Please let us know which board and machine you are using so that we can help you troubleshoot the problem.

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My mechanical limits work by changing color on computer when tripped but the stepper motors don't stop on X and Y only Z.

If your bearing does not turn anymore, it is possible to repair the frozen bearing.

You can carefully remove the shield on one side of the bearing. Use a very thin blade to remove the shield.

Once the shield is removed, use WD-40 or kerosene to wash out and clean any debris that exists within the bearing. WD-40 is a cleaner, not a lubrication agent.

You will then need to re-lubricate the bearing. Packing grease into the bearing will provide good protection not allowing too much metal on metal friction. There will be a layer of grease separating the ball bearings from the inner and outer races.

If you have a production environment, you may want to purchase extra bearings so that you will not have any down time.

If you have a rubber shield, just pry it out using any sharp object, like a utility knife. If your bearing has a metal shield, there may be a retaining ring along the outer race keeping the shield in place. Simply remove the retaining ring and the metal shield will fall out easily. If the metal shield does not have a retaining ring, that shield will not be able to be removed and a new bearing will need to be purchased to replace the frozen bearing.

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You built the first 36 inch Blue Chick for me. One of the V-Groove bearings on the X-axis froze. Is there a method of repairing this? Or do I order another and a spare. If so, what is the procedure to repair or order?

We currently do not have any Nema motor's with a .375"/3/8" shaft diameter. The motors in stock 100 oz, 425 oz, with a 1/4" input shaft. Our 651 oz, with a 1/2" input shaft.

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Your combo kits don't specify whether they are standard NEMA motors. I need Nema 34 with a .375 shaft diameter. Which 3 axis kit work for these requirements?

Thank you for your feedback. Generally we are considered to be quite sane as a collective, although this can change from time to time.

We have a disclaimer on shipping rates, especially if you are ordering from outside of the United States, rates are generally shown only for air-shipments from USPS, UPS, and FedEX, which can be quite expensive. We do work with several freight and shipping companies that allow us to calculate options for lowering shipping costs. These companies do not generally have APIs that we can integrate into the website, so we need time to process quotes.

If the shipping quote you received from the website seems unreasonable, there is a good chance we can quote you a better rate. All you need to do is inquire with sales@buildyourcnc.com and we will make sure we get you the best possible rate.

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are you out of your freaking minds with these shipping rates. About to go through with order but you lost me! Good luck!

The book pdf documents are on this page:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Book.aspx

Just click on the red area in the first paragraph that states: Click here for the book's documents.

Or, you can just go here for the documents directly for your convenience:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/CNC%20Kit%201-1.pdf

Additional Information:
The mdf sheets layout are here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/cuts-Layout1.pdf
and here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/cuts-Layout1%20(2).pdf

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in the book page 18 it says the are down loadable pdf files containing the measurements of the mdf sheets I can not find them on your site even under the book tab

I haven't delved into using encoders with stepping motors too much. From my research, you need to have a controller that can provide the closed loop control, rather than software handling that process. I have also found from my research that using encoders on stepping motors is generally used to stop the machine in the case that the motor failed to achieve the commanded position for some reason and gives the user the chance to correct and continue with the job.

If you want proper closed loop control, it may be best to go with servos and servo controller that provide the closed loop control within the real of those two components.

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I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY REFERENCES TO ENCODER FEED-BACK CAPABILITY IN OF THE HARDWARE YOU SELL. THIS A SUPPORTED FEATURE WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE SELL?

Strictly to the point. Assuming:
-You have a working linuxcnc install with a compatible parallel port
-You have wired Bread-Out Board V5 to the motor drivers so you know which pins are for which signals(watch video tutorials for that on this site)
-You have wired motors to motor drivers (watch video tutorials for that on this site)

a)We need to know the base parallel port addres, for that you need to input on a linux terminal the command:

#lspci -v

You can scroll up and down the result with page up and page down. Look for a "Parallel Port..." line, the value you are looking for is the "I/O Ports at.." Write them down

To get the Base Period Maximun Jitter, go to
applications - cnc - Latency Test

Now you should let that window running for a while, so it calculates an accurate jitter, go watch the tutorial videos for the connections between the Bread-Out Board and the motor controllers.

After its been running for half an hour or so with the machine in use, write down the calculated jitter values, mine was Servo Thread - 39000

Now close the Latency test dialog

b)Go to applications - cnc - stepconfwizard
"START" - Create a new config
Check - Create Desktop Shortcut to config files
Check - Create Desktop Shortcut to start linuxcnc with this config
FORWARD

c)"BASE INFORMATION"
Fill in a Machine Name that suits you
Bluechick is XYZ on inches
Fill in the Base Period Maximun Jitter with the value obtained in "a)"

FORWARD

d)If you watched the tutorials on a) and b) you know the pin numbers for your signals.
Parport Base Address you need to put the value obtained in a), mine was cf00
Output pinout presets I used Sherline

