The table top pictured with the blackFoot 4'x8' v4.3 CNC Machine Kit looks nice. I'd like to build one just like it. How thick is it? If it was made from multiple sheets, how did you make the butt joints?

Question #: 1031

Question: The table top pictured with the blackFoot 4'x8' v4.3 CNC Machine Kit looks nice. I'd like to build one just like it. How thick is it? If it was made from multiple sheets, how did you make the butt joints?

Current Solution

The pictures of the table on the blackFoot v4.3 CNC machine page uses 2/4 studs, a torsion box, and a final top 3/4" layer.

The torsion box and the top bed layer lays on a frame constructed by 2x4 framing studs angled to resist twisting and for greater rigidity. the joints are simply connected with long screws and you can also use framing plates/ties. The torsion box is constructed of 3/4" MOD stock and has a ribbing pattern spaced around 8 inches apart. The design is similar to this: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/ModularTorsionBoxTable.aspx

The top later is simply multiple sheets of MOD 3/4" thick to conform to the required final measurement.

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On the blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine do you have the instructions under one file that I can download, I want to print them out and make notes as I am building the machine.
WE don't have an actual file that contains the instructions for the machines as they are a part of a larger database file that is queried during the product page's rendering in the browser. The best option would be to print the webpage on a printer and use that as notes.

I know this will not provide larger images, but you could use the paper version to write your notes while assembling the machine using the larger images on the website.
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On the blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine do you have the instructions under one file that I can download, I want to print them out and make notes as I am building the machine.
Do you have any videos or plans for how to make a strong table for a large CNC router? I saw the torsion box videos but would like some more guidance on how to build just a good table.
This is a good video on how to do a vacuum table
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Do you have any videos or plans for how to make a strong table for a large CNC router? I saw the torsion box videos but would like some more guidance on how to build just a good table.
I just finished building my first CNC with the electronics I purchased from you and I am already thinking about improving it. I would like to build a 2 motor X axis solution. Is it possible to attach 2 parallel motors and drivers to the BlueBrew Breakout Board? If so, how?
Attaching two motors in parallel is possible, but you will need another motor and driver for the opposite side. Each motor must have its own driver to work accordingly and fluently. The two can be wired together, to the same pins on your breakout board and set the dip switches on the driver to match the ones on your x-axis(ex). But remember to view the orientation of the motor and which way it spins, since it is on the opposite side it will have to be orientated correctly to move in sync with the other motor.
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I just finished building my first CNC with the electronics I purchased from you and I am already thinking about improving it. I would like to build a 2 motor X axis solution. Is it possible to attach 2 parallel motors and drivers to the BlueBrew Breakout Board? If so, how?
I just wanted to know what I can expect to pay to build the blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine, excluding computer, software and router? Is the kit complete or do I have to purchase additional items to finish?
You will need to build the table unit for your machine. There are instructions on how to do this at the bottom of the product page here, https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4
There is no estimate on how much this will cost though, since there are too many variables involved to do this.

- PC with parallel port and USB port
- 20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
- 18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
- 24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx

This answer is applicable to most of our machines with the exception of the greenLean and the blueChick since those machines are equipped with a table structure.

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I just wanted to know what I can expect to pay to build the blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine, excluding computer, software and router? Is the kit complete or do I have to purchase additional items to finish?
Can the vertical CNC router do about what a horizontal router can, like cutting out 3/4" cabinet doors from a 4'X8' formica clad sheet? If so, how do you hold it - with Vacuum? Is a vacuum system available?
Our hold down method is screws. For a 4'x8' 3/4" sheet, we use 6 screws around the perimeter of the sheet. This provides sufficient hold down for milling. For the vertically oriented machine, the sheet also rests on a small ledge, making it easy for the board to maintain position while fastening.
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Can the vertical CNC router do about what a horizontal router can, like cutting out 3/4" cabinet doors from a 4'X8' formica clad sheet? If so, how do you hold it - with Vacuum? Is a vacuum system available?
I am having trouble connecting the cambam program with my Mach3 to my 4X8 Blackfoot CNC machine. Where can I get help on this issue. Have had my machine since 2015 and have not been able to use it. Thank you
CamBam specifically creates the g-code (machining operations) instructions to be loaded into Mach3. Make sure in your CamBam g-code file parameters, you are using the Mach3 post processor. If you have already done this, let me know. If you are not sure how to do this, let me know.
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I am having trouble connecting the cambam program with my Mach3 to my 4X8 Blackfoot CNC machine. Where can I get help on this issue. Have had my machine since 2015 and have not been able to use it. Thank you
If I purchase the [blackToe 2x4 v4.1 CNC Machine Kit - USB Electronics - Table Included] all I would need for this CNC to be fully operational is a laptop with mach 3 software and a router. Is this correct?
if you purchased the USB interface, you will need planet-cnc software rather than Mach3, and you will need a usb cable to connect the usb interface to the computer.

