I just ordered a new Lead Machine from partstore. This is probably something I should have asked before I added it to cart, but how exactly does the high Z mod from openbuilds actually work? I realize this is a very basic "explain like I'm 5" question. Can you use standard endmills or do you need to buy extra long bits even for short jobs? If you are using a long bit, wouldn't deflection be a major issue and massively reduce your feeds/speeds? I'm hoping to work with some pretty dense hardwood, is that going to be okay with the standard Makita or will I need a spindle? Thanks for your help.
The Z axis C-Beam is able to move down to use standard end mills, but if you have the Z axis C-Beam set for Long/Large distance, you need longer end mills. There are 16 screws (8 90 degree angle connectors and 8 drop-ins from the back of the C Beam) to loosen, move the Z down to normal height, and tighten. Its not that difficult, but you do need to check square after you move it. I added it to mine, and like the longer reach, but most of the time I have it lower for normal duty.
Thanks for your help, I imagine most of my j Thanks for your help. Where would you recommend getting the longer endmills for those bigger jobs?
Instead of bringing the Z Axis C-Beam down, put some boards on the table to bring the work piece up to the bit.
Kodiak Cutting Tools sells longer endmills. Extra-Extra Long End Mills | Solid Micrograin Carbide End Mills
Long endmills and hardwoods are not a good combination. As Jeff Morris notes, take the work up to the bit. Another option is to assemble the High-Z mod no higher than you reasonably expect to be using.
That is certainly an option. I think I will make a bed with a riser. What are the issues with using a long endmill and hardwood? Is it likely to damage the machine or potentially break the bit even if I'm conservative with speeds and feeds?
You get a lot of flex with long endmills which leads to inaccurate cutting if precise parts are needed. Also, they can break easier due to the deflection. I had some cheaper 1/8" endmills I was using in aluminum and they were about 2 inches long. They broke really easily when cutting so I took them over to my vise and performed a controlled break and shortened them significantly. After that I did not break another while cutting the aluminum. I pointed you in the direction of some extra long ones thinking that you were maybe using the full depth of the high Z mod for soft materials like foam. I personally use as short of an endmill as possible when cutting. To be able to use a really short endmill, I made a fixture to raise up the work piece.
Thanks. I'll need to think a bit more about what I want Thanks, it makes sense that deflection would be an issue. I would never be trying to cut aluminum, but I assumed reasonably dense wood would be feasible. The description of the high Z mod on the partstore does say it is suitable for hardwood, is this overly optimistic? Foam and plastic is fine, but I did buy with the intention of carving some larger pieces out of wood. Is this unlikely to be the case? Thanks for your help, this seems like an awesome machine and I can't wait to have it in hand to experiment with.
Even if you dont use the High Z for long endmill work, think about cutting holes in enclosures, 3D carving on top of a jewellery box, that sort of jobs come up often and then you have space underneath for the workpiece Also, its super rigid if you just want to do flat stock, its still a worthy upgrade to increase rigidity
Very true, It's always worth having the extra clearance. I'm probably just going to build my wasteboard on risers as suggested, that makes a lot of sense. Also gives me the option to add a theoretical fourth axis. Thanks for getting back to me with such detailed replies. Any idea what the current lead time is on shipping stuff from the store?
'Very short' as far as I know, but better to ask the store about matters relating to it: http://support.openbuilds.com/support/home
I got my recent order pretty quickly. I think it shipped the next day. Unfortunately, I forgot to order the 2 main items I wanted - 2 250 mm 2020 v slots. I have a longer one I will just cut to the lengths I need.
I really hope I remembered everything I needed... Apparently it's been shipped already! No idea how long it will take to get here though (New Zealand). I also don't really know how much customs I'll be charged, the guy who reccomended it to me said he got lucky and barely had to pay anything! After doing some research I've come the conclusion that buying the mod was a fantastic idea, regardless of whether or not I intend to use the full 200mm.
I'm looking at importing a Lead 1515 from the Maker Store in Aus, what did customs in Auckland sting you?
The full 15%, It was brutal. The lead 1515 is awesome, I wish I had waited a few months and just bought that, but hindsight is 2020.
Thanks. Did you need to go through a customs broker or have an importer account? Or was it a case of paying them the import duty and it then got delivered?
It was pretty straightforward, I got an email from FedEx with some forms to fill out for an importer code which took a few days, then they asked me for my code and the import duty. they were helpful and it was a really easy process. Once you have the code you can (and likely will) use it for future purchases. It took less than 10 days to arrive from the US if shipping delays are the reason you aren’t buying directly from OB. This was in September, so still mid pandemic. I’ve had other stuff come from them too in similar amounts of time.