FORWARD
FORWARD

e)Axis X (chain and sprocket axis)
Data for bluechick from build yourcnc
Motor Steps per revolution 200
Microstepping 64 (that if you followed tutorials, change if you have different)
Pulley teeth 1 ; 1
Leadscrew Pitch 0.444444 (that value comes from 1rev / (.25 in * 9 teeth))
Maximun Velocity 10
Maximun Acceleration 0.5
Home location 0.0
Table travel 0.0 to 34.0 (maybe you want to change this later)

Now, you can do "Test this axis" and jog it (move it!) Try to position everything in the middle (you will be doing it axis by axis) and select
"+ 0.5 in" Hit run, I used a pencil held at the gantry and paper to draw a line, then confirmed that the measurement was 0.5 in. Also tried with "+/- 0.5 in" and confirmed 1" measurement

FORWARD when happy with your Axis X

Repeat for Axix Y but the table travel is 0.0 to 12.0

f)AXIS Z
With data from buildyourcnc.com
Motor Steps per rev 200
Driver Microstepping 16 (as recommended for lead screw)
Pulley teeth 1 ; 1
Leadscrew Pitch 2
Max Vel 2.5
Max Accel 0.5

Table travel 0.0 to 3.5

Test, and FORWARD when happy

g)After configured you can go to
Applications - cnc - LinuxCNC, and there you go...




Additional Information:
... Still think that there should be a tutorial for this part.

Additional Information:
oh¡ Forgot to tell, the config shortcut will be available on our Desktop, launch linuxCNC from there

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I have a BlueChick that came with the 5-Axis Bread-Out Board V5 (parallel port), it has 3xCW230, how to configure it on LinuxCNC?

The files and hardware option for our machines has been removed from the site due to the following reasons:
Difficulty for the end use of the files and the challenges (and time/money) on our side to assist in using these files.
The abuse of these files over the internet.
Ultimately may reduce the sales of machines keeping us in business.
Sadly, this is what has come out of our company attempting to be open; however, the machines sold on this site is still far lower in price than the competition for the quality that we provide as we have a great desire to engender the cottage industry to fulfill their need for low end manufacturing. My sincere apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

Additional Information:
NO, is not possible, I can help with the shipping cost

Additional Information:

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BlackToe g-code or rather the DXF-file(s), but I can't find that option on the site anymore. Also, is it possible to convert all measurements to mm instead of inches? (Since I live in Sweden). Thank you!

Conceptually it is straightforward to predict the radiofrequency (RF) exposure intensity at any point in the vicinity of a cellular radio base station antenna. Simply multiply the effective radiation power times the inverse square of the distance times the relative gain of the antenna in the direction of the interest. The relative gain in different directions is know as the antenna radiation pattern and is usually available from the antenna manufacturer in graphical or tabular form.

Unfortunately, in real life the calculations involved in base station antenna evaluations are quite complex and require expert knowledge and experience to deal with the many parameters that are involved. An excellent reference summarizing this process is the Federal Communications Commission OET Bulletin No. 65 titled "Evaluating Compliance With FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields," available on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website.

To assess the RF hazards associated with handheld cell phones it is necessary to predict the rate of absorption in the body of radiofrequency energy, a parameter called the specific absorption rate (SAR). This is a very complex calculation, and cell phone manufacturers often rely on measurements of SAR in fluid-filled cylinders or plastic containers in the shape of a head. The FCC requires cell phone manufacturers to provide this data to FCC. You can obtain the data for your model phone on the the FCC's website. Unfortunately only cell phones manufactured in the last couple years are listed here.

As to your question about keeping RF exposures within the safety code, please read the other questions posted on this website this matter. Cellular radio products that meet FCC requirements will be within the guidelines established by safety standards organizations for users' and public exposure to RF radiation fields.

Gary H. Zeman, ScD, CHP

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FIRST OF ALL, THANKS FOR DESIGNING A WONDERFUL SITE. MY QUESTION IS: HOW DO YOU CALCULATE EME (ELECTROMAGNETIC EMISSIONS) AROUND THE TRANSMITTER (ANTENNA) AT ANY GIVEN POINT AND WHAT ARE MEASURES TO KEEP IT UNDER SAFETY CODE?

When you add a specific length to your cart, the additional length will be in inches.
So you will need to add the total length which will be 98" in total!

If this is for the scratch build kit (book CNC) the total length (98") of lead screw you will need for this machine is the three axes added together:

X-axis: 52"
Y-axis: 32"
Z-axis: 14"

You will have to specify the dimensions you require by sending a email (with your order details) or call to: customerservice@buildyourcnc.com or 281-815-7701

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Does "Additional Length" for the Lead Screw mean Additional Length in inches? So for the 4' x-axis I have to choose Additional Length=52?

If you would like to replace a router that outputs a relatively low HP (horse power) such as the Bosch PR20EVSK or Dewalt 611, both having about 1-1.25 HP, the 1.5kW spindle would have more than enough power and will also provide constant torque where the routers are unable to achieve. The 1.5kW spindle outputs 2 HP and is water cooled to keep the dust out of the air!

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I'm looking to upgrade my X-Carve with one of your vfd spindles, can you reccomend which one to use to replace the dewalt 611 router?

Yes, the blueChick kits are available. You can get the shipping rates automatically in the shopping cart. There will be a calculate shipping button on the enter shipping information section of the shopping cart.

