Hi, I have a few newbie questions. I need a cnc for PCB milling and acrylic. I was going to build XL version, but because this is my first build I prefer cheaper. Also, I don't need much working area for PCBs, I need resolution. For acrylic I have max sizes 600mm x 150mm - will I be able to move longer materials around? Everybody say they'd build the small c-beam just like newer XL version, but smaller. Are there any examples? I don't really want to design it myself just in the beginning of my cnc's journey. Is there anybody building in UK. Where do you buy the parts? ooznest only? I've done the bom, but they dont have everything - some parts are cheaper in China but i don't know the quality. Regards, Daniel
Hi, Do you need to mill the full 600mm length? If so you will need the XL to fit this on. If you don't you could do this on the small C-Beam, and just have it over hanging, so yes you can move larger bits around than the work area. I am afraid i don't have a BOM for a small XL, however i think i could quickly come up with one if you wanted a price. Ryan
Thanks for the answer. Yes, I'd like the price please. Would XL be too big/ not accurate for small pieces like pcbs? I was also wondering if I could use my Bosch pof 1400 router. It looks a bit bulky though. I'm planning on using also dremel where low RPM are needed. thx Daniel
Ryan, you might even give some consideration to updating your C-Beam offering to the new XL style. No sense continuing to sell an outdated design when the new XL plates will make a good machine even better.
I would like a BOM for a smaller C-Beam XL, say around 500mm instead of the 1000mm. I'm am new to the CNC world and was also looking at the C-Beam XL as opposed to the C-Beam because I read that the XL has a more rigid construction and a new construction than the strait C-Beam. I want to make PCBs and small gear's for my robotics hobby and do not need, at this time, a base for large woodworking projects. Another issue I have has to do with the spindle clamp. I most likely should put this in another thread but with that said: I would like a 300w or 400w spindle but I am uncertain how I would mount it or where to get the clamps. I did come across the smw3d.com site and they has a 400w spindle with a clamp but they say its designed for the OX build. It seems like the clamp would this work for a C-Beam but I am unsure. Would the smw3d clamp and spindle work? Where can I source a spindle and clamps for the C-Beam? Clamp (SMW3D spindle clamps) Thank you for reading this so-far.
No, there are 2 Y-axis rails. But if you take the XL BOM and subtract the 1000mm cbeam and screw with its end plates, bearings, collars, washers, and coupler and one of the Y-axis gantry plate assemblies you should be pretty close.
Yes, but as it is designed for a 60mm width it will set slightly off center on the 80mm width of the C-beam Z axis. Cutting area will just reach 20mm closer to one side than the other which is not a big deal.
I will work out the BOM, and come up with a price and send it over. I may offer it, only issue Openbuilds don't offer a small C-Beam bundle with the XL plates either, and we get our C-Beam machines from them. The XL Would be accurate enough, but is a big machine.
Thats great. I Look forward to it! I don't understand why a gantry plate is an issue. I can see you offer those plates.
Based on what Ryan is saying, it has to do with breaking up prepackaged kits. There's a lot more difference than just a gantry plate. Wheels are different, there's more/different plates, bolts, shims, washers, etc,. (I just didn't realize as can be seen with my questions above that he gets them already prepackaged.)
Thanks for the evaluation! As you said I'm not too worried about the "20mm closer to one side" issue.
This would be great. I look forward to it and thanks for your work. You said the "The XL Would be accurate enough" for PCB's. Then I will seriously consider it but I still would like a smaller machine as I would have less of a hassle to make room for it in my already crowded space.
Hi, I have attached the BOM for a C-Beam XL Small. I believe it to be correct, but i couldn't say 100% until i built one. We do get them in bundles from Openbuilds, but also re-package them ourselves to make sure everything is there, and put part labels on everything. With the XL we also cut, square and tap all the extrusions, and file the cast corners where needed, should save you a good chunk of time. For the Small XL it would be £630 Inc VAT. This would be without the motors and shipping. Ryan
That's great! Thank you. How long would it take to ship it? Anyone tried using Bosch 1400 pot router? I Wouldn't want to buy a new router if I don't have to.
Thank you. Could you also help me with controller board and motors?Nema 23 175 torque? Would dewalt mount work with Makita RT0701C? Dewalt or Makita? Or I can use my Bosch? thank you
We sell the xPro controller which is widely used on here. Them size motors would be ok for this size machine. The Makita is a smaller router than the Dewalt and Bosch, but we do have adaptors for it,
Small XL kit Nema 23 265.oz Makita RT0700cx4 XPro CNC v3 (I've never really liked Arduino but I dont see anything more suitable. I like the fact that I can use Xbee - Raspberry Pi.) If anyone would suggest a different board I'll have a look. Power supply 24V 350W Adaptor for makita? Is this all I need? Any fans, cables etc?
This is it. I bought the kit. I'll be building it next weekend hopefully. I'll document and post the build here, so if anyone's interested - keep your fingers crossed. Thanks for help!
Hi everybody, Just wanted to let you know that the machine is up and running. Ryan's bom is good except for some wrong quantities. I'll post the correct one later. I had no problems with the build. I have to say that x axis is a bit shorter than in standard c-beam. But I can always use different brackets. Also, the ratio between the size of the axis and a wasteboard in standard c-beam is much bigger than in xl. At the moment my bed is very big and I wonder if I should cut it down as I have only one y actuator. What do you think? I have already done some carving and simple cutting. I found the waste board to be slightly higher on one side. I'll redo it, check gantry level, and then I'll mill the whole board. Is this a good choice:Bottom Trim I think I really need limit/ homing switches, because I already hit the plates a few times. I wanted to use light activated photo transistors and leds but for know I think I'll just use a Hall effect. I'll mill a few things more and then I'm going to post the whole build here on OB. Thank you
Great, sorry about the mistakes We got it right in the end. It is always good to have a little room around the edge to mount some clamps, so i would cut it down to reduce weight to where i would think i would have enough room. They look to be suitable, also never come across that source in the uk before
