An Open Source CNC Experiences

I've had one (from Ooznest) for over two years. I have a (Chinese clone) Makita palm router which has performed very well. I haven't done any upgrades to the machine and can machine mdf, softwood, hardwood, plastics, aluminium, brass and even mild steel (metals a bit slowly). Ooznest claim an accuracy of +/- 0.2 mm - I routinely achieve +/- 0.1 mm or better - the machine (like all those based on aluminium extrusions) is more rigid in the corners. Weak point, but only really an issue if you put an over powered spindle on it, is the X axis C-beam can twist if you push it beyond it's design limits. There are some advantages to using a spindle (and some disadvantages) rather than a palm router, but there really is no point going much above 800 watts - 1.5Kw is the practical limit in my opinion and that is more than any realistic cutting action needs.
Feel free to ask a specific question if that doesn't tell you what you wanted to know.
Alex.

 

Do check carefully the shipping and import duties when calculating the cost. I have to say I have helped far more people with machines from SPAM than from other suppliers - a particular issue has been customer support - some say its fine, others say it is almost non-existent. I do know Ooznest have an excellent reputation for helping people set things up and solving problems when they arise.
My own experience with the V-wheels is that after over two years of regular use they are showing no signs of wear, but I have a version 1 machine and there have been design changes since I got mine and Ooznest now use less wheels - I don't know what effect (if any) that has on wear.
Ooznest source as many parts as possible from the UK or, as an official Openbuilds reseller, they use genuine Openbuilds parts.
My router is 750 watts - I haven't had any issues with the X C-beam, but some people think they need a heavy (which can cause deflection of the C-beam) and very powerful spindle. If you look at speeds and feeds calculators some specify the power requirements for different bits and toolpaths - for the tools and jobs you are likely to be doing on a machine of this type none of the calculators I've looked at say you need more power than a palm router can provide (about 800 Watts).
It would help us to advise whether the workbee, or a similar machine, would meet your needs if you could describe the sort of jobs you envisage doing.
The Makita palm router is an excellent match for the workbee - right weight, appropriate power and it has a lower bottom speed than many others. It also has a good reputation for brush and bearing life. Mine is not a genuine Makita, but after over two years of use I haven't yet changed the brushes. The spindle the collet fits into is beginning to show signs of wear, but I have been pushing the machines capabilities with cutting materials like steel. The workbee took it in its stride, but I suspect my Chinese clone of the Makita may have been made from lesser materials than the genuine one would be.

Alex.

 

In this case a 800W spindle will be more than enough.

 

I have to agree with @JustinTime - too much weight, or too much power, will affect accuracy, and you really don't need much power for the relatively light cuts you will be using for inlay work.
For softwood work you have the disadvantages of the material - apart from the risk of chipping bits out - it tends to "give" a bit against the cutter - leaving a small amount of stock and running a finishing path helps.
Alex.

 

I was talking about spindles. Check AliExpress for '800W spindle'.

 

I have a 1.5kw spindle, I never use it at full 100%. I always run it at about 70% but I do this for the RPMs not for the power. If I had to buy a new spindle it would be the 800w. I run my machine at about 2500mm/min with no problems.

 

Air cooled