If I understand correctly, the greenBull kit comes with a spindle and laser. What else do I need to have a working machine. Obviously a table, do I also need the computer, software, wires, pump and plumbing, electronics, VFD, steppers and controllers?

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Question #: 14278

Question: If I understand correctly, the greenBull kit comes with a spindle and laser. What else do I need to have a working machine. Obviously a table, do I also need the computer, software, wires, pump and plumbing, electronics, VFD, steppers and controllers?

Current Solution

The greenBull kit (not the assembled) will need the table (the rails for the table is supplied), wires/cables for the stepper motors and stepper motor drivers, smaller gauge wires for digital wire connections (limit switches, drivers to control interface, etc), wires for the spindle connection to the VFD, tubing for water flow to and from the spindle, and a pump and reservoir (we are just about to introduce a small pump/reservoir/radiator/fan system for use with the spindle. The VFD/spindle, stepper motors/drivers and interface board are included.

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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

If I purchase a greenBull 6X Long Z CNC Machine Kit and Mach3, what else would be required to assemble the working machine? I have CAD software.
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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If I purchase a greenBull 6X Long Z CNC Machine Kit and Mach3, what else would be required to assemble the working machine? I have CAD software.
IF I PURCHASE A GREENBULL 6X LONG Z CNC MACHINE KIT AND MACH3, WHAT ELSE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ASSEMBLE THE WORKING MACHINE? HAVE CAD SOFTWARE.
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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IF I PURCHASE A GREENBULL 6X LONG Z CNC MACHINE KIT AND MACH3, WHAT ELSE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ASSEMBLE THE WORKING MACHINE? HAVE CAD SOFTWARE.
Does the Redfly that I bought with the GreenBull in 2016 work with Mach4? Also I want to add a 4th axis and a spindle with automatic tool changer. Will this work too or do I need a new control board? I bought my CNC with a longer Z travel, so I have plenty of room for these. Thanks!
That will depend on the controller that was installed in the redFly. If the controller is a pokeys57CNC controller, you can use Mach 4 with that system.

You can add a 4th axis and an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) with the redFly system.
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Does the Redfly that I bought with the GreenBull in 2016 work with Mach4? Also I want to add a 4th axis and a spindle with automatic tool changer. Will this work too or do I need a new control board? I bought my CNC with a longer Z travel, so I have plenty of room for these. Thanks!
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?
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
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
I am looking at purchasing the greenbull 5X system with the laser/spindle combination. Can the laser do both rastered engraving as well as vectored cutting with the same breakout board and software? If I have this wrong please let me know what would be needed to accompish this.
You can do raster and vector engraving on the greenBull laser/spindle combination. The methods of this process is not accomplished in the same way as the typical laser machines where CorelDRAW is used. The Mach3 laser plug-in can be used for the raster engraving and standard CNC g-code can be used for vector cutting and engraving.

The raster method will not be fast on the greenBull since the z-axis is heavy and there are inertial limitation on doing fast raster back and forth movement. Vector is the best use of this machine.

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I am looking at purchasing the greenbull 5X system with the laser/spindle combination. Can the laser do both rastered engraving as well as vectored cutting with the same breakout board and software? If I have this wrong please let me know what would be needed to accompish this.
Hi, I intend on sculpting a surfboard out of a timber slab using the following kitset: greenBull 6x with Hybrid Laser/Spindle Head (includes Spindle/VFD and Laser Components) - USB Interface (Long Z). Will i need to purchase any additional items to have a fully operational cnc machine that is capable of carving the surfboard from a timber slab?
You will need to construct the table frame to your specifications and with a structure, fixtures and clamping to hold the timber that will be sculpted. You will also need the appropriate end mill that is designed to carve the timber. A dust extraction (vacuum) will be necessary to remove the dust and chips.

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Hi, I intend on sculpting a surfboard out of a timber slab using the following kitset: greenBull 6x with Hybrid Laser/Spindle Head (includes Spindle/VFD and Laser Components) - USB Interface (Long Z). Will i need to purchase any additional items to have a fully operational cnc machine that is capable of carving the surfboard from a timber slab?
I've read your book and I'm looking to purchase the hardware kit with DVD as well as an electronics kit. I would like my machine to have a working area of at least 24" wide by 48" long. Can I just make the bed (and gantry) wider to accommodate larger priceslike 30"x60"? If so what electronics kit would you recommend?
Considering enlarging the machine, might have its down sides do to the structural integrity of the scratch build machine. Primarily by making the width longer it will start to sag in the center, which will lead to having to redesign the gantry to be more structurally rigid to support the added length. Which then will increase the weight and height of your gantry to support the add size, which will always end up to creating a larger CNC.

We usually do not recommend modifying the scratch build CNC, due to the very limited capabilities, and the structural design of the scratch build. We also do not recommend using longer than 48" ACME screw/leadscrew due to the increasing chance of warping and bending in the ACME screws/leadscrew in the given length.
We do recommend modifying the CNC machines we sell to accommodate the added requests that some of our customers desire, but you will be limited to the width of the gantry with our machines.
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I've read your book and I'm looking to purchase the hardware kit with DVD as well as an electronics kit. I would like my machine to have a working area of at least 24" wide by 48" long. Can I just make the bed (and gantry) wider to accommodate larger priceslike 30"x60"? If so what electronics kit would you recommend?
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?
I am interested in buying the greenBull 5X Long Z CNC Machine Kit, but it is not clear for me what is included in this kit. Is there anything else I need to get the machine work?
The greenBull 4X comes with all of the components and electronics to assemble the gantry of the machine. You will need to build the table. We provide the rails and roller chain for the X-axis (along the length of the table for full 8 feet of travel). You will need to provide some wire to connect the electronics and a computer to run the machine. You will also need to purchase the software that you will need to run the machine that matches how you will apply the machine. We suggest the mach3 control program. The CAM program is up to you as there are many options out there.
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I am interested in buying the greenBull 5X Long Z CNC Machine Kit, but it is not clear for me what is included in this kit. Is there anything else I need to get the machine work?
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. Is this correct? What is the needed length of lead screw for this 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. Is this correct? What is the needed length of lead screw for this unit?
Is it possible to order the mechanics, motors and electronics, in other words, order the kit without the wood? Reason being is I have aluminum and steel to make a machine out of.
We do offer all of the parts; but it is best to purchase them a la carte. You will probably not want the hardware since this would not conform to a design in metal.

All of the mechanical parts are available here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/CNCMachineMechanicalParts.aspx

All of the electronics you would need is available here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx

All of the laser components are available here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/LaserComponents.aspx

And the spindles and VFDs are available here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx

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Is it possible to order the mechanics, motors and electronics, in other words, order the kit without the wood? Reason being is I have aluminum and steel to make a machine out of.
Is it possible to order the mechanics, motors and electronics, in other words, order the kit without the wood? Reason being is I have aluminum and steel to make a machine out of.
If you are wanting to purchase all of the parts for a machine excluding the structural parts, you will need to order the parts a la carte.

Electronics packages can be found here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/category/elcombo

Mechanical components can be found here:
https://buildyourcnc.com/CNCMachineMechanicalParts.aspx

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Is it possible to order the mechanics, motors and electronics, in other words, order the kit without the wood? Reason being is I have aluminum and steel to make a machine out of.
Hi i am interested in the greenBull 6x with Hybrid Laser/Spindle Head (includes Spindle/VFD and Laser Components) - USB Interface (Long Z). I was wondering how much it would cost to get this machine to NZ?
You can use our shopping cart to determine the shipping. Add the machine and the parts you want to purchase, enter your shipping address and click on the Calculate Shipping Button to get a price for shipping. The shipping charges are determined directly from the carriers at the time of pressing that button.

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Hi i am interested in the greenBull 6x with Hybrid Laser/Spindle Head (includes Spindle/VFD and Laser Components) - USB Interface (Long Z). I was wondering how much it would cost to get this machine to NZ?
My blackfoot 4x8 Starts sending erratic commands to the machine randomly in the middle of a program or freezes altogether. Replaced USB Cable, updated software, updated firmware, tried other computers. What else should I do?
If the computer has been tested to be functional, it is most likely the breakout board which is faulty. Replace the breakout board and it should solve these issues.
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My blackfoot 4x8 Starts sending erratic commands to the machine randomly in the middle of a program or freezes altogether. Replaced USB Cable, updated software, updated firmware, tried other computers. What else should I do?
I ordered the GreenBull 5' x 10' kit. The first video for assembly shows that I should have 5 large boards that attach to the table, but I don't have those boards. Is that something I need to build or were they not shipped?
We apologize for the confusion, however in the very first video that is regarding the assembly, is of the torsion box. We do not included that in any greenBull kit, as we use too sell it individually! However due to high consumption of materials and high cost(both in shipping and for the kit itself) we have removed it from our inventory and no longer sell it.

This video can be skipped, however if you plan on making a DIY torsion box, this video will be helpful in your build!

The torsion box is not needed, as the frame itself will be more than sufficient in keeping the machine from flexing or vibrating.
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I ordered the GreenBull 5' x 10' kit. The first video for assembly shows that I should have 5 large boards that attach to the table, but I don't have those boards. Is that something I need to build or were they not shipped?
Correct kit of motors and electronics, I bough a book in Amazons kindle to build a CNC, this book mention a kit of motors and electronics for parallel port, I want to use USB, can you suggest me the correct kit fot this machine.
Dealing with our scratch Build kit/BYO CNC Book Kit, you will use our basic 3 axis electronics kit (https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-425-elcombo). Now dealing with the Breakout Board, the book specifies the parallel port BoB, but you can use the USB BoB and use Planet-CNC rather than using Mach 3 or Linux-CNC as your control software.
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Correct kit of motors and electronics, I bough a book in Amazons kindle to build a CNC, this book mention a kit of motors and electronics for parallel port, I want to use USB, can you suggest me the correct kit fot this machine.
i would like to turn on my water pump with out3 or 4 when i turn on the spindle. I have Mach3 working with the spindle on out1and 2. I have a relay wiredbut cant get out3 to flip.
Take a look at these two videos that I created today on Instagram on the proper wiring of a relay to the Mach3 USB controller.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYGGBtj3cq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMYLvq9DXVK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don't forget to watch the initial video on the Mach3 USB outputs on the Mach3 USB product page (last video on that page):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board
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i would like to turn on my water pump with out3 or 4 when i turn on the spindle. I have Mach3 working with the spindle on out1and 2. I have a relay wiredbut cant get out3 to flip.
I have a project very similar to cnc machine. I need 3 lead screws of 1.8 m with all set (supports, bearings...etc). and 3 NEMA 42 motors that I can connect with. if those are available, I need the information about shipping to Oman or UAE.
We carry several sizes of lead screw and stepper motors on our website, for example here https://buildyourcnc.com/Item/mechanical-leadscrews-lead-screw-!5-5-starts-10-tpi and here https://buildyourcnc.com/ProductSearchResults.aspx. Please call us at 281-815-7701 to discuss the particular lengths you would need and shipping options.

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I have a project very similar to cnc machine. I need 3 lead screws of 1.8 m with all set (supports, bearings...etc). and 3 NEMA 42 motors that I can connect with. if those are available, I need the information about shipping to Oman or UAE.