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WorkBee CNC build - My honest opinion, tips and help

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by T4Concepts, Feb 6, 2018.

  1. Ryan Lock

    Ryan Lock Veteran
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    Hi,

    Yes a spindle would work with the WorkBee, i would advise getting the 3kg version.

    Best Regards

    Ryan Lock
     
  2. T4Concepts

    T4Concepts Journeyman
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    Hi Ryan,

    Many thanks for the info mate, appreciated :thumbsup:

    Are you selling the spindles? as I would be interested for my WorkBee.

    I've been looking at the software side of things these last few months. CAD/CAM, evaluating various GCode generators. I'm getting rather interested in the Vectric stuff, really interested in what they offer. Unfortunately I can't afford the 'Aspire' CNC package, or even the 'VCarve Pro', so will probably be buying the 'VCarve DeskTop' version. Are you doing deals on those?

    Going back to the spindles mate, I read somewhere that anything heavier than the 3Kg spindle is too heavy for the WorkBee. Is that the reason behind your recommendation?



    TURK
     
  3. Ryan Lock

    Ryan Lock Veteran
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    Hi,

    Not a problem.

    I am afraid we are not selling spindles yet.

    The Vectric software is really nice and so simple to use. We do offer 5% discount on the software with our machine. But unfortunately aside from that Vectric have strict rules about discounting their software. If you buy their software, and want to upgrade to a better package, if you contact them they can upgrade you and just pay the difference.

    Yes i recommend a maximum spindle of 3kg. This should cover all air cooled versions. I have seen lots of users go heavier though.

    Ryan
     
  4. T4Concepts

    T4Concepts Journeyman
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    Many thanks for the quick response Ryan :thumbsup:
    OK, I'll contact Vectric directly then.

    I can wait for the spindle mate, plenty research still needed in that department. I'll continue using my Makita router for the time being.

    I noticed that you revamped your website, looking very nice mate .................. and you're building up quite a library of very helpful tutorial videos on your YouTube Channel as well :thumbsup:

    I never regretted buying my WorkBee from you, the support has been fantastic. Thank you so much.



    TURK
     
    Mark Carew, Ryan Lock and sharmstr like this.
  5. Ryan Lock

    Ryan Lock Veteran
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    Hey,

    Not a problem!

    Thanks for the kind words, we have a lot more cool things coming soon as well.

    That is ok, it is good to hear you have a WorkBee and are part of the community.

    Best Regards

    Ryan Lock
     
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  6. Tajudeen

    Tajudeen New
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    Hi Everyone,
    Thank you for sharing your valuable experiences.

    I was trying to buy parts from China when I came across Ooznest workbee and T4concept review. Please I need the following clarified so as to know the limit of my build.
    1. Can I add rotary axis aka 4th axis?
    2. How will I be able to cut steel?
    3. I learnt on the forum that maximum z axis depth is 94 mm. Can I upgrade it to 200mm?
    4. Can I add laser cutting device to the work bee.

    I am a Newbie with experience in fusion 360 and 3d printing.
     
  7. zuzux

    zuzux New
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    1 i think u can on if u have 5th driver
    2 cant
    3 ??
    4 same like 1
     
  8. Tajudeen

    Tajudeen New
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    Thank you for reply @zuzux. About the second question, my thought is if I can hold steel in a vice and cut with hand tool. Why can't I do similar with cnc router The third question refers to z axis depth, Can I increase it?
     
  9. zuzux

    zuzux New
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    for 3 i dont think u can it's design u can lower or flat middle section to get more but all in 100mm or so how i read
    and how i understand steel need more rigid frame due to vibrations that will snap your tool
     
  10. Tajudeen

    Tajudeen New
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    Thanks once again @zuzux. I s the installation manual sufficient for an operational workbee cnc router? Or will I require additional information?
     
  11. T4Concepts

    T4Concepts Journeyman
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    Yes indeed Tajudeen, in less than an hour I was generating my first GCode! :thumbsup:
    It's almost like magic when you see it happen, particularly when you've done a design yourself. I began by designing a simple logo using Inkscape to create the vector graphics.

    It's also all on this thread Tajudeen, including how to generate an .svg file.

    Currently I haven't 'completed' this build as I'm still learning new stuff myself, and actually evaluating software packages. As I can't afford much I'm looking at the best available at reasonable costs, and also looking at the free ( open source ) alternatives. Once I've settled on something, and actually started making stuff, I'll post back my findings. Some people may find it interesting :D



    TURK
     
  12. T4Concepts

    T4Concepts Journeyman
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    I may as well post some recent pictures of the modifications I did to the WorkBee ......................

    You asked the question about maximum Z travel, in my opinion the best way is to lower your waste-board, or your cutting surface, as opposed to altering the actual mechanics of the WorkBee. I considered that by altering the X axis would invariably effect the rigidity of the X axis. So I added extra C-Beam extrusions like in the following image >>

    2181_IMG_5180.jpg


    It's obviously important to note that the part or work piece will dictate how you accomplish this. I mainly bought my WorkBee to 'profile' ABS plastic headlight parts. All 24 holes of varying dimensions have to be very precise ............... there's no way I would of been able to accomplish that task accurately time and time again. This was my plan at the time, with my ABS part in place. With the cnc raised by an extra 90mm ( width of C-Beam extrusion ), it gave me a much greater cutting depth. I later also cut a hole out from my base, lowering the part further still >>

    2182_IMG_5202.jpg


    Also, doing it this way, I can still cnc flat parts ................... in fact, I have three different levels >>

    2183_IMG_5199.jpg


    When I get the time I'll post back the most recent images with the cut-out in the base and the mounting jigs for my ABS parts. And one of these days I'll also cover how to 'profile' ABS plastic parts hopefully! :D

    Have fun with yours mate, but I'm sure you will :thumbsup:




    TURK
     
  13. Ryan Lock

    Ryan Lock Veteran
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    Hi @Tajudeen

    1. Can I add rotary axis aka 4th axis? Yes this can done. The Duet controller has a spare driver, and can control a 4th axis.
    2. How will I be able to cut steel? We advise no.
    3. I learnt on the forum that maximum z axis depth is 94 mm. Can I upgrade it to 200mm? 94mm is the Z Height under the machine. The max depth you can cut the whole way through is 47m. But the above is what you can do to increase the Z Height.
    4. Can I add laser cutting device to the work bee. Yes this can be done.

    Ryan
     
  14. Tajudeen

    Tajudeen New
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    My location experiences incessant power failure. Is there continuity function after power outage?
     
  15. Ryan Lock

    Ryan Lock Veteran
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    Yup the Duet has a power loss feature so you can resume after an unexpected power outage :)
     
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