Scotty Orr published a new build:

Read more about this build...

Here are the build videos for the MMXL Conversion.

​

 

I haven't considered the OX. I hadn't thought about anything that big - yet! One nice thing about this rig is that I should be able to cut plates for most of the designs I've seen here. So when It's time to upgrade again, I'll be ready (and there are so many to choose from). I'll need a bigger shop though....

 

Just a couple of additional comments on the build:
I accidentally left off the additional 6mm spacers needed from the parts list (1 regular, 1 eccentric).

You will also need a 10.25" x 16" piece of MDF (I used 3/4") and eight sheet metal or wood screws to attach it to the build plate as shown (I used #2 x 7/16" servo screws).

If you want the longer version build area, but don't want to cut the custom plate, you could use 2 Universal Build plates in tandem. In either case, you'll need (4) additional V-wheel kits, (4) more 25mm screws, (4) more 6mm spacers (2 of each type), and (1) lead screw nut block (w/screws, spacers, nuts). This would increase the maximum build length to about 20.5 inches.

If you replace the C-Beam XL plate on the back of the Z-axis with a Universal V-Slot Gantry plate, you can increase the build width to about 11.75 inches (max travel would be ~300mm, and there is room between the columns).

If you are happy with the 10x16 configuration, you could cut down the long C-Beam and lead screw to match. This might prevent needing the extra support under the tail, as well as allow the addition of a jog knob on the Y-axis.

(Or you can mix/match to get your own custom size.)

One additional note you may need if you build before I get more video posted: Mark the Y-axis C-Beam at 351mm from the tail. This will line up with the back of the rear cross brace of the frame. and puts the mill head centered at 500mm on the Y-axis.

 

No. (And what would be wrong with that anyway?) My upgrade was inspired by the C-Beam Machine (as I mentioned), but it's narrower and uses parts from the MiniMill. I certainly hope it works as well as the C-Beam Machine appears to. One more thing: This is an upgrade, not a fresh build. It's meant for people that already have a MiniMill and don't want to spend another $600 to have both a MiniMill and a C-Beam machine. (Like me.)

 

Oh, yes! It got quite a workout over the holidays!

I used it to cut plates for a laser addition:
Laser Adapter for OpenBuilds Spindle Mount (1/8" aluminum)
Laser Shield Box for Spindle Adapter (3/16" acrylic)

Then I used it with the laser attachment to make several Christmas gifts:
Project - Laser Shield Box for Spindle Adapter (example raster engraving on maple)

Also used the laser to engrave my spoil board:
Laser Engraved Spoiler Grid (200x200)

And here's a test raster image on denim that I finished just today:

​

 

The parts list on the build page should be complete (except as noted in post #5 above: MMXL - A MiniMill Conversion )

 

It hasn't been an issue for me. I haven't had any trouble milling aluminum with it. The conversion really makes it like a C-Beam machine which is a pretty popular build. I did make more videos of the build, but if you take a look at the build of the C-Beam machine, it really follows that pretty closely.

 

Since there has been some recent interest in this build, I have begun editing the several hours of build video I have. I will post each one as it becomes available in Post #1 of this discussion thread (above). I hope to have them all done in about a week.

Thanks,
Scotty

 

All of the MMXL build videos have now been uploaded and are posted above: https://openbuilds.com/threads/mmxl-a-minimill-conversion.10593/

It's about two and a half hours total (most around 15-20 minutes each). Sorry it took me this long to get to this. Hopefully, it will be helpful if you attempt this conversion.
Thanks - Scotty

 

The plate in the drawing is 216 x 390. (Be sure your units are set to millimeters.)

 

The X-axis gantry plate uses 6 wheels instead of 4. (This makes it more like the C-Beam build.I believe I also removed the thin shims from all of those wheels. Explanation is in the Part 2 video above at about 3 or 4 minutes in.) I also left a couple of parts off of that main list (mentioned in the comments above). I accidentally left off the additional 6mm spacers needed (1 regular, 1 eccentric) for those wheels.