Hi, I was wondering how is the cnc machine build going? I was curious if you have got it going to notice if the MGN12 alignment block for the rails works good or you do think you still have to use dial indicator?

 

Good idea! Thanks for sharing. I was a little on the fence about 3d printing the guide but I was gonna try it. Only reason why is I know my 3d printer. And I figured I print it up and something would be off. But I like your idea better. Glad I asked, I am still sourcing parts so haven't got my rails yet. I have had to redo
Z axis plate so machine is apart right now. But as soon as I can cut aluminum reliably I plane to make some plates and upgrade to rails system or just start another bigger machine. Thanks!

 

Nice update! Machine looking good. I also like the thrust bearing and washer Idea! Did you push the motor drive coupler just snug?

 

M3 t-nut for attaching rails where you ordered ?

do these fit?
Machifit 50pcs 20M3 T Sliding Nut M3 Slot T Nut for 2020 Aluminum Profile Machine Tools & Accessories from Tools on banggood.com

 

Where can I get linear rails for this project? I am converting a workbee1010 to linear rails. Chris is sourcing the plates
Deluxe 2" taller Linear Rail Sphinx CNC Plate Set (seen at Openbuilds) | eBay
, so I’ll need the rest of the hardware including screws, nuts and everything else. I’ve never bought linear rails from eBay or anywhere else for that matter. Don’t want to get stuck with junk specially since installing this upgrade takes a few hours to do. Any suggestions?

 

Thank you guys. Any do’s/don’ts when cutting the linear rails to size? Thinking of using a jigsaw with a blade for metal. I don’t own a grinder but I could borrow one.

 

Hi again, I wanted to bounce a couple of ideas by you guys that have gone thru a similar upgrade. Seems like with Covid, linear rails are hard to come by. I checked the Amazon link and they were out and the banggood are partially out as well.
I came across this vendor in Texas
ZYLtech Engineering LLC that has the rails. Adding rails and plates, I am close to $720. I also came across https://www.cnc3d.com.au/ which sells the entire kit using linear rails (a bit bigger blocks I think) with all the bolts, shims and others misc for about $920 delivered. I was wondering if $720 plus all additional hardware is the best route. Anyone has experience with cnc3d?

 

I cut my rails with a grinder with metal cut off disc

 

Hi Jim, Great work! Can you please post your Spindle Mount Bracket? That looks like a good upgrade I would like to make for my machine. Thank you

 

Hi Guys,

I am almost finished with the update to linear rails on my Workbee. I ended up buying the rails from ZYLtech. They were expensive but they are a Texas based company. The blocks are OK but I wish they were smoother on the rails. We’ll see how they perform. Since I took everything apart, I decided to redo certain things differently this time. For the spoilboard, I went with all aluminum extrusions and will add MDF slats instead of a large board. I’ll use the extrusions to anchor bolts on the v-slots, so I can hold parts. It should be more rigid and easier to replace slats than an entire spoilboard. I need to 3D print new plastic brackets to hold the cable chains as the z and y gantry plates are very different. All things considered, it’s been a long process but mainly due to having little time to work on it. Looking forward to CNC’ing again. Will post some pictures when it’s finished to help out anyone else attempting to do it.

 

Hi Hector, are you using the Blue Ox Solutions (Chris Laidlaw) plates?
I am thinking of doing the same upgrade. ZYLtech rails with the above plates.
Looking forward to seeing your results.

 

Yes. I got the plates from Chris. You’ll need to order two anti-backlash for the Y axes from Openbuilds. For the screws and t-nuts I went to Amazon. Also, pickup a bag of 100 3/32 ball bearings cause you are bound to loose some. I did loose one and had to wait a couple of days for Amazon. Let me know if you need any help.

 

Thank you! Can't want to make one of my own!

 

Hi Jim,
After years of looking, going to spend some saved cash and build one. I was wanting a design like yours (thinking that the rails offer better accuracy over the wheels), but was hoping to expand like the C-beam Sphinx (shooting for 1000 Y, 750 X). I like the open work path giving the option to stitch work paths for longer products. I was wondering with your design, and if I used the cut size from C-beam Sphinx 1000 x 750, would I at least get 24" cut distance in the X? Would primarily be used on wood products (MDF - hardwoods), plastic/acrylic, (and maybe aluminum, or would the size exclude this?).

Thanks
Dom

 

Thanks Jim,
Much appreciation to you and all the other builders on this site for sharing.
Dom

 

Nice build! I was wondering what the maximum height of part is that can fit in the machine. I want to make cut-outs in the top and bottom of plastic enclosures that measure 150 mm (5.9 inches) from top to bottom. Will this part clear a mill in a router?

 

Thanks for the information. I was studying the Stepcraft machine setup and then found this link that is probably the most versatile for me (although I probably won't try to tackle the 5th axis).

 

Here is my updated workbee. It now has linear rails on all 3 axes, aluminum extrusions below the spoil board, and a better spoil board design. It should be easier to hold down my work pieces and replace damaged boards on the spoil board. It took me a while as I had to disassemble just about everything. I am happy with the results so far. I need calibrate and run some jobs; the first one will be to make an aluminum bracket for the cable track on the X gantry. I also need to cover the top of the enclosure as some saw dust still makes it way out. I will probably use plexiglass to let some light in.