Hello, I've searched the forum threads but couldn't seem to find an answer. What is the max feed rate (traverse speed) in IPM for the X and Y axes on a WorkBee 1515 with lead screws and stepper motors. The reason I ask is because I'm interested in routing HDU. From the vendors webpage, they say using a 1/4", 2 flute cutter, you can cut HDU at 320 IPM @ 18,000 RPM. I can see a belt drive Workbee moving that fast but not the lead screw driven model, even with the "lead-screws-in-tension" modification.
I bet you could cut it much slower with a single flute end mill, but after looking it up and seeing the price of it, it would be some very expensive testing. I have been able to cut foams at 4000 mm/min, but my screws move 12.7 mm/turn vs the 8mm/turn of a lot of CNC lead screws. So, I do not know the reliable top working speed of your Workbee. You could maybe try to "air cut" something at 4000 mm/min (160 in/min) and see if the machine can handle it.
Hi there, Can I ask what kind of CNC you have? I'm in the planning stages of building one, mainly for cutting woods, foams and aluminum composite (diabond, alumalite, etc.) materials. My goal is to have it optimized for cutting such materials. I plan on cutting 2D, 2.5D and 3D. I'm not sure the WorkBee is going to be able to attain the optimal speeds I need, unless I modify it with larger diameter lead screws. Avid CNC builds a beautiful CNC machine, but I'm not willing to have to sell one of my motorcycles to build it, LOL. That's where I draw the line.
This is my current set-up Lead Screw Driven Ox Derivative (850x1500). I am replacing the X -gantry soon with the High Z LEAD Mod. But that mod will be heavily modded. I am drawing up the mods today. I plan to mostly run it lower like the LEAD because I rarely cut things over 1.5 inches thick. However, I want to be able to engrave on boxes and cut thick foam. The screws I currently use move the gantry's 12.7 mm per revolution. However, my new x-axis needed a longer lead screw so I picked up the 8mm from Openbuilds. For waht I do, I do not think the 1/3 reduction in distance per revolution will matter. Also, I am replacing my steppers with the high torque version. The old steppers will be used for a rotary cnc lathe I am also getting ready to build.
