Hey everyone, like many on here, I am considering purchasing a C-Beam machine to do some experimenting with CNC routing. I have built a medelmax 3D printer before, so I have experience with gcode, 3D Modeling etc. Since I already have an Additive machine, I figured the next thing would be a subtractive machine. the 12x12 size is good to start, however I might expand to a larger machine later on. The past few times I went to order the kit, its been out of stock and the estimated in stock date keeps changing, Bummer! Does anyone know when these will be in stock. Also, I would like to use the xPro V2 controller which says won't come in until the end of February. Would a different controller work for this? if so, what would you recommend? I have an old Ramps 1.4 controller that I though about using, however I have heard people have problems getting it working. Thanks,
There are a couple of other places to get parts. Google Openbuilds parts. For controller hardware/software, I got some KL-4030 drivers and a c10 break out board from Automation Technologies Inc. I will run LinuxCNC on an old PC. I added a parallel port to the pc. The 4030 and c10 costs a little more than the xPro but less than a gecko setup. Got all my parts in. I just need to wire it up when I can find some time.
Now the release date has been pushed back another week to Feb 1st. What gives? How do you not know when you are going to release this? I'm just about to say screw it and look for a different machine from a different company.
@ Rendermandan, Most parts are in stock but you might need to order them separately, not a Kit. This way you could see if there are alternatives to finish or use temporary. Putting the kits together take up a lot of work and openbuildspartstore.com has a small team that is already doing overtime getting everything shipped out on time and answer their mails. But they do try their best! I believe it has something to do with the 60*20 V-Slot, but you could use 80*20 with 40*20 V-Slot.... -Ronald
Most likely shipping delays from a parts supplier. There are a lot of parts in these kits and all it takes is for one to be delayed to throw everything else off track. I'm just guessing but based on the substantial number other bundles that are also listed as out of stock, I think the problem may be a shortage of 6mm spacers. If that's the case, you might email them and see if you could get a kit ordered substituting 1/4" spacers and 1/4" eccentrics and if such a substitution would have an adverse impact.
I understand. I would recommend they get in touch with their supplier and get a firm date on when they will be in stock. Having to keep pushing back items shows that you are not on top of your suppliers and does not give much confidence in their ability to handle how a successful company should perform. Enough about that. I might consider ordering individual parts. It may be more expensive up front but at least in the end I will attain what I am actually after. Here is a screen shot showing what I'm trying to build. What I was planning on doing with the C-beam kit was move the two 500mm C-Beams to the sides and add a 1000mm X axis. This will extend the build size much wider, however still maintain the depth that can fit on a table top. Has anyone tried this before with success or failure? Is using a 1000mm C-Beam for the X axis a good idea or bad? I will assume because of the C-Beam shape, deflection should be minimal. The main part I'm concerned about is the vertical supports to Y axis C-Beam connections. The plates on the C-Beams have the wheels on the inside of the rails and are pretty close together so I'm worried there might be too much movement in them to be rigid. I'm open to suggestions for this area. Thanks again.
