All of our CNC machines can cut melamine. If your application (kitchen doors) requires large cutting area, then I would recommend the following machines:

- greenBull 4x (4'x8'), 5x (5'x10') or 6x (6'x 12')

- greenLean 4'x8' vertically oriented CNC machine

- Or our Fabricator Pro 4'x8' metal CNC machine

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Can you recommend which CNC machine to go with for cutting melamine and making kitchen doors from MDF. Also do you provide training on operating and setting up machine for shop production use? Thanks

Consider the loads on each axis when choosing appropriate stepper motors. If your holding torque is maxed out at roughly 16oz/in (1lb/in), then you could use the NEMA 11 or 14. Also consider the shaft sizes and current ratings when choosing drivers that pair with the motors.

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I am planning to build a scratch CNC machine to do rotary engraving on writing pens. Can you recommend the parts I would need? I'm thinking NEMA 14 (11?) and 3/8" acme rod. Not sure which linear motion to use. I have an old lathe to use for the 4th axis.

There are several endmills that would work for that application. Here's the one we use in our own shop: https://buildyourcnc.com/Item/endmill-singleflute-upcut-Onsrud-1-flute-plastic-wood-aluminum for cutting .75 inch MDO.

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Which end mill would you advise to buy for cutting in full depth MDF and plywood of up to 20mm thickness? I am about to install a 2.2k spindel on my cnc.

The blueChick would be the perfect machine to iso route PCB boards. The A4 size is 8.3x11.7 inches and the blueChick is 12x36 inches. It's a bit larger, but you would be able to route many more PCBs. I would also recommend getting the 1.5 kW or 2.2 kW spindle for the blueChick since you will want very low runout to make the isolation routes (kerf) between traces very thin.

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I want to build my first CNC machine for PCB manufacture. I wish to manufacture at most A4 sizes. Which CNC kit do you recommend?

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?

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

No, ground from the pokeys57cnc controller should not be required. Your VFD should have two terminals that will turn on and off the spindle (forward, or stop). These two terminals simply need to be connected to each other to invoke that operation. In the VFD manual, you will see a schematic with a normally open switch symbol between these two terminals. The onboard relay on the pokeys57CNC would be a great feature of the board to connect to the two terminals of the VFD.

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I have a Glack CNC motor and VFD and confused if a ground from the Pokeys57 needs to be ran to the VFD to turn on and off the motor and to also control the speed. I can provide a picture

There are two main questions that we can answer with respect to motor torque and the mechanical advantage of lead screws, 1) What torque motor do you need to lift a particular weight, or 2) What maximum weight will my motor torque be able to lift.

This formula uses Newtons (N) as it's final unit. Use this with the included radius (R) to determine the torque. Newtons can easily be converted to lbs or ounces using online conversions.

Effort = Sf + (Load/(2 x pi x (R/p) x Se))

where:
p = pitch of the screw
Se = screw efficiency = Standard lead screw will be between 20% (.2) and 40% (.4)
Sf = static force. This is the force that is needed to start the movement. The number may be eliminated, but it is good to use a number in the 5 N to 20 N range.
Load = the expected load that the effort will need to carry (i.e., the router and the included axis assembly that the motor will need to lift)
R = radius of the lead screw


This formula is based on the "law of the machine"

The final effort amount with its unit of newtons and R will be the torque. For example, if the effort comes to 100 N (newtons) and the R is .5 inches, then you can assume that the effort is 50 N-in since it would take twice the effort to turn form the one inch mark from the center of the shaft.

Example:

Load = 90 N (20.2 lbs)
R = 1 inch since that is the length from the center of the shaft that the motor is rated
p = 1 inch / 13 = .08 inches

Effort = 5 N + (90 N / (2 x 3.14 x (1 / .08) x .2))
Effort = 5 N + (90 N / (6.28 x 12.5 x .2))
Effort = 5 N + (90 N / (15.7))
Effort = 5 N + (5.73 N)
Effort = 10.7 N = 2.4 lbs = 38.4 oz-in

I am putting the oz-in on the end because the formula considers the distance from the center of the shaft to be one inch.

Therefore, a 425 oz-in motor would be able to lift a 20.2 lb Router with its accompanying assembly. If the assembly and router is heavier, plug in the numbers and determine the effort required.