The blackToe 2x4 CNC Machine Kit with optional table will need wire to connect the electronics. Don't forget to get some end mills to use for cutting the intended material.

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If I purchase the [blackToe 2x4 v4.1 CNC Machine Kit - USB Electronics - Table Included] all I would need for this CNC to be fully operational is a laptop with mach 3 software and a router. Is this correct?
BUILDING ONE OF YOUR GREENBULL 6X LONG AND 2.2 KILOWATT SPINDLE DOES NOT FIT. SEEMS LEAD SCREW YOU SENT WITH KIT IS SHORT 42" LOOKS LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE 5 OR 6 INCH LONGER. THIS CORRECT? WHAT THE NEEDED LENGTH FOR UNIT?
The leadscrew length for the greenBull long Z-axis is 47 inches.

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BUILDING ONE OF YOUR GREENBULL 6X LONG AND 2.2 KILOWATT SPINDLE DOES NOT FIT. SEEMS LEAD SCREW YOU SENT WITH KIT IS SHORT 42" LOOKS LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE 5 OR 6 INCH LONGER. THIS CORRECT? WHAT THE NEEDED LENGTH FOR UNIT?
The blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine. Can Gantry be removed for festool track saw operation? A shared table situation. I am thinking that would be a no answer. But maybe a future design feature as run the gantry to far end and add a short opposite end section to allow a shared table set up.
With our current models, that is a no. However our machines have the ability to be expanded length wise to the customer's choice. So you can design a share table if you add the required length of chain and rails and design the table accordingly to your specifications.
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The blackFoot 4'x8' CNC machine. Can Gantry be removed for festool track saw operation? A shared table situation. I am thinking that would be a no answer. But maybe a future design feature as run the gantry to far end and add a short opposite end section to allow a shared table set up.
I am going to build a CNC 4x4 plasma table. The frame is made of 1 1/4" pipe and the gantry will be made of either 2"x 2" or 2"x 3" tubing. What size stepper motors do you suggest?
We recommend our electronics combo for the scratch build kit, which you can find on our site here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-425-elcombo. This is our standard general purpose 3 axis electronics system, and includes (3) NEMA 24 425 oz-in stepping motors, (3) Drivers (3.0Amp 24-40 Volts, with 1-1/64 microstepping), (1) 36v 8.8a Power Supply, (1) Interface Board either USB or Parallel. (The USB version requires PlanetCNC software; the parallel interface board gives you a variety of options, Mach3 being one popular choice.)
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I am going to build a CNC 4x4 plasma table. The frame is made of 1 1/4" pipe and the gantry will be made of either 2"x 2" or 2"x 3" tubing. What size stepper motors do you suggest?
Would you sell a kit that has all of the hardware and electronics with CNC plans for the table and gantry? Some of have access to a CNC temporarily (TechShop) but want one of our own.
We currently do not sell any plan's for any of our machines, only for our scratch and build kit.
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Would you sell a kit that has all of the hardware and electronics with CNC plans for the table and gantry? Some of have access to a CNC temporarily (TechShop) but want one of our own.
Hello We would like to buy a greenLean Vertically Oriented CNC Machine we start from scratch and want to make sure that we get all the pieces, we need hardware and software we have a PC and a Mac
If you purchase the greenLean, you will get everything you need except a router, computer to operate the machine, and software to control the machine. You state that you have a computer. You can use this computer, but you will need to determine if it has a parallel port, or if you are going to need the USB controller option. As for the software, there are too many different options for you to choose from. We would not be able to tell you which to get, and how much it will cost you. This is a matter of preference. I can tell you, however, that you will need 3 types of software to complete a CNC project. You will need CAD software to design your design, CAM software to add tool paths and convert the design to g-code, and then control software to take the g-code and operate the machine.

