As long as the bearing has a minimum thickness of 1/4" and 9/32" is a bit thicker, there will be no problem with the book build using the bearing that is 1/32" thicker. There is actually more surface area which is better.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
in your book - Build you own CNC Machine. Can I use 9/32" thick bearing instead of 1/4" thick?

If you want to run a greenBull CNC machine using a generator, The generator will need to allow for a minimum amount of current draw. Here is a list of items that draw current and how much current (the list does not include the laser option):

Spindle: 10 amps minimum so plan for more.
The power supply for three motors and drivers: 9 amps
The computer to run the control software: varies but out redleaf system would be a max of 2 or so.

So you are looking at about 21 minimum so you will probably need a 25 amp generator.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Can I run your greenBull CNC off of a generator? If so, what specs would you recommend? Thanks!

The USB interface only works with momentary switches unfortunately. If you have extensive knowledge of digital electronics, you can apply a receiver that uses a microcontroller and a transmitter with another microcontroller that produces the pulsing signal with the controls that you need.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I would like to make a handheld remote for the USB CNC Board using a joystick instead of momentary switches. Could you suggest one that will work with your board.

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

Click the link to add information to this solution:
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

The roller chain lengths for the greenBull 4x is:
- 13 feet for each side of the X axis (total of 26 feet), and
- 6 feet for the Y-axis

Click the link to add information to this solution:
WHAT LENGTHS OF ROLLER CHAIN DO I USE FOR THE GREENBULL 4X CNC?

Yes, you can absolutely communicate with the Pokeys57CNC controller. The developer's website has various ways of control, including their poblock software, or directly programming using C#, or C++. I have tested the C# method for a job I did for Lockheed Martin and worked really well.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[596] Hi there! Thank you for your great works. I was wondering if there is a way to communicate with this board using custom-developed software instead of Mach3 or Mach4.

For our redFly there is no need for firmware, however you will need to purchase a license for the board. Which you can buy here: (http://planet-cnc.com/product/cnc-usb-controller-license/)
The license is to completely unlock the software Planet-CNC.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
i have a redfly box for a greenbull 5x10 do I need to load a firmware to use planet cnc or is it already done

The PlanetCNC USB software, like most machine control software, can be used to control a laser engraver/cutter. The typical modification is to use the Z axis down signal to fire the laser, analogous to an endmill cutting into the workpiece from an initial position above it.

For the second question, it is important to note that BYCNC machines are not based on PlanetCNC software, or any other particular machine control system. The machines themselves will accept standard signals from a wide variety of machine control systems, not just PlanetCNC or Mach3. This allows maximum flexibility for the customer to choose their own preferred software for this part of the toolchain.

That said, our machines will accept a laser head either in lieu of or in addition to a spindle. Here is an example of a combination spindle/laser mount for our greenBull machine: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-laser-spindle-combo-head. We have all the parts you would need to add laser functionality to your machine here: https://buildyourcnc.com/LaserComponents.aspx, if you feel comfortable assembling your own package. Also, feel free to contact our sales department for a quote if you need a custom assembly.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Can the Planet CNC USB controller be used with a laser engraver/cutter? Can the build your own CNC based on the Planet CNC USB controller accept a Laser head instead of a router?

It is possible to connect and configure the spindle VFD to the mach3 via an RS485 communication and protocol.

The first thing you will need is the dynamic link library to pair with mach3 called the Huanyang VFD Mach3 PlugIn. You can find this file at the mach3 support forum here: http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,14182.0.html

You will also need to download the Microsoft .net 3.5 framework and install it: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21

Follow the pdf that comes with the library file, but here is a synopsis of what you need to do (I also added a lot more information that may be useful during this process as the manual does not cover the main connections that need to be done):

You will need to program your VFD so that it knows how to communicate with mach3 and the computer (go into the programming mode of the VFD and change these parameters):
- PD001 - value 2 - Enables with communication aspect of the VFD
- PD002 - value 2 - Enables frequency control from the communcations port
- PD163 - value 1 - VFD address
- PD164 - value 1 - Baud rate of 9600 (speed of the communication)
- PD165 - value 3 - 8N1 RTU - 8 bits (that's the size of the word that gets communicated), N (No parity or no error checking) and 1 (1 stop bit)

Copy the dll file to the PlugIns folder of mach3.

Connect the RX and TX lines to your computer. There are a couple ways you can do this, but the recommended way would be to use an FTDI USB device which converts a USB to a serial com port. The device will have Rx and Tx connectors to connect to the VFD terminals with the same labels. This method is recommended since serial ports are not as common in computers these days.

Next, you will need to configure mach3 to use the plugin library. Start mach3 and click on Menu -> config ->Config Plugins. Enable the new plugin by clicking on the red cross on the left column next to the plug in. Restart mach3 after doing this.

No you need to configure mach3 to use the HuanyangVFD plugin. Go to the ports & pins configuration and select the spindle setup tab. Make sure that the Disable Spindle Relays checkbox is unchecked. We don't want mach3 to output a signal for a relay since the spindle will start up and turn off within the VFD and not from an external relay.

Next, go to the HuanyangVFD settings by clicking on Menu -> plugin control -> HuanyangVFD. Set the parameters to the same settings you put into the VFD programming. The com port will be shown as new hardward when you plug in the USB FTDI device. A little bubble will be displayed at the bottom right where it will notify you that a new device is being installed (be patient while windows assigns a com port). Alternatively, you can use the windows device manager to see which port was set for the new USB FTDI device). You may need to restart mach3 several times until you get the correct information displayed in the PD001 and PD002 fields. When the com port is correct and the other parameters, like baud and VFD address is the same as you entered in the programming, then the PD001 and PD002 will show the number 2, otherwise, a 99 will appear which means that communication was not successful.