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CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME THE AVAILABILITY OF 12X36 BLUE CHICK 4.2, AND COST FOR SHIPPING TO ZIP 72802 IN RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS?

Cooling is not as tricky as you might think. There is 3 ways to approach this, only 2 really matter for a low scale 40w setup. First one is the cheapest and easiest. The higher the temp of water the worse your performance will be, from what I understand anything in the 30C range is about the most tolerable it gets. Lower is better. But not frozen...from what I've been told a very experienced cutter, he found 8C was the highest power he achieved.

1. Use a 5 Gallon resovoir system which gives you a fairly large space of water to heat up before you need to tend to it. Add about a cup of anti-freeze to the mix of DISTILLED water. You don't want ANY minerals in the water that might build up in your system. The anti-freeze works to keep algae and other ickies from growing in your water.

2. Use a smaller resovoir system (or even closed loop) and install 1 or more radiators found in CPU cooling systems with 120mm fans attached. This will continously cool your water system to ambient room temperatures, but with a tiny resovoir it will be difficult to add things like ice-packs to drop the temps if the ambient is quite hot.

3. Using an industrial coolant system. Overkill and unless your cutting A LOT, this is a very expensive option to take. You can also explore the idea of Peltier cooling but it is extremely expensive electricity/BTU wise compared to an industrial cooler.

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BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING ABOUT COOLING THE LASER OFF - IS YOUR SETUP LIKE MOST OTHERS NEED BUCKET OF DISTILLED WATER TO PUMP THROUGH MACHINE?

Other items you will need if you are purchasing the electronic combo (motors, drivers, power supply and computer interface) and the hardware and plans kit:

You will need the wood to create the structure of the machine. You will need a router to serve as the cutting instrument. You will need a computer to control the machine and the software that will serve as the control program. You will also need lead screws and rails (aluminum angles). If you intend to have faster travel than 20 ipm, we recommend purchasing the 5 start lead screws so you can achieve up to 300 ipm. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-leadscrews-leadnuts-!5-5-starts-10-tpi

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if i purchase the 4 Axis Electronic Combos and the Combo #1 with hardware, plans and DVD what else do i need to have a complete cnc machine

At this time we are working to release a new USB controller board that will be compatible with Mach4 software and do not have any immediate plans to update the Planet-CNC USB board.

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Are there plans to release a USB Controller to work with the Planet CNC Output Board for more advanced spindle control from within Planet CNC?

Physical size of the subject affects the fraction of the total radiofrequency energy that is absorbed in the body. To account for this known effect, the maximum permissible exposure standards for radiofrequency energy were set for the worst-case condition, that is assuming the body size for maximal absorption at a given frequency. Thus the maximum permissible exposure standards are fully protective for bodies of different sizes. For more detailed information, see the answers and the cited references to questions 79, 109, 694, and 893 under the Nonionizing Radiation section of the Health Physics Society Ask The Expert Web page. Gary H. Zeman, ScD, CHP

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WHAT EFFECTS OF CELL PHONES WILL THERE BE ON YOUNGER PEOPLE OPPOSED TO OLDER PEOPLE? THE AGE OR STATE DEVELOPMENT EFFECT DANGERS A PHONE?

The 5V power required for the breakout board can be a simple USB male to male cable, that will connect from your computer to the board itself.
Now adding a external power supply make sure that it does not exceed a total of 5V and the standard 500 MilliAMP - 1 A.

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I have a YDH-18-5 Power Supply AC Input:100-240v 47-63Hz, Ouput: 5v - 2A and need to know if its safe to use with the Parallel Breakout Board.

I haven't delved into using encoders with stepping motors too much. From my research, you need to have a controller that can provide the closed loop control, rather than software handling that process. I have also found from my research that using encoders on stepping motors is generally used to stop the machine in the case that the motor failed to achieve the commanded position for some reason and gives the user the chance to correct and continue with the job.

If you want proper closed loop control, it may be best to go with servos and servo controller that provide the closed loop control within the real of those two components.

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I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY REFERENCES TO STEPPING MOTOR ENCODER FEED-BACK FOR CLOSED LOOP CAPABILITY IN OF THE HARDWARE YOU SELL. THIS A SUPPORTED FEATURE WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE SELL?

There really isn't a program to directly convert a dxf (drawing exchange) file to gcode instructions.

Gcode is a set of instruction on how to cut geometric features which has numerous parameters for control.

A dxf file is simple geometry and does not contain enough information to properly control a machine.

For instance, take a circle that may be in the dxf. You may want to cut on the inside of the circle, or the outside of the circle. The cutting would need to be half the diameter of the end mill from the geometry so the edge of the end mill cuts along the line. There is also the speed to cut the geometry, how deep to cut the geometry, etc. This information does not exist in the dxf file.

A CAM program, like CAMBAM, Cut2D or other Vectric software, MechCAM, etc that allows you to apply machining operation to the dxf geometry. These machining operations are what is converted into Gcode.

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What is the best program to use for converting a .DXF file to a G-Code file to use with Mach4. Mach4 will be used with a drill table.