With a bit of algebra, the formula can be rewritten to find the load:

Load = (Effort - Sf) x (2 x pi x (R/p) x Se)

Another formula that does not consider friction at all:

Effort = (Load x p) / (2 x pi x R)

Lets see if we get similar results:

Effort = (20 lb x .08 inches) / (2 x 3.14 x 1)
Effort = 1.6 / 6.28 = .255 lbs = 4.08 oz-in

The results from both formulas appear to be very small because a 13 TPI screw will have enormous mechanical advantage.

It is evident that the first formula that does consider friction that we are loosely estimating is far more conservative than the second formula. Either way, even the most conservative formula shows that the 425 oz-in motor will handle very large weights. If you are using a lead screw with only two turns per inch, .5 inch pitch, you can determine the requirements with the first formula.

Example for a 10 TPI 5 start (2 turns per inch) lead screw:

Load = 90 N (20.2 lbs)
R = 1 inch since that is the length from the center of the shaft that the motor is rated
p = 1 inch / 2 = .5 inches

Effort = 5 N + (90 N / (2 x 3.14 x (1 / .5) x .2))
Effort = 5 N + (90 N / (6.28 x 2 x .2))
Effort = 5 N + (90 N / (2.512))
Effort = 5 N + (35.83 N)
Effort = 40.828 N = 9.18 lbs = 146.88 oz-in

Customer Response:
thank you so much

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how do i calculate torque of stepper motor if lead screw coupled to motor shaft and load applied by lead screw on plate is 100 kg by vertically

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1m 16mmdiameter ball screws calculations


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What is the max load that 2 NEMA 17 stepper motors (spaced 2 feet apart, both will be pushing up on the same gantry) can lift while using a rod with the following specifications T8 OD 8mm Pitch 2mm Lead 4mm for each motor.

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thank you for the reply. I would be really good to know the calculation. The lead screw is 1/2" diameter with 13 TPI. Please provide the calculation for determing the maximum weight motor can handle on Z-axis on book build cnc. And one more question. 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? thank you

The USB Interface page: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout

On this page, there is a datasheet that explains the connection schemes for the limit switches on step 1 of the instructions. The datasheet explains single and multiple switch configurations and parallel/serial connections schemes for the NO/NC (Normally Open/Normally Closed states).

If there is further information you need, please reply on this FAQ.

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Please provide detailed instructions on how to connect limit switches to CNC USB BOARD. I can not find instructions anywhere. I am new to cnc world and really need help. Thanks

You can see the component list on the hardware and plans machine (scratch build machine) since it is the same machine in the book:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-scratchbuild

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Your book claims that plans are available for download, not purchase; the "plans" included in book are illegible and sometimes dimensions omitted - e.g. Fig 3.6 is cutout plan but dimensions are missing from dimension arrows. Your call to provide or not provide plans on the website but should not claim to if you will not. I'll hold my putting review on Amazon until I hear back from you. All I'm asking for is legible dimensions - PDF format will work but I'll ANY legible format. Thanks for your consideration.

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A PDF version of the plans are available here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Book.aspx

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I bought Kindle version of DIY CNC book; pictures are illegible. I can't find a place to download actual PDF plans on site. Can you please provide a link? Thanks

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.

Dealing with our inverters, they are built with a bit of margin on the input power. For our 220V VFD the margin is from 170-250V 50/60Hz, so running our VFD in your location will not be an issue! Our electronics will not have a issue running at 230V as well.

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Hello. I am interested in the green bull 6X long z CNC machine with electronics. I live in NZ, where the voltage is 230 V and 50 Hz. is it going to be possible to get the inverter to run here? Thanks!

the greenBull can handle cutting aluminum as long as the correct bit (end mill) is used and the bit is cooled frequently to prevent chips from melting and causing damage to the bit or warping the material.

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Would your greenBull 6X CNC machine be suitable for cutting 2024T3 aircraft aluminium? Working on a kitlpane project and I need this capability.

Ok, sure. Let's get the discussion started. Please respond with your questions on this FAQ

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Hi, I am thinking of making a CNC router that I can use in woodworking. I am very happy if you can help me with the necessary parts for this

Sure, the USB interface has a place for 4 axes of limit switches.

Each axis can have two limit switches: one for the ++ (positive) end and one for the -- (negative) end. The positive end would be the limit switch at the end of the machine that, say the machine has a 4'x8' area, reaches a bit after the 8 foot mark. The negative end would be the limit switch behind the 0 foot location behind the origin. If the origin is in the middle, the negative would be at a little more than the -4 foot end and the positive would be at a bit more than the +4 foot end. Note that you can have more than one switch on each pin where the NC is connected in serial fashion and the NO is connected in parallel fashion (this can be seen on the diagram in the multiple limits switch section). The software configurations for the limits switches are under File -> Settings -> Limit.

