Hi, Newbie here. Been researching in the threads and I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on a machine. It seems like the LEAD is the preferred option, but the footprint is a little large right now. If I was to reduce, would these be the parts that I would need to purchase with the kit: 3 C-Beam Linear Rail - 500 mm, Silver or Black 1 V-Slot Linear Rail - 20x20x500 mm, Silver or Black 5 V-Slot Linear Rail - 20X40X500 mm, Silver or Black Would it make sense to do this, purchase all the parts separately, or go with a WORKBEE? Thanks for your help.
Really no need to purchase any additional pieces, just cut down the ones you receive. It's fairly simple with a decent chop saw and metal cutting blade. (The shop will actually cut members to length for you if requested but this is not the time of year to request that.) The drive screws will need to be cut with a hack saw or cutting wheel. The next question would be how large of a system are you wanting to build? 750x750 is a fairly manageable size as is 600x600. If you drop all the way to 500x500 you'll find you won't have much cutting area left.
Thanks @Rick 2.0 and @Giarc for the information. I was actually thinking that I would have separate rails, similar to this post I came across: Lead Machine vs Workbee?. I wanted to keep options open in case some space frees up next summer to increase my workspace. I guess I could cut and then purchase new ones if needed. Actually seeing if I can make 40"x20" work at the moment. If I was to purchase, I imagine I would need: 2 - 500mm c-beams (to replace the sides) 3 - 500mm 20x40 v-slots (to shorten the frame underneath) 2 - 500mm section of lead screw? Would this work? (Actually just noticed I'm quoting from stuff you mentioned @Rick 2.0 in that older post )
That'll give you a working area of about 29" x 12" and using pin registration (tiling) you can extend that 12" length to whatever length you desire, just cutting it 12" at a time.
Thanks again @Rick 2.0 . I've been thinking about this again in my mind. I'm actually thinking that since this is my first CNC and I'm really looking for a small footprint at the moment with the possibility of building out something larger in the future, I'm now considering a C-Beam Machine Kit. I know my work area, including height will be smaller. Do I lose out on the ability to do pin registration? Also, is the stability of this machine less than if I were to stick with the LEAD?
Pin registration is easier when the gantry moves. With the CBeam your work material moves so the bigger it is, the more mass that gets moved around. Personally, I would stick with the LEAD if you want the ability to do "longer than the machine stuff." If you lived near me I would say order the 1500x 1500 and a will cut them in half for you and buy the 750mm leftovers. I was thinking of making a better fence for my compound miter saw and could use some extrusions.
@technerd, attached below is a small design I worked up a while back that you might take a look at. It has a similar footprint to a C-Beam Machine but uses a fixed bed and is a much more stout machine. The base mechanical system will run about $120 more than the C-Beam system. (I am currently building a larger system that traces it's roots back to this concept.) Edit: Attached files removed due to inaccuracies. See revised files in post below.
@Rick 2.0 this is looking like the winner. I keep getting drawn to the larger machine since it is better value with the sale going on. I think this one is a nice starter. Looking to get my order in quick (while supplies remain). Any other recommendations? I figure getting NEMA 23, Black Box, Dewalt or Makita router.
You won't regret it. I've never wished "oh I wish my machine was smaller" - even after moving from a 18mx4m workshop to a 2.4x3.2m one! (yeah I really don't have space for it, but i've always needed Bigger, never smaller!)
@technerd, I took another look at the design and made a couple updates. The router mount was shown incorrectly in the original version and I revised the way the upper rail is attached to the vertical stanchions. This latter change adds two more Cast Corner Bracket to the design but simplifies the mounting process. I also went back and reviewed the shopping list. The attached revised list shows the correct T-nuts (I had originally selected M3 nuts), revises screw quantities, and adds a few items overlooked in the original cursory review (spacers, router mount brackets, etc.). You might also take a look at : Drag Chain Cable Carrier 2@500mm (plus associated attachment clips) Xtension Limit Switch Kit x3 (plus associated wiring) The biggest issue here for you will be the free worldwide shipping on full systems. All this shown above won't qualify for free shipping and this could be an important factor in your decision. As Peter notes, big is very nice to have but if you truly feel you need to stay small consider the 20x20 Sphinx.
