C beam Sphinx. I’m not sure at this point what the final size will be. I have the parts from the c beam Sphinx and extra beams and lead screws to build up to 1000mm x 1000mm.

Build log for my first CNC machine, a C-Beam Plate Maker

You will be following the assembly of the mechanical kit and how i integrate the electronics into the final build.

Overview of my experience building the C-Beam Machine XL from OpenBuilds, along with updates as I move along and get it going. My application is for creating plates needed for lab functions, 19 rack bay covers, and whatever else arises.

I would recommend this challenge to any woodworker looking for something new.

C beam gantry with steel guide rails!

CNC router table based on OpenBuilds C-Beam Machine bundle.

This built is to convert an existing 500x500 C-Beam Machine into 1000x1000. Inspired by several builds including C-Beam Machine : (http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/c-beam%E2%84%A2-machine-plate-maker.2020/) and Gino's build : (http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/c-beam-gtc.3250/)

The purpose of this build is to create a simple, strong modular build that is rugged enough to cut out some of the softer metals along with wood and plastics. Using basic parts like the universal plates, t-nuts and v- wheels coupled with the strength of C-Beam I am sure this will deliever the desired results!!

I started this build about 2 weeks after the c-beam hit the store. I purchased a single bundle and ordered a TinyG to run it. where I work I have Hardware, Software and Mechanical engineers and they all got sucked into my project. they want one to do prototyping at the office, once they see mine...

This is my interpretation of the OB Minimill, what I've changed so far, and what may continue to change as my requirements change.

Reusing parts to build a CNC - planning stage

Build log of the Dixie C-Beam XL CNC Router.

The build is based on a 500mm C-Beam and the SeeMeCNC FlexVat. The C-Beam is both the linear motion and a structural element of the design. The frame that holds the 45 degree first surface mirror and the build vat can slide up and down the C-Beam to accommodate projectors with lenses at different elevations.

The C-Beam Evolution is an evolving machine. The MkII is inspired by Kyo's C-Beam Spinx but currently uses my own design of plates made of 8mm acrylic (X-axis ends) and 6mm polycarbonate (Y axis ends). The plates were made on the MkI but I hope to be able to make 6mm aluminium plates on the MkII for the MkIII.

A wonky build to eliminate slop on a long Z axis

A C-Beam router made almost entirely of standard parts. Electronics include an xPro v2 board and NEMA 23 motors. Cuts are made with a small 300W DC spindle. A pressure foot is used to minimize the need for workholding.

So for a summary its a great kit that was easy to build, could not be more happy.

Concept for a Prusa i3 made from Cbeam Extrusion. X & Y using GT2 Belts, Z using Acme Screws Goal is to build a simple. and very Solid Printer Single Z Motor to keep the Z Screws in Sync. (Might require Geared Nema 17) 12" x 12" x 12" Build volume Nema 17's

This CNC utilizes the C-BEAM extruded aluminum for the "X", "Y", and "Z" axis. The gantry will move similar to the OX along with the "Z" except I am incorporating the C-BEAM instead of the 20x60 V-RAIL. To make the system as strong as possible I am using two C-BEAM rails back to back. The "Y" axis will encompass two sets of roller on both side of the C-BEAM extruded rails for added strength. All of the plates for this were created using the C-BEAM machine I completed several month ago.

This build is inspired by the Lulzbot Taz printers and makes use of the new OpenBuilds C-Beam

C-beam based CNC router using mostly openbuilds parts.

My first ever build. Straight C-beam with tinyg controller a few do-dads and some make do choices. Non-metric length lead screws to save long lead time. Jog knobs to cover the extra length and also practical. My old Bosch Colt never had it so good. Build out work remains, wire dressing, drag chain, vacuum, permanent base, etc.

Another C-Beam Sphinx but a little larger,

This machine is fantastic. Teamed up with Fusion 360, Inkscape, and GrblPanel, I'm well on my way towards making at least one Christmas gift this year. I had some frustrating times during the build, mainly with getting everything to go together square, but overall it was fun. I can see that I'm going to need to be a bit creative in order to max out the work area for this machine so that I can produce the product I bought it for, but it will be able to do so much more for me as well.

i wanted to use both the ox and the C beam C beam for the gantry because its stronger i also made the gantry 20 mm higher so i can cut thinker material i will maybe later go to rack& pinion on the 1500 mm Y axes also instead of the V wheels i will maybe go to hiwin in the furture

This is a pure cbeam build to maximize envelope and rigidity. All the parts used are available from open builds.

Modded Plate maker with: Smoothiebrainz board and DQ542MA SN04 Endstops Modded Z axis Aluminium build plate and renforced Y axis Dust shoe

This is a 1-Axis CNC Glass Grinder. It uses a hobby grinder to miter a precise angle on the edge of a piece of glass.

I am a newbie and this is my first build. After hours and hours of research I decided on the C-Beam. I will be changing one or two things but I will basically be building this as per Mark's video.

