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Question #: 453

Question: WHICH MACHINE SHOULD I BUY, GREENBULL OR BLACKFOOT?

Current Solution

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

Previous Solution:
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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Other Possible Solutions to this Question

  • 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.

    Previous Solution:
    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)

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHICH MACHINE SHOULD I BUY, THE GREENBULL OR BLACKFOOT?

  • SHOULD I SELECT THE GREENBULL OR 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.

    Previous Solution:
    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)

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    SHOULD I SELECT THE GREENBULL OR BLACKFOOT CNC MACHINE?

  • Can I purchase plans to scratch build the Blackfoot or GreenBull machine

    Unfortunately we no longer include or sell our CNC plans for none of our machines. We will be here to assist you if any parts wear over time, and will be able to replace the parts if needed.

    Charges may be subjected due to time of purchase and cause of wear.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Can I purchase plans to scratch build the Blackfoot or GreenBull machine

  • WHAT CABLE LENGTHS SHOULD USE FOR THE BLACKFOOT CNC MACHINE

    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.

    Additional Information:

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    WHAT CABLE LENGTHS SHOULD USE FOR THE BLACKFOOT CNC MACHINE

  • WHAT MATERIALS CAN THE GREENBULL MACHINE CUT? LASER ETCH?

    The Greenbull machine can cut a very wide variety of materials ranging from foam to aluminum. We recommend the use of our 2.2kW spindle to allow the greatest flexibility. Aside from that, the most important thing is to use an appropriate end mill for the material you are cutting and to use appropriate speeds and feed rates.



    BYCNC Response:
    Our 40W laser can cut up to about 1/4" materials ranging from wood and acrylic down through lighter materials such as leather, fabric, foam, etc. Speed and final cut are greatly enhanced by an air assist upgrade. We also offer an 80W laser which has approximately twice the capabilities of the 40W.

    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHAT MATERIALS CAN THE GREENBULL MACHINE CUT? LASER ETCH?

  • [410] what I need to buy to make this work on my GreenBull machine and the redfly?

    Since this 4th axis already comes with a stepper motor, you will need a driver and some cable to connect to the driver from where the 4th axis will be placed. If you have extra space in the redFly electronics enclosure, you can fasten the driver there. You will also need some wire to connect the driver to the breakout baord.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    [410] what I need to buy to make this work on my GreenBull machine and the redfly?

  • 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.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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 can't spot the differences between 4'x8' blackFoot and the 4'x8' greenBull (except for laser head option): please, can you tell me?

    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/)

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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?

  • How should I connect the E-stop to the machine?

    I would recommend wiring the E-Stop to an input terminal via an NC connection. This is the industry standard. It requires a NC (Normally connected) circuit for the machine to be operational, and when the circuit breaks, the machine shuts off. This is better than having a circuit NO (normally open), open circuit that requires a circuit to be created to have the machine shut off for safety.

    Having en E-Stop run through the mains line would only work for a single circuit (or use multiple E-stops, which defeats the purpose). The E-stop connected to the input terminal would shut off all machine functions.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How should I connect the E-stop to the machine?

  • How should I control a plasma torch, spindle and a laser on my CNC machine?

    It will depend on how you configure the machine to use the Laser and plasma. Is the laser on a separate gantry? That will determine the way you will connect the laser control system or if you use a typical CNC controller. The plasma will need inputs of THC on, THC up, THC down and outputs to trigger the plasma torch. I recommend the Pokeys57CNC for the plasma and you can also fire the laser with it, but you will not be able to do engraving with the laser unless you use a laser controller. If you use a laser controller, you will need to either build circuitry to switch the digital signals from which controller you will be using, or if you have the laser on a separate gantry, you can use a traditional laser controller connected to the stepper motor drivers on that gantry.

    Users response:
    I was planing on using same gantry, and installing plasma and laser module on z axis along the side with current router. Perhaps if it’s needed installing another z axis on current z axis. So that when I use plasma, router z will be homed and plasma z axis will be able to utilize thc.

