The amount traveled per turn in our blackFoot, will be dependent on the steps per inch settings that you will implement to your drivers and within the software (mach3 (ex)) motor tunning: steps per inch/ 1422.22, 1/4 on your driver will give you a different distance if used as 1/2 or 1/8 etc.


Here is a in depth tutorial on how to find the correct steps per inch for a specifications: (

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How far does the X axis of the blackfoot travel per turn of the stepper motor ?

It's best to use 3/4" sheet for the scratch build machines on this site. There needs to be room on the edge of the sheet for an intersecting hole to meet the hole for the cross dowel.

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Does the MDF have to be 3/4" or can you use Thinner sheets?

We don't offer the dxf files for the parts of our machines; however, if you purchased this machine from us in the past, and you wish to cut this part on your machine, you can call our office and request the dxf file. We will provide an NDA for this type of transaction.

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is there a DXF file for the vac brush assembly for Blackfoot 4.2

Only our greenBull CNC machines will be able to use the long Z-axis, due to structural construction of the greenBull over the blackFoot.
The height from the table top to the bottom of the gantry is: 4.25"

Both the maximum cutting height and diameter, will be dependent on the specific end mill/router bit you plan on using, since they can vary in length.
The maximum cutting height (useful to engrave or cut material)is: with spoil-board 3.875", without a spoil-board is 4.625"
The maximum diameter will (estimated) is: 3"

Specifically dealing with our greenBull long Z-axis CNC machines, depending on how you specifically design the table you can have more cutting height and a larger diameter clearance. If you only create a frame for the machine with a hollow center(adjustable midsection), allowing you to have a greater clearance.
Similar table image here: (https://buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-greenBull-v4-6X#prettyPhoto/5/)

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I can't spot the differences between 4'x8' blackFoot and the 4'x8' greenBull (except for laser head option): please, can you tell me?

You can expect a one week lead time for our machines.

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WHAT IS THE LEAD TIME FOR BLACKFOOT

The blackfoot requires a total of 50 feet of cable.

The X axis needs 15 feet
The Y axis needs 17 feet
and the Z-axis needs 18 feet

These are 20 gauge 4 conductor cable.

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WHAT CABLE LENGTHS SHOULD USE FOR THE BLACKFOOT CNC MACHINE

The greenBull can range is routing width sizes of 5 feet and 6 feet. The blackFoot has a 4 foot routing width.

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The greenBull machine has a sturdier gantry than the blackFoot, so you can be more agressive with the cutting feedrate (cutting speed). The blackFoot is also a good machine, but it all comes down to the speed at which you want to produce the fabrication

The spindle is also highly recommended for it's quietness and easier cleanup (no fan blowing the dust in the air)

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WHICH MACHINE SHOULD I BUY, THE GREENBULL OR BLACKFOOT?

The greenBull can range is routing width sizes of 5 feet and 6 feet. The blackFoot has a 4 foot routing width.

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The greenBull machine has a sturdier gantry than the blackFoot, so you can be more agressive with the cutting feedrate (cutting speed). The blackFoot is also a good machine, but it all comes down to the speed at which you want to produce the fabrication

The spindle is also highly recommended for it's quietness and easier cleanup (no fan blowing the dust in the air)

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SHOULD I SELECT THE GREENBULL OR BLACKFOOT CNC MACHINE?

What problems are you having?

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I purchased a 4ft X 8ft Blackfoot CNC machine in 2015 and to this date have not been able to use it. How can I get some help. Thank u

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?

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.