C-Beam build using a double C-Beam for the X axis. 1500mm x 1500mm

This is a CNC Line Boring Machine for our cabinet shop. It drills the holes every 32 mm for the adjustable shelf pins in the cabinet side pieces. I chose this option over purchasing a multi-head boring machine that requires 11 drill bits - Left & Right hand twist - that also requires a lot of strength to plunge that many drill bits into the wood to be drilled.

Work in progress.. but nearing completion :)

A design in progress, to 3D carve two-part Aluminium injection moulds for Soft Plastic Lures and Lead Jigs, so I can prototype some of the concepts rattling around in my head. All Openbuilds parts where possible, 1000x500mm footprint, 0.8kw Water-cooled Spindle?, High Torque Stepper?,Smoothieboard?, I still have no idea. As a newbie to the CNC world, any wisdom would be welcome to take this from just a idea into reality so I can start playing with all this awesome stuff. Thanks in advance

My first build was with the basic C-Beam Build. I soon found the z clearance a little constricting So I added 2 500 mm actuators to support the x axis rail . I also left off the front and back y axis support rails for easy cleaning. I mounted the base of the machine to 1/2" mdf with 10/32 screws and blind nuts.

Pretty happy with the build, had some difficulty with the software loading up the settings due to me using the wrong com.

This is a C-Beam build, fairly heavy duty, and 750mm x 750mm. Should be a good, sturdy machine that's relatively easy to assemble.

Machined Aluminum MagBall Carriages

This is a variant of a typical OX (Mark Carew inspiration) router using C-Beams/8mm Acme rods to drive all three axis. I went with a 1000mm x 1000mm frame size. Useable space is 28" (711mm) X 26" (660mm) with a Z axis work travel of approx. 3.25" (82.5mm). A TinyG is used as a controller along with Fusion 360/Chilipper as the software for generating and running gcode files.

C-Beam inspired CnC Router (1000x750) Approx 90mm of Z travel

1st build CBeam Machine w/ raspberry pi-protoneer hat controller

3.8 W laser add-on for C-Beam machine. Can easily be swapped with the router.

XDrive 3d printer, high quality large build volume.

A stock C-Beam with a CNC shield with DRV8825's

Short description of my assembly and use of the C-Beam bundle from the Open Builds Part Store.

Per the special notes its a variant of the C-Beam, Machine.... I have noticed that alot of people build a CNC router to cut parts for other larger CNC machines.. eg Delta Printers etc....plus this will enable me to cut parts for model RC plans UAV's etc...

I'm starting with the c-beam bundle, and I hope to end up with a pretty useful little platemaker/shallow relief carver. I'm hoping to discover how accurate and efficient it can be.

C-Beam basic package doubled in size.

C-Beam Plate maker for My OX!

I am in the design phase of my CNC. I would like to thank everyone who has placed resources on the site. I am using it to the up most! I will update as I continue the design and share my progress.

C beam cnc modified

Here is the consolidation of my woodworking shop, a CNC Router!

My first openbuilds submission, plain old c-beam machine. Seems like I've spent more time fighting the forum here redirecting in circles than actually building the machine. I'll try to add more pics if I ever find a path out of this corn maze...

First venture into cnc machining I decided on the C-Beam .

The Mule is a 3-axis CNC inspired by the OX CNC by Mark Carew. This machine borrows the OX's sturdy frame and upgrades the X and Y linear actuators through the use of three 500mm lead screws (as opposed to the belt system of the OX). The result is an inexpensive, sturdy, and powerful design built for cutting tough materials such as aluminum.

One meter square. Short and stout.... reminds me of a Sumo Wrestler. A temporary and adjustable configuration I have devised to cut my own plates. I have kicked around ideas for about a year and the C-Beam extrusion has made this attempt to realize my ideas irresistible. This is just one step towards bigger and better things!

I want build a frame that is as sturdy as possibility while at the same time keeping it as compact as possible. working area will be approx 1200mm x 600mm

feel kind of bad calling this a build because of pretty much everything is off the shelf parts. I'm writing my own sketch right now for the motion but there is a version or 2 floating around on the net based of this design. I will post my code once it's done.

My very first attempt at a CNC build. Based on the OpenBuilds C-Beam Machine, small tweaks will be made to tailor it for my goals: machining G10, aluminum & some carbon fiber for use with multirotor and motorcycle parts. I am looking forward to the day when I am comfortable enough to bring the ideas in my head to the tip of the end mill in a smooth fashion...

C-Beam build using the small C-Beam gantry plates only.

C-Beam Router using 1500mm lengths, 48x48" build area, and rack and pinion movement.

The STEAM Crane 3d printer uses the new C-Beam linear rail. It is being developed for an after school / summer camp program for kids. All of the electronics are housed in the base and the wiring is routed down the channels of the c-beam. This is done to contain as much of the loose wiring as possible, hopefully keeping it safer for kids.

The new C-Beam kit expanded to 1000mm . extra support built in for the extents of the travel.