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Workbee CNC Router/Laser Machine

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Leonard Cross, Dec 2, 2018.

Workbee CNC Router/Laser/Plotter

Workbee CNC Router/Laser/Plotter

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Leonard Cross, Dec 2, 2018.

A CNC machine with an expansive 30x30" work area, supporing a router, laser, simple plotting and work monitoring camera. Control includes a tethered control box, game controller style jog control, and relay controlled AC outlets for all appliances. Accessories include a 3D printed dust shoe, a complete spoilboard and hold down system, an XYZ touch probe and multiple vacuum retention boards to support full profile routing.

CNC Router laser plotter Workbee fixtures engraving camera
  1. Leonard Cross

    Leonard Cross New
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    Leonard Cross published a new build:

    Read more about this build...
     
    #1 Leonard Cross, Dec 2, 2018
    Paul Stoller likes this.
  2. JustinTime

    JustinTime Veteran
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    I like the prism idea. Did you find the the beam is weaker exiting the prism compared to using the lase without the prism or is it the same and there is hardly any loss?
     
    #2 JustinTime, Dec 2, 2018
    Oni LX and Leonard Cross like this.
  3. Leonard Cross

    Leonard Cross New
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    I do notice a small amount of light "escaping" outside of the main beam, but the resulting beam effect seems to be the same with or without the prism.
     
    #3 Leonard Cross, Dec 2, 2018
    Oni LX likes this.
  4. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
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    Really impressive!
     
    #4 sharmstr, Dec 2, 2018
    Oni LX and Leonard Cross like this.
  5. Leonard Cross

    Leonard Cross New
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    Thanks, I had fun :)
     
    #5 Leonard Cross, Dec 2, 2018
  6. TurfnSurf

    TurfnSurf New
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    How sturdy are the V-track wheels/linear rail system? I've always been curious.
     
    #6 TurfnSurf, Feb 28, 2019
    Leonard Cross likes this.
  7. Leonard Cross

    Leonard Cross New
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    As this is my first CNC machine, I don't have much to compare it to, but I have been very happy with the performance. I have worked mostly with wood to date, but I have been able to route hardwood with a 1/4" bit at top machine speed (2500mm/min) without issue. One of the projects was making cutting boards shaped like puzzle pieces that interlock, and while you could achieve better tolerances from a more rigid machine, this setup produced really good results. I have been using it pretty regular, with minimal wear and tear noticeable, but as the machine is less than a year old, I can't yet comment on long term reliability.
     
    #7 Leonard Cross, Feb 28, 2019
    Mark Carew and Peter Van Der Walt like this.
  8. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Great Build post @Leonard Cross lots of really nice ideas and shares.
    Thank you for taking the time to post your Build as well as the helpful feedback from your CNC experiences
     
    #8 Mark Carew, Mar 15, 2019
    Leonard Cross likes this.
  9. Leonard Cross

    Leonard Cross New
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    Thanks Mark! The machine has given me hours of enjoyment, and Openbuilds has been a key resource in the jouney.
     
    #9 Leonard Cross, Mar 16, 2019
    Mark Carew likes this.
  10. magus021

    magus021 New
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    Hello, I have a Workbee CNC and also have a laser from china.
    I need help to connect together, could you please send me your contact to this e-mail: [email protected]
    I would be grateful if you can help me.
    Thanks.
     
    #10 magus021, Sep 4, 2019
  11. Jeromy

    Jeromy New
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    I love this build i'm in planning stages for a similar build. Can i ask where you got your 10 watt laser or model?
     
    #11 Jeromy, Jan 30, 2020
  12. Leonard Cross

    Leonard Cross New
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    I purchased it from Endurance Lasers (Improve your 3D printer or CNC machine with an Endurance laser module). They are in Russia, but I have gotten great pre and post sale support! I do recommend the 10W+ version - I started with the 5.6W, but felt it was under powered, and upgraded to the 10W+ a few months later.
     
    #12 Leonard Cross, Jan 30, 2020
    sharmstr likes this.
  13. laurent Besseas

    laurent Besseas New
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    Wonderful build indeed, did you plan to share the vaccum part and total cost of the vaccum upgrade.

    Thanks
     
    #13 laurent Besseas, Apr 16, 2020
  14. Leonard Cross

    Leonard Cross New
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    Thanks for the kind words, I have really enjoyed the journey!

    I have not had time to document the details of the vacuum fixture, but can give you some pointers.
    - I found this link particularly helpful on the fixture itself :
    7 CNC Fixturing Tips for a Small Shop | Make:.
    - I went with a 4.4CFM pump I found on Amazon. It works fine, just be sure to put a filter inline with the intake, as I had to dig sawdust out of the pump without it.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY0C5EZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Good luck!
     
    #14 Leonard Cross, Apr 24, 2020
  15. ricards

    ricards New
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    Hello, this looks like a really nice build, and i am planning to build something similar.
    I would really appriciate if you could tell me what metal/how thick did you use for this part, that holds the x axis motor and x axis beam.
     

    Attached Files:

    #15 ricards, Apr 29, 2020
  16. Leonard Cross

    Leonard Cross New
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    I purchased a WorkBee 1010 kit from OpenBuilds, so did not fabricate the part in reference. As best I can tell, all parts are made from Aluminium, and are 6mm thick.
     
    #16 Leonard Cross, Apr 29, 2020
  17. Oni LX

    Oni LX New
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    I'd love to know more abut the probe. can you point me in the direction of any documentation for it? have you made any point clouds using it yet? Awesome build!
     
    #17 Oni LX, Jun 15, 2022
  18. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    Checkout https://docs.openbuilds.com/xyzprobe
     
    #18 Peter Van Der Walt, Jun 16, 2022

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