First off, thanks for letting me in the sandbox. Look forward to learning the CNC world. Am 32 years IT and been working on Harleys for 15+ years so not afraid of dirt, technology, guns, or beautiful women. I'm looking at the ACRO 1510 mainly because I'll start with small stuff while experimenting but will certainly move onto large projects once familiar with usage. I am a little confused though on what exactly is needed for this "kit" as some items don't seem to be selectable such as stepper motors, etc.. I'm new to the CNC world and looking to take the dive but I want to buy a system that is all-inclusive meaning I don't want to start having to buy other parts to make it work. I get there is the mechanical and the electrical side of this, not worried about that, not worried about following instructions to assemble it (no my man card still will not allow me to ask for directions) but what I also don't want is something I have to constantly tinker with to make it work. I want to buy it, build it, and USE IT, not constantly adjust it to make it work. Am I in the wrong place for this or can you folks point me in the right direction.
Hi @ToddW . When you go into the 1510 on the part store you are able to select all add ons to get a functional machine, but in the case of the ACRO its just the moving parts, no tool head option is offered ( Router / Spindle, Laser, etc ) So you have options to add if you don't already have them > Wiring Kit, Power Supply, Stepper Motors ( out of stock but should be available soon), Controller. Hope this helps
what is best practice for a frame this size, router or spindle and which model specifically is recommended for each? also what laser diodes are recommended? or is this based on what material is being used?
This frame was not designed for Router / Spindle cnc operations. Its structure is more of a lightweight suitable for a Diode laser, CO2 laser, pick&place or similar. Even a small brushless motor could be used for pcb milling. Diodes are very popular now have been getting better recently. There are a bunch of manufacturers out there to choose from, but that will depend on whats your objective. Diodes are very good at engraving much more than cutting. Take a look at the build and discussions over here to learn more on what other makers are doing OpenBuilds ACRO System
ah ok, then I guess that rules the 1510 out as I'll be using whatever I buy moreso for wood cutting/carving than I will be for laser functions. I'd just like the ability to do both with the largest work surface I can afford so as not to be upgrading in 3 months. thoughts on route to take then? Again, a newbie at CNC so be nice.
There is not such a thing as newbie to CNC . There are some basic rules and thins you need to learn and experiment. There are great kit options to choose from, all the current line up ( except for the 1510 Workbee ) is lead screw driven so you could get a very strong structure, the LEAD being the best in my opinion because it can be easily upgraded to make it bigger or smaller in any axis if needed. To any of those you can easily add a diode laser. At this point its all about whats your budget.
any clue when stepper motors will be available or can I just grab any nema 23 stepper motor that will plug into the xPro driver?
You can connect any stepper motor to the xPro its just OpenBuilds ones come with the xTension connectors that make it easy. Stepper should be back in the store this week.
If you’re moving up to the NEMA 23s go with the BlackBox rather than the xPro. If you’re just doing wood, the Workbee 1510 should be fine if you dual belt it. Having belts, it will work better as a laser combo unit.
