Hello there!
This is my newest build, the TFE2.
I've used all Openbuilds extrusions, HGR20 rails and 1605 ballscrews on all axis'.
The bed is made up of 2 C-beams with 4040 stretchers. Then 8020 for the bed surface. The bed is attached from the top because I wanted the slats to be replaceable in case of oopsies and, once done, this machine will weigh a lot so I didn't fancy crawling underneath to replace slats or tighten bolts during maintenance, a lesson I learned from the original TFE.
The way they are secured can be seen here:
The underside of the bed is as follows:
And the top with a can of monster for scale:
The X-axis will be constructed in a similar way to the bed, with 2 C-beams and 4040 supports in between:
The machine when finished should hopefully resemble this: (But with extras like covers, drag chains ect.)
Important note about the Z-axis: I have gone with a belt coupled ballscrew since the Z-axis will be extremely heavy. I can easily achieve 1000mm/min with the original TFE using this setup, 20t on the stepper and 50t on the ballscrew. It's incredibly strong and 1000mm/min is more than enough for me.
The machining area will be roughly 1200x800mm with a Z of 140mm, which will allow me to later add a rotary axis.
The frame with rails attached:
And a picture of the original TFE:
This is the machine that will be cutting all the plates for the new build. Despite all 3D printed plates, it chews through aluminium like a dream.
This new build will also give me a chance to fully implement my compressor-free air blast!
TFE2 CNC Build
Build in 'Cartesian Style CNC' published by Mike_Mara, Aug 10, 2025.
My TFE2 CNC Build. The TFE was much smaller and all of the gantry plates were 3D printed. Despite this it will happily machine aluminium without issue. So I decided to use that to make the TFE2 which will be all aluminium plates and much larger (1200x800mm machining area with roughly 140mm in Z so I can later add a rotary axis.)
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- Build Progress:
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- Build in Progress...
Attached Files:
Richard148 and Mark Carew like this. -
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Build Author Mike_Mara, Find all builds by Mike_Mara
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Build Details
- Build License:
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- CC - Attribution NonCommercial - No Derivs - CC BY NC ND
Reason for this Build
I wanted a larger, more capable CNC router that would have good accuracy and rigidity to allow faster machining and tighter tolerances.









