I built a plate maker some time ago and now I’m ready to move up to a more practical machine. The 1010 looks perfect. Do I use some of the useable parts form my plate maker to build a new machine or start from scratch? I want to use the new open builds controller, accessories and software.
just get the full kit and build the new machine. there is always a use for a second machine in a workshop (-:
Thanks for the advice David. Looking at the kits, what is the difference between the 1010 Lead and the 1010 Workbee?
You should get a little more usable cutting distance in the Y because the Y plates are 125mm vs the larger workbee plates. The lead could also be modified as the High Z. But I believe you could do a similar mod with the workbee.
I am modifying my existing CNC router and have switched to the LEAD type plates. A bonus I found (it was not intentional) is that I will get about 75 more mm of cutting length and the spindle will now reach over the front edge of my frame. This will allow me to mount boards to the front for cutting dovetails for drawers.
I will be almost exclusively be milling plate aluminum. My main concern is rigidity/accuracy/repeatability. I would give up some z-axis for that. So I should be ordering the workbee 1010 if read this right?
The key to hard materials is building the system no larger than the plates you intend to cut. The smaller the system the more rigid it is and the better the cut. If you are determined to go with a 1010 system I would suggest the Lead 1010 and add the high-z mod. But rather than building high-z mod high, set the lower x-axis very low. This will help resolve the torsional flex that is a problem in longer single beam x-axis systems (ie. it’ll keep the head from bobbing which is a problem on longer x-axes). The lower x should also be the powered rail. If you really want rigidity powering both the x rails will take the sway out of the gantry frame but that’s the subject of a much larger discussion.
I’m rethinking this whole project now. Looking at the projects I have planned, I think the working area of my current c-beam machine will suffice. I would be better off updating my controller and perhaps a slight increase in capacity. Perhaps not. I’m sure there are ways to increase the rigidity and accuracy of the machine.
With an original plate maker you should get noticeable rigidity improvement simply by upgrading the gantry plates to the XL gantry plates (or something similar which you can easily cut yourself).
Thanks so much for your help everybody. this has really helped. I think I'm on the right path now. Stay healthy and safe.