The general bill of materials for the blackTooth 24"x20" laser system is as follows:

- The structural components (MDO and Plastic parts)
- The hardware to assemble all of the structural and mechanical parts
- Mechanical parts like v-groove bearings, bearings for shafts, shafts, pulleys, belts, etc.
- All of the motion electronics like motors, drivers, and laser controller
- Wire to connect all of the electronics
- All of the laser components including the laser tube, mirrors, mirror mounts, nozzle and lens
- Pneumatic components including the air pump and tubing
- Hydraulic components to cool the laser tube including a water pump and tubing

blackTooth 24"x20" Laser

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What is the bill of materials included in the build your own laser 2' x 4' 40 watt

The motor cables for the blackToe are as follows:

Total 30 feet

X - 9
Y - 10
Z - 11

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HOW MUCH MOTOR CABLE FOR THE BLACKFOOT?

We are currently working on a relay board that will connect to USB breakout board, and the router/spindle for both the on/off function. Unfortunately we still do not have it completed or ready to be placed on our website, but it is in the final stages of testing. Please check back regularly for updated stock!

Here is a link to a tutorial for a DIY relay circuit:

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I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?

It is not recommended that standard routers do full depth passes. This is better done with a spindle. For best results with routers, we recommend a depth that equals the cutting diameter of the end mill. The IPM will relate to the chip load of the end mill (look up the formula online and add it here). The IPM will also depend on the end mill diameter, the larger the diameter, the faster the feedrate. A 1/2" end mill can cut about 300-500 ipm where a 1/4" end mill will be able to cut at 80-120 IPM, at a depth equaling the cutter diameter using a router. With a spindle, the same feedrates can be applied, but with more depth per pass. For instance, an MDF full depth cut at 3/4" can be cut at the 100 IPM using a 1/4" cutter.
Here is a basic setup we have for our blackFoot (default setting):
X-Axis
SPI: 914.29
Acc: 400.02
Vel: 5
Y-Axis
SPI: 1422.22
Acc: 400.02
Vel: 5
Z-Axis
SPI: 1600
Acc: 400.02
Vel: 79.98

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I have a BlackFoot with a 3.25hp Porter Cable router. What is a safe starting IPM to optimize feed rate? How fast do you guys run full depth passes through MDO or MDF?

The blackfoot requires a total of 50 feet of cable.

The X axis needs 15 feet
The Y axis needs 17 feet
and the Z-axis needs 18 feet

These are 20 gauge 4 conductor cable.

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CABLE LENGTHS FOR THE BLACKFOOT

If you are located near Houston, Texas area you can stop by our shop. If you are not near us, you can check in our forums, and see if you can find someone in your area that has one of our machines, and would be willing to let you come see it in action.

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I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A STORE OR SHOP WHERE CAN SEE THE PRODUCT AND BUY IT?

The best way to determine the cutting speed is to determine this with respect to the edge quality you desire. This recommendation generally comes from the major end mill manufacturers.

The feedrate (travel speed) should be determined by the chip load of the end mill, the number of flutes, material of the end mill (Solid Carbide, HSS - High Speed Steel, Cobalt, etc.) and the RPM of the spindle. You will need to see the manufacturer's specifications of the end mill to determine this information.

Formula:
Chip Load = (feed rate IPM)/(Spindle RPM x Number of Flutes)

or

Feed Rate IPM = Chip Load x Spindle RPM x Number of Flutes

Once you find this information, apply this to the material at the full depth of the end mill. If you find that your edge condition is aberrant, pull back on either the speed, or the depth per pass. If the edge condition is acceptable, then push the speed higher until the edge condition starts to deteriorate in quality and then pull back to the accepted level.

Using this method, you will be able to reduce the wear on the end mil which will be the most expensive consumable on the machine.

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If I am cutting 18mm MDF with 6mm cutting bit (so 6mm pass), what can be the maximum speed rate of cutting and spindle speed of router?

The distance from the tip of the nozzle (about 1.5 inches from the lens) to the frame that provides structure to the machine and the part of the machine that will hold the spoilboard is 3.25 inches. If you put a spoilboard of say .75" thickness, then you would have 2.5 inches remaining (or 4 inches from the lens).

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How deep is the bed? As in, how far can I get the head from the base? On the VLXL.