I don't think I would reference a very grainy "spy shot" as how things are going to be built. If anything, the last picture that was posted of an actual assembled machine (assembled according to the instructions) is what you should reference. That clearly shows the Y-axis C-Beams facing down, and in that situation, the cross beams will reduce the travel of that axis.

Also, the official description of the functions of the machine posted on the build page state that the C-Beams are flipped to keep chips away from the screws. You will also note that they are posting the build instructions as we speak (not complete at the time of this writing), so that will show you without a doubt the orientation of the Y-axis C-Beams.

 

@evilc66 is correct...I looked back at everything and yes you would lose width of the V-Slot x2 for the Y axis assuming they travel the entire length of that axis.

an easy modification for that would be to use the C-Beam Shield and I am surprised that wasn't done since it would be fewer parts, less complicated but possibly a little less rigid and I think rigidity is going to be good here

 

hhhuummmmm....I hate being wrong

 

new thought here....if you have 2 lead screws, even if they are being mirrored like they can in the xPro, what's going to keep them from racking? I know they aren't going to be perfect and would assume over time the small differences would add up and could cause issues

 

Hi guys especially Mark and Moag I am completely new to to this forum and have learned so much in the past weeks reading through and looking at different build projects. I have been wanting to build a CNC machine for years and now is the time to dive in. I was loking at the basic C-Beam but then came across this X-Large project which is ultimatey what I would have developed the basic model into, to meet my hobby needs, building models and kids toys from wood. My question is, is this X-Large version too much for a complete novice? What would be the estimated cost of the kit bundle plus electrics? Looking at this as a winter project so hopefully it won't be too long to release date. I am ok on the mechanics but would probably be looking for help in the electronics department no matter what project I end up building.

 

Newbie here, just purchased the c-beam bundle a few weeks ago. Any plans for an upgrade bundle from the std c-beam to the new XL?

 

After more thinking....you could use the CBeam Riser Plates and the CBeam Shield to provide protective coverage of the screw. If so, it would appear that you could flip the CBeams over without sacrificing Y axis movement distances. Then, you could lay those X axis supports horizontal as I menioned in the beginning. Or is there some other reason it couldn't be done this way?

 

Re-read the last sentence of the post you quoted. That's why they are upside down. Using the shield keeps debris directly off the screw, but not out of the actuator. Mounting them upside down keeps debris out of everything.

 

Mounting them upside down prevents you from being able to flatten the X axis cross members and lowering and strengthening the rigidity of the overall frame which is what I was hoping to achieve. I think a good shield would suffice and allow them to be mounted as desired. The shield sold by OB might not cover everything, so some additional fabric, rubber, or other materal might also be needed. Time to get creative I suppose.

 

Have not seen any activity on this thread in almost a week. What is the status of the build kit?

Thx.

 

Any update on parts list and/or bundle price? This is exactly what I have been looking for!

 

Hi Moag's just uploaded the latest build specs yesterday, awesome detail

 

Hi,
I to would like to know if a kit/bundle will be coming for this.
I have put my design on hold, to wait and see.
Thanks
Steve

PS this bundle sound like it will be very popular, so can we hurry this up a little bit.

 

@Moag Yikes on the computer crash...I have been fortunate to only have a couple of those and have found Google drive is a godsend since I can keep all my important docs there as well as a thumb drive. Looking forward to the release of this beast

 

THE PARTS BUNDLE IS NOW AVAILABLE!

C-Beam Machine XLarge Mechanical Bundle

 

Yay!

 

Is a guide available on how to wire this up ?

 

This build looks absolutely fantastic. The build instructions are superb. This is on my Christmas wish list and my wife will have all the links and instructions to buy for sure. Hopefully, my sweet little Santa Claus will take heed and be so kind.

Now...I just need to win that controller package naming contest!!

 

Santa Knows

 

Hi, I was just about to order a Shapeoko (like literally I had clicked on checkout) when I came across this machine.
I am not torn between a Shapeoko and this the C Beam XL, and I am hoping I can get an objective opinion on which machine I should get.

I'd like to get a CNC router to build small aluminum enclosure to house electronics. By small I mean that the boxes will not be any bigger than than 1" x 1/2". My wife wants to use the CNC router to create artwork and wood signs.

The Shapeoko is a bit limit in size at 16"x 16", the C Beam is much wider (though a bit shorter). The dimensions seem to be in favour of the C Beam as my wife would be able to make wider signs.
The C Beam has limited vertical action though, 1" shorter than the Shapeoko.
The Shapeoko comes ready to assemble, everything is bundled with it. I'm still confused by what really needs to be ordered electronic-wise for the C Beam. The motor option is nice, but what about the driver? Controller board? Power supply?

Then there is the price. The Shapeoko is almost identical price (to me in Canada) as the C Beam with the option. The C Beam gets more expensive as you add drivers, controller and power supply. I guess I could also go with an electronic combo from eBay (including the motors), which would bring the price right down to the Shapeoko.

Last is the shipping option. There's an importer for Shapeoko in Canada and I get free (!!!!!) shipping for the Shapeoko, which I'm quoted $176 from the openbuilds website. This adds quite a bit to the final price.

While I'm the only one who will be able to eventually make up my mind, I'd like to get an opinion (preferably objective, I know this is an openbuilds forum) on the 2 machines I am considering.
Further, if somebody is able to provide a complete electronic package that would be very competitive price-wise, to bring the C Beam option close to the price of the Shapeoko.

If I were to place an order now, when would I receive the C Beam?

Regards,
JS

 

The XLarge built in the earlier spy photo was built by a novice and he completed it in what would be less than a weekend. The build manual is so detailed, I think it will be fun for you.