The cutting area is 20" x 40" for the book machine. This area is determined by the 2'x4' sheets that make up the bed of the machine. You can increase this area if you use larger sheets and adjust the gantry width by the same difference of the width of the sheets.

You can also use the plans from Woodsmith magazine to build a larger machine.
https://www.woodsmith.com/article/build-a-cnc-router-for-your-own-shop/

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need cutting area of 25 x 49 what size of gantry


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need cutting area of 25 x 49 what size of gantry

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I am building the 24" x 48" machine from the original book and i was wondering if anyone can provide me with the actual cutting area possible with that machine.

Exhausting the blackTooth laser cutter is a very important consideration and should be taken seriously, especially if you are cutting materials that give off toxic fumes when the material is burned. You will want a 4 inch hose to connect from the blackTooth to a blower, and another 4 inch hose to connect from the blower to the outside. The blower should be sufficient to provide completely negative pressure within the laser enclosure so there will be no escape of gasses.

The connections at the machine, at the blower and at the location the hose exhausts outside should be thoroughly checked for leaks. Use a gasket, or silicone. Once complete, try cutting a non-toxic material that will give off an odor (wood, or non-toxic plastic) and try the system and determine if the smell is present.

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I have been asked to provide an exhaust for the Blacktooth Laser Cutter CO2 40W. I see no specifications or guidelines for exhausting fumes from the machine. Can someone help me?

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 PROVIDE TRAINING ON OPERATING SETTING UP SHOP PRODUCTION USE? THANKS

(These steps are to be taken with precaution, due to the fact that we do not know the model or manufacturers specifications for your BoB)

Here is a link to our CNC electronic videos(

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I have a CNC Machine from China, and the Breakout Board is not Labeled. Is there any way to test the board using Mach3 to find out the pin designations? db25 bob

The largest CNC machine we make at this time (12/04/2015) is the GreenBull 6'x12' model. This model has 2 options for Z-axis travel.

The short-z option has a total Z travel of 5.75 inches. From that you would subtract the length of the end mill used and the thickness of the spoil board to determine the maximum material thickness. (Example: If the end mill extends 1.25" from the collet and the spoil board is .75", then the material could be up to 5.75 - 1.25 - 0.75 = 3.75 inches in thickness). This is good for most sheet-type materials.

The long-z option, used mainly for large 3D carvings, requires a custom frame and allows for up to 36" of travel.

The tolerance of our machines, like any machine, depends on several variables. The major variables include the manufacturing tolerance, the type of machine control used, the precision of assembly, the thoroughness of maintenance, and the initial and ongoing calibration of the machine. Because we sell kits only most of these variables are outside our control. Therefore, we are hesitant to guarantee a certain level of tolerance for an end user. However, in our experience, tolerances of .001" are readily achievable with our machines.

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What tolerance can I expect from your largest cnc machine and the laser cutter? Also, what depth can I get on the z axis?

Your steps per inch will vary. I suggest watching my calibration video.

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I AM CURRENTLY HAVING SOME PROBLEM SQUARING THE GANTRY AND MY STEPS PER INCH ARE NOT 1422.22 ACCORDING TO YOUR CALCULATIONS IN AUTO SET UP THEY COME OUT LIKE 1416.#### THIS A BIG DEAL?

The Mach3 USB interface board will require a 24V power supply to enable the use of the input, output terminals, and the spindle VFD 0-10V and output for speed control.

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Hi Patrick right now I have a parallel port cnc machine that I built in 2013 using the hardware and components I purchased from your website. I want to update my system by changing my current parallel port interface board to a Mach3 USB interface board from your website. Is the Mach3 USB interface board all I need to do this or is there other components I need to get. please advise.

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?

Not sure what you mean by the statement "I don't know when you answer". Please explain. I answer all of the incoming emails until my inbox is completely empty and all phone calls to the company go straight to my cell phone and I answer all of the calls, and if I don't answer, I call back immediately.


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I just searched my email and found no emails with your email address associated with the email listed with this question. I cannot answer questions if no correspondence was provided by you.

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Please send an email, I am giving up on buying a machine from you because I don't know when you answer. I was asking about getting just the working parts and rails sent to Fiji. You sent an answer and some questions, but I have no way of knowing if you responded again.

We have sent machines everywhere across the globe and we can work with freight companies to get you a good rate on a shipment. Please email sales@buildyourcnc.com to request a quote.