A typical limit switch has three connections on it. These connections consist of COM (common), NC (normally closed) and NO (normally open). The COM would generally go to GND and the NC or the NO would go to the pin. If the NC is used, then the the switch is constantly connected until the switch is pushed (engaged) then the connection from the pin to gnd is broken (open). Use the settings in software to set whether in NC or NO configuration.

Let me know if this information was helpful (or not) by adding information to this question. Thanks.

User response:
Thank you very much for this helpful information. I'm still a little fuzzy on how the 6 limit switches physically connect to each other and to the USB breakout board. You've stated one switch (home) goes to positive and another switch (limit) goes to negative. Are all the GND prongs from all 6 switches connected to each other and going to GND on the breakout board, or no? And the NC prongs, how exactly are they connected to each other? And to the board? There has to be a diagram somewhere shows this visually, no? I don't know how to wire the switches in series or in parallel. I have already physically installed all the switches on the machine and ran the wires to where the board is. Now I just need to know where to plug these wires into the board. Also, taking into consideration that I'm using the Planet CNC software, the only settings I have pertaining to limit switches is "Enable/Disable" for each axis, and the actual limit for each axis. Nothing about NC or NO. Is that only in Mach3?
Thank you.

buildyourcnc response:
On the USB interface, the COM on the switch connects to GND and the NC or NO connects to the input pin (i.e. x++, y--, etc.)

Limit switch configuration is rather difficult to understand, especially with series and parallel. You can think of series as a single wire going from GND to the axis letter input terminal (i.e. X++ or X--). If the wire is broken, then the circuit is open (or the switch is engaged in a normally closed scenario). Normally closed is like an actual wire, and when engaged, the switch "opens" (breaks the wire). This is why we recommend in some systems that you can put many switches in series on a single pin. When one of the switches is engaged (breaking the connection) then the entire circuit of switches is broken and the machine stops.

In a parallel scenario, the state of the circuit is always broken until the one of the switches is engaged and the circuit is then closed or connected. The topology looks like a ladder. All the switches connect to both sides of the ladder and the switches are like the runs of the ladder (the horizontal bars that the feet are placed while climbing). Imagine all of the switches broken in this scenario (normally open). It would be like the ladder could be split in two, but if one of the ladder runs (switches) is closed by engaging it, then that run would connect both sides of the ladder and the two sides of the ladder would have a connection.

There is a diagram on the USB page of the various limit switch configurations. If you need more information (visual and/or otherwise), please let us know and we will immediately add that information to benefit everyone.

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I have nearly completed the CNC machine from the book, but I am using it with a USB breakout board, and have no idea how to wire the 6 limit switches to the board. I'm having difficulty following the diagram on the USB breakout board screen. Can someone please help me?

The overall size of the machine, really depends on both the area available to you and also the overall size of material being used. Now our larger machines (blackFoot, greenBull, greenLean) can cut all the materials mentioned above, and if equipped with our 2.2kW spindle you will be accurate up to ten thousandths of an inch.
Our greenBull machine does have an option for a long-z axis, that was especially designed to cut foam, but depending on the overall size it might not be a requirement for the specified request.

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I HAVE A SIGN SHOP AND WE NEED CUT ALUMINUM, PLEXIGASS, FOAM AND OTHER MATERIALS FOR SIGNS. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT MACHINE WE NEED? I LOOKING 4'X8' OR 5' X 10'

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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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?

These files are no longer available. We suggest purchasing a kit, like the blackToe, or blackFoot as these kits are far more rigid and perform much better.

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/blackToe2x4v40.aspx

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4

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Would you be able to provide .DWG/.DXF files instead of .NC files for the CNC Routing Machine Kit Version 1.3 please?

You can always come to our offices in Katy TX. If that is not an option, we can do cut in our shop and record video for you. Specify what you would like to cut and we can consider doing this for you.

Thanks. I've reviewed the gallery and think my question comes down to this- Can I do hardwood carving like Mike M.'s guitar display cases and cut 3/4 inch baltic birch plywood with the same machine?

Absolutely, the cutting and machining is more a function of how the machining operations are created and specified. Baltic birch is not a tough material and you will be able to cut very aggressively with any of our machine kits.

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Where is the best place to see projects made with BuildYourCNC CNCs? I would like to get an idea of carving capabilities and cutting Baltic Birch plywood. Thanks.