    When you say “If you use a laser controller, you will need to either build circuitry to switch the digital signals from which controller you will be using,”
    If i install laser controller, pokeys and router motion card, do you mean all ( axis and router/laser/plasma) signals or just the one that controls router/laser/plasma?
    I was wondering if I could jump (parallel connect) axis signals from card to card without ?
    Also do you prefer ethernet card or usb?
    I really do appreciate your help :) thanx again.

    Buildyourcnc response:
    Not a problem at all.

    Remember that with all of that weight on the z-axis, you will not be able to do efficient raster style engraving.

    By putting the laser on another gantry, say at the far end of the table, then you would be able to use a laser controller that controls its own stepper motors and the nozzle can have fast swing motion for engraving. With the laser on the z-axis of the spindle (like see on the greenBull), you will only be able to do vector motions for the laser.

    You can also have a CNC interface and laser controller controlling the same stepper motor drivers, but you will need a few tri-state buffer chips where you can use a toggle switch for which controller has control of the drivers.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    How should I control a plasma torch, spindle and a laser on my CNC machine?

  • What is travel speed of the blackfoot machine ?? I read in a forum somewhere that it's around 100inches/minute. Is that accurate ??

    The jog speed of the blackToe is 1000 - 1500 ipm (inches per minute). I generally set this to about 700 ipm just to be safe and 700 ipm is plenty fast for most scenarios. The cutting speed will depend on the tool (end mill) that you will use for the application, the material being used and whether a spindle or router is used. In a scenario that a spindle is used and cutting relatively hard plywood at 3/4" full depth using an Onsrud 1/4" diameter compression end mill, you can cut at around 100 - 300 ipm. Using a router would be only half the speed and cutting depth due to the poor torque.

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    What is travel speed of the blackfoot machine ?? I read in a forum somewhere that it's around 100inches/minute. Is that accurate ??

  • 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
  • I'm planning on purchasing a Greenbull 5x (hybrid laser/spindel). What other expenses will I have for having a fully operationel machine

    You will need to make sure you have a 220 volt outlet near the machine. You will need some wire to connect the electronics unless you purchase the redFly, redLear or redSprout plug and play electronics. To maintain cooling for the spindle, you will need some silicone tubing to provide for water exchange within the spindle, a bucket and pump to pump the water. You will need a table built as per the dimensions on the greenBull page:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/greenBullCNCMachineKit.aspx

    For cutting material, you will need end mills which are consumables that will be purchased frequently as they wear.

    The pump and silicone can be found here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/category/pneumatic-hydraulic

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    I'm planning on purchasing a Greenbull 5x (hybrid laser/spindel). What other expenses will I have for having a fully operationel machine

  • If I purchased the blackFoot 4x8, do you include the plans for the machine itself, in case I wanted to replace a piece of it due to wear?

    Unfortunately we no longer include or sell our CNC plans for none of our machines. We will be here to assist you if any parts wear over time, and will be able to replace the parts if needed.

    Charges may be subjected due to time of purchase and cause of wear.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    If I purchased the blackFoot 4x8, do you include the plans for the machine itself, in case I wanted to replace a piece of it due to wear?

  • 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.

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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.

  • 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.

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    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.

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

    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.

  • WHICH CHILDREN SHOULD RECEIVE INFLUENZA FLU VACCINE?

    ACIP recommends annual influenza vaccination for all children age 6 months and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHICH CHILDREN SHOULD RECEIVE INFLUENZA FLU VACCINE?

  • Will Bobcad v27 work well with Black Toe machine. Which post processor driver do I use?

    The BobCAD post processor that will work with the USB interface that uses the Planet-CNC software:

    According to the Planet-cnc folks, wincnc or mach3 post-processors should work. According to a representative at BobCAD, mach3 post-processor should work.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Will Bobcad v27 work well with Black Toe machine. Which post processor driver do I use?

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