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Im from chile have you ever send any machine to south america? can i buy only the mechanic and electronic things ( wood parts are much weight)

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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I have just brought your build your own cnc machine book and it talks about PDF downloads. Where do I find them please ?

Yes, if you need a replacement part on your machine please call us at 281-815-7701.

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I have a blacktooth laser engraver. The Y Axis stepper motor needs to be replaced. Can you please provide me with the information I would need to replace this motor.

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
- If the machine does not have the table included, then a table will need to be built. The rails, chain and chain mounts are included that are used on this table.

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can you please clarify exactly what I receive w/ 5' x 10' CNC machine kit and what additional items I would need to have a fully operational machine?

This will depend on the VFD you have to identify the correct terminal. The terminal on the VFD will be labeled AI1 typically (Analog Input #1). You will also need to make sure to complete the PWM circuit using the GND terminal on the VFD.

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I have wired my 0-10V signal to the AI1 and GND terminals as suggested. I have also set the PD-01 and PD-02 settings to 1. Still nothing. Is there something else that I am missing?

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Thanks for the information. Can you let me know the model of the VFD that you have?

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VFD Model # YL600-2S-2K20

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Thanks. I will check our resources and documentation to see if there is another programming setting that needs to be changed.

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Does your VFD have a VI terminal?

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No, it does not. The terminals for this VFD are as follows (seperated by dashes "-").

10V-AI1-AO2-PLC-DI5-DI3-DI1-COM
AI2-GND-AO1-DI6-DI4-DI2-FM-24V

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Do you have a PD070 parameter?

PD070 is the main Analog Input parameter.

The options for that parameter is:
0: 0-10V
1: 0-5V
2: 0-20mA
3: 4-20mA
4: 0-10V (4-20mA Stacked)
5: XIA
6: (VI+XIA)/2
7: (3VA+XIA)/4
8: (XIA_XIB)/2
9: Max (XIA, XIB)
10: Min (XIA, XIB)


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There is a PD-00 thru PD-09. PD-07 is currently set to 0.

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It appears that the manual I’m using “Titled YL600” is not the same as your unit. I will check our manuals and find the one that has only PD-00 to PD-09.

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For that VFD, the parameters are P0. The 0 may look like a D on the display.

The parameters that need to be changed for the AI1 to work (Brackets [] around the correct selection):

P0-01: First Motor Control Mode
- 0: Sensorless Vector Control
- 1: Flux Vector Control (FVC)
- [2]: V/F Control

P0-02: Options of Command Source
- 0: Operation Panel Command Channel (LED will be off)
- [1]: Terminal Command Channel (LED will be on)
- 2: Communication Command Channel (LED will flicker)

P0-03: Options of Principle Frequency Source X
- 0: Digital Setting (Preset Frequency P0-08, UP/DOWN modifiable, no power-down memory)
- 1: Digital Setting (Preset Frequency P0-08, UP/DOWN modifiable, with power-down memory)
- [2]: AI1
- 3: AI2
- 4: AI3
- 5: Pulse Setting (DI5)
- 6: Multi Speed Instruction
- 7: Simple PLC
- 8: PID (Proportional Integral Derivative Control)
- 9: Communication Given

P0-11: Upper Limit Frequency Source
- 0: P0-12 (Make sure the P0-12 parameter has the correct max frequency if used)
- [1]: AI1
- 2: AI2
- 3: AI3
- 4: Pulse Setting
- 5: Communication Given

P0-27: Command Source Bundle with Frequency Sources
Single Digit: Options of Operation Panel Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
- 0: No Bundling
- 1: Digital Setting Frequency
- [2]: AI1
- 3: AI2
- 4: AI3
- 5: Pulse Setting (DI5)
- 6: Multi Speed Instruction
- 7: Simple PLC
- 8: PID
- 9: Communication Given
Double Digit: Options of Terminal Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
Hundred Place: Options of Communication Command Bundle with Frequency Sources
Kilobit: Options of Automatic Operation Bundle with Frequency Sources

P2-09: Upper Limit Source of Lower Torque Under Speed Control Mode
- 0: Function Code P2-10 Setting
- [1]: AI1
- 2: AI2
- 3: AI3
- 4: Pulse Setting
- 5: Communication Given
- 6: MIN (Al1, Al2)
- 7: MAX (Al1, Al2)
- Maximum range for options 1-7, accords with P2-10

If you elect to use a different AI#, then configure the parameters (P0-03, P0-11, P0-27 and P2-09) accordingly.

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I'VