Hi All, First Foray into CNC, Newb Questions PSA. I am considering openbuilds for CNC so I can hopefully have flexibility in the long haul. Hardwoods/softwoods/mdf/delrin/acrylic. Guitar necks, bodies, templates, and even adding a laser for 2D inlay work if feasible. I am leaning towards a bundle to get setup quicker and safer and modify later as I learn. Based off raw materials, best estimate, I need minimums "cutting area" of 16" x 25" x 3.75". This points me towards 40x40 LEAD 1010 or Workbee 1010. Though, height will be an issue with the current offerings. Preferrably want more like 20 x 32-36" x 5ish. I saw the other recent thread vs these two machines which helped a bit but still had some other questions. Does "work Area" in the descriptions = "Cutting Area"? or is the spindle etc going to subract from that? The workbee seems to have a "plate" for height. Is that a no go for raising the height? Is the vertical riser for the LEAD 1010 machine the V-Slot 20x80x250mm linear rail in part list? Could I just purchase and replace those 2 with 20x80x500mm for (extra 250mm = 9+ inches) height? I'd probably cut it down some to a more reasonable height to maintain rigidity and stability if that matters. I think I just missed the sale. How often do they "go on sale"? I am not in a rush so I can wait. Unless someone knows where to find a coupon-code they can point me at. Thoughts? Thanks
When I was making my choice for a machine height was also a deciding factor. But the issue with height seems to be the stiffness of the carriage on the z axis. My first thought was to just make some new plates for the y axis rail and then add a longer z axis assembly. It is completely doable. But again I am unclear how the rigidity would hold up. It is a project I will consider in the not to distant future because I need to clear 6" but I only need to cut down 1". So we'll see. I just had a thought. You could raise the y axis with new end plates. But keep the z axis carriage the same. To raise and lower you working plane just add or subtract material to your waste board.
The LEAD CNC is the most flexible in terms of modifications with no side plates holding the Z-Axis back...simply swap out the stock extrusion and off you go!
Interesting idea. After looking at this more in depth, I think either machine could take a second rail on the Y to raise the Y (E.g. 2 rails high) . What I don't see is an obvious way to connect them vertically using _existing_ plate options in the store. Hmm.. seems like a good addition to an open builds concept. Though, more likely, I just don't do not understand what I am looking at yet. Though, after looking at this again, the WORK BEEN 3.25" height may be good enough height as is for me. At least for 98.375% of my work Thanks for the tip.
Thanks Mary. Just to be clear I understand. When you say to swap out the stock extrusions, you just mean get a larger v-rail for Z axis correct?
