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      This build is for a testing rig to use while testing out different controller boards and Open source CAM software. It will have interchangeble heads (6.5W Laser diode, 2.8W Laser diode, router spindle, and possibly a high volume Volcano 3D printer head), and a controll box that allows for use with the different controller boards (currently Smoothieboard and derivatives, GRBL, Arduin/Ramps running Marlin, TinyG2 (if I can get one) and hopefully even more boards in the near future) The design is based off of Mark Carews OX CNC build.

      June 17, 2016
      I have finalized the specs for the machine, it will be 800mm X 1500mm giving me a 24" X 50" work area. I finished the design of the table upon which the L'Fox will sit today. It is a torsion box design , which is a framework of plywood inner ribs, skinned top and bottom with plywood. It creates a very stiff, level surface to build upon. I have uploaded a pdf of the basic design with measurements. I have decided to mount the Y axis rails directly to the side of the torsion box table, with approximately 20mm of the rail sitting proud of the table, allowing for a piece of 18mm MDF to be placed on the table as a spoiler board. This also eliminates some V-slot, lowering the cost, and making the rails parallel and stiff. I will start construction tomorrow morning (June 18/16) and will take pictures to upload as I assemble it. The table will sit on a table I purchased that has had casters and shelves added underneath for storage. But you could easily add pipe legs to the table using threaded 2"pipe and pipe flanges, or whatever idea for legs you like.


      I came across a brilliant idea from the Stainless steel OX build which was to use double belts on the X and Y axis, to limit belt stretch and play. Here is a video of Martin Barfoed's great idea.



      I need to order some additional GT3 belt as I did not know of this method when I ordered my parts. Very inexpensive way of improving the build.

      I have also figured out how to connect multiple controllers without having to rewire the machine each time. All the connections to the machine will terminate on a DB25 breakout board, connecting to the controller being used at the time by a DB25 cable, which connects to the same kind of breakout board. So swapping controllers will be as easy as unplugging a DB25 cable from one control box and plugging it in to the new controller box. The breakout boards I am using are here: DB25 25-pin Female Adapter RS-232 Serial Port Interface Breakout Board Connector

      I have a set of 6mm aluminum OX plates on their way to me courtesy of Alex Krause. Hopefully they will arrive shortly after the torsion box table is finished, as they are required to continue most of the build. Alex also gave me a good idea on how to limit flex of the X axis rails. He suggested pinning them together, which should stiffen the entire assembly. I am also getting a lot of good tips from The OX Group - Community - Google+.

      That pretty much sums up the state of affairs at this point in the build.


      June 24, 2016
      The table is complete and the Y rails have been mounted on the table. The torsion box table is mounted to a solid maple desk I picked up at my local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. I love shopping there, it helps to raise money for Habitat builds in my region. I added plywood shelves to add stiffness to the legs as well as providing storage, and the double door metal cabinet will be the controller cabinet for the machine. It is the base from an old Xerox copier, I even used the casters it had to install under the table assembly to allow easy relocation of the machine. I will be installing drawer slides in the control cabinet so the tray with the electronics and power supplies will simply pull out for maintenance or any changes in the future. I will also be adding cooling fans to the back of the controller cabinet to prevent overheating of the components, extending their life expectancy. It will also house a dedicated PC to interface to the controller(s). Still need to design a monitor mount to build on to the table assembly. I also need to stain and varnish the plywood shelves to match the colour of the table. Just waiting on the plates to continue building.


      L'Fox Table-2.JPG
      L'Fox Table-1.JPG

      June 25, 2016
      Picked up a 1 hp dust collector from Princess Auto. It was a clearance item, last one they had, and reduced to the ridiculously low price of $70.00 Should do wonders picking up chips and shavings from the spindle once a dust boot is installed.

      100_3927.JPG

      June 28, 2018
      The OX plates are arriving today. This will allow me to continue the build. They will need a little prep work to get them ready for painting, have not decided on a colour yet. I also created a wiring log to use to document the wiring for each different controller being used. I have put it in the files tab.


      July 11, 2016
      I have started working out the modular wiring t allow for easy swapping of controllers. Here are a couple of pictures of the wiring.
      100_3974.JPG 100_3972.JPG 100_3973.JPG

      July 14, 2016
      I have ordered a 12" dual boot tablet to be the interface to the controllers Here is a link to the tablet I ordered : Chuwi Hi12 Stylus Intel Z8300 Quad Core 1.84GHz 12 Inch Dual Boot Tablet . It should have no issues running LaserWeb v3.

      I have started to run all the cabling, but am waiting on some cable drag chain to run the cables to the controller box.

      July 24, 2016
      Spindle mounts are installed. Thank you to +Brandon Satterfield from SMW3D.com for the generous donation of these custom spindle mounts. mount1.JPG mount2.JPG mount2.JPG


      November 28, 2016

      I have been a little remiss in documenting this build. I have started to set it up with the VFD spindle as it's permanent setup now that I have built (in progress) a laser engraver, which will be used to test laser engraving and cutting software with, and this machine will now be the test bed for the CNC controllers and milling CAM software. This OX will continue to be a mainly Smoothieboard based machine, but with the modular wiring setup I can still test controllers like grbl, Estlcam Uno and others. Once again I have to thank Mark and the entire Openbuilds team and the fairshare program for all the support they have given to me.

      Attached Files:

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  • Build Details

    Build License:
    • CC - Attribution Share Alike - CC BY SA

    Reason for this Build

    This build is being done to allow testing of many different controller cards and CAM software for milling and routing.

    Inspired by

    Mark Carews OX CNC build, Ooznest Large OX
  • Attached Files:

  • Attached Files:

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