You can now control the on/off and RPM of the spindle using the RS485 communication between mach3 and the VFD.

Additional Information:
Will this work with the brand called "best "vfd as well.

Additional Information:
Where Can i find vfd plug-in for yl-620a for mach3 MODBUS?

Additional Information:
Once you connect the RS485 to MAch 3 and make all the connections, will MAch 3 automatically turn the spindle on when you start a cut file?

Click the link to add information to this solution:
purchased assembled greenbull with electronics, need wiring diagram from rs485/breakout to VFD 110 v

Depending if the spindle can work with this specific VFD, it might be possible. However we would not like to risk you working unit, with a possible match so we would like more details on your specific model and any information available on the spindle itself.

Response
The only info on the spindle is 2.2KW 400HZ 220V. Made by Zhong Hua Jiang.

Was originally on a Delta C200 vfd. That is 220 single phase.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I PURCHASED A VFD AND SPINDLE FROM FRIEND, HIS SET UP IS 220. DON'T HAVE 220 IN MY SHOP. QUESTION CAN USE YOUR 110 WITH THIS SPINDLE??

There is another image on the spindle page here that shows another type of wiring using the R, T and E terminals for power. The image is one of the clickable main images on that page:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/spindle-inverter-2!2kw-spindle-novfd

Additional Information:
Here is a link to the image directly:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/images/SpindleWiring-800.JPG

And here is the link to the alternate diagram:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/images/NewSpindleDiagram-800.JPG

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I purchased the greenbull with the electronics assembled, where are the wiring schematics to wire to 110 volt inverter?

The file type to save for use with Mach3 is .tap or .nc. Make sure that you specify Mach3 as the post processor in Meshcam.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Helo. I'm using Meshcam to generate the toolpaths. What type of files should I "save as" for the greenbull CNC using Mach3 with the UC100 USB to Parallel?

Yes, you can send your electronics to us for repair, or retrofit to work with either Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC. You can send us an email at customerService@buildyourcnc.com to set up your appointment.

Some of the types of CNC electronics we will consider.

- We will work on electronics from other manufacturers as long as you are ok with the Mach3, Mach4 or LinuxCNC control software for your CNC machine or CNC router.

- We will repair or retrofit used CNC electronics.

- Some customers find that electronics are overwhelming to put together so we will finish these electronics wiring and assembly for you.

The cost for these includes labor cost for the time it takes to finish the CNC electronics repair or retrofit and for any parts that need to be replaced or added.

Here is an example of CNC electronics that we worked on for a customer:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I would like to use Mach3 instead of the software for my CNC router. Can you fix the electronics for me?

Yes, we can provide a laser attachment for the long Z version of the greenBull 4x, 5x and 6x. Please call us to get more information and pricing for the laser attachment.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have a greenbull 5x with the long Z. Is there a laser kit that I can get for that model?

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.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Would your greenBull 6X CNC machine be suitable for cutting 2024T3 aircraft aluminium? Working on a kitlpane project and I need this capability.

For the 2.2kW Spindle you would need the ER20 1/2" Collet.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
What 1/2" collet and nut do I use for the Greenbull with the 2KW spindle? I want to order the Onsrud Spoilboard surfacing cutter.

If your axis shutters and will not move unless moved by another force, that sounds like your acceleration is set too high. Lower the acceleration until it works well, then lower it a bit more to have a margin of safety.

Users response:
I've lowered my acceleration to 1 in the StepCon program and it still shutters when I jog it, anything else I could check?

Buildyourcnc response:
IF that didn't work, try swapping the X and Y drivers. That way you will pinpoint if the issue is the driver. If the proplem persists, then there may be an issue with the motor itself.

Buildyourcnc response:
The X and Y drivers can be easily swapped by swapping only the motor wires.

- Remove the x-axis motor wires from the X driver.
- Remove the Y motor wires from the Y driver.
- Insert the X motor wires into the Y driver.
- Insert the Y motor wires into the X driver.

Buildyourcnc response:
Now the Y-axis will move the gantry. Test the Gantry movement by moving the Y axis using the up and down arrow keys (mach3).

Users response:
Problem is now solved, I switched the X and Y at the redFly and got the same problem, so then I undid the wires going to each motor and switched them there and it I had a bad solder point in the X axis connector, thank you for the help

Buildyourcnc response:
You're very welcome. We will make sure to thoroughly check the solder points on the cable connectors prior to a redFly delivery.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
GreenBull 5x10 X axis shutters and spins out with acceleration at 1 in StepCon, is there anything else I can check?

It changes the polarity of the switch, therefore you will need to connect it accordingly, and also set your pins properly. Check out this video -

Click the link to add information to this solution:
[788] Does it make a difference if I use a PNP instead of an NPN?

Depending if the spindle can work with this specific VFD, it might be possible. However we would not like to risk you working unit, with a possible match so we would like more details on your specific model and any information available on the spindle itself.

Response
The only info on the spindle is 2.2KW 400HZ 220V. Made by Zhong Hua Jiang.

Was originally on a Delta C200 vfd. That is 220 single phase.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I purchased a vfd and spindle from a friend, his set up is 220. I don't have 220 in my shop. My question is can I use your 110 vfd with this spindle??