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Hello We would like to buy a greenLean Vertically Oriented CNC Machine we start from scratch and want to make sure that we get all the pieces, we need hardware and software we have a PC and a Mac
Hello We would like to buy a greenLean Vertically Oriented CNC Machine we start from scratch and want to make sure that we get all the pieces, we need hardware and software we have a PC and a Mac
If you purchase the greenLean, you will get everything you need except a router, computer to operate the machine, and software to control the machine. You state that you have a computer. You can use this computer, but you will need to determine if it has a parallel port, or if you are going to need the USB controller option. As for the software, there are too many different options for you to choose from. We would not be able to tell you which to get, and how much it will cost you. This is a matter of preference. I can tell you, however, that you will need 3 types of software to complete a CNC project. You will need CAD software to design your design, CAM software to add tool paths and convert the design to g-code, and then control software to take the g-code and operate the machine.

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Hello We would like to buy a greenLean Vertically Oriented CNC Machine we start from scratch and want to make sure that we get all the pieces, we need hardware and software we have a PC and a Mac
However it how do I get the software to work? PlanetCNC sent me a key that looks like it will only work with a backup control board I purchased from them?
When you plug the USB controller into the computer using a USB cable, and the planet-cnc software is running, you will be presented with a dialog box that will contain a text box for the key that you received from the planet-cnc folks.

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Is there any other software that will work with your controller Mach3? Thanks for the help!
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However it how do I get the software to work? PlanetCNC sent me a key that looks like it will only work with a backup control board I purchased from them?
Can you purchase the BOBCAD-CAM software alone, or in with the combination LaserCutter, or is it only available for the price listed in combination with the blackfoot CNC
You can purchase the BobCAD-CAM as a bundle with any of our machines.
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Can you purchase the BOBCAD-CAM software alone, or in with the combination LaserCutter, or is it only available for the price listed in combination with the blackfoot CNC
In the Build your own CNC machine book, You said you use 1 1/4" angle on the main table but 1" would be better. So my question is Should I use 1" angle on the main table (4' length) and 1 1/4" angle for the BRA's and other rails?
You can use either 1" x 1" x 1/8", or 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" x 1/8" angle on the table sides. The BRAs should all be 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/8". The Y ans Z axes should use the 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/8" angles.
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In the Build your own CNC machine book, You said you use 1 1/4" angle on the main table but 1" would be better. So my question is Should I use 1" angle on the main table (4' length) and 1 1/4" angle for the BRA's and other rails?
Looking for some sale support as we are having problem placing an order for the following items: 1 blackFoot 4'x8' v4.3 CNC Machine Kit with USB Interface $3281.50 1 Laser Cutter/Engraver with Integrated Computer (1 week lead time) $2100 1 whiteAnt Base Kit (Everything Except the Electronics) $640.00 1 whiteAnt Gen4 Electronics Bundle $345.00 1 Heavy Duty redLeaf System $1550.00
Please call us and we will assist directly with this purchase. 281-815-7701.

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Looking for some sale support as we are having problem placing an order for the following items: 1 blackFoot 4'x8' v4.3 CNC Machine Kit with USB Interface $3281.50 1 Laser Cutter/Engraver with Integrated Computer (1 week lead time) $2100 1 whiteAnt Base Kit (Everything Except the Electronics) $640.00 1 whiteAnt Gen4 Electronics Bundle $345.00 1 Heavy Duty redLeaf System $1550.00
Just bought Build Your own CNC Machine book. It is missing the chapter on lead screws that is described on page 181 at the end of Chaprer 16. Where can I get this info?
It sounds like you got a misprinted book. If you purchased it from us, please contact us directly for a replacement. If you bought it from Amazon or a third party, you'll need to contact them. General information about lead screws is available on this website and at buildyourtools.com.
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Just bought Build Your own CNC Machine book. It is missing the chapter on lead screws that is described on page 181 at the end of Chaprer 16. Where can I get this info?
I am interested in the GreenBull 4x8 CNC machine kit you have; I also wish to get the laser attachment but I was wondering if its possible to have the laser larger than a 40w, say in the 80-150w range?
Currently our greenBull can only accommodate a 40W laser tube due to the size and current mounts on the spindle/laser hybrid assembly!

However please contact 281-815-7701 for further assistance with the greenBull machine.
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I am interested in the GreenBull 4x8 CNC machine kit you have; I also wish to get the laser attachment but I was wondering if its possible to have the laser larger than a 40w, say in the 80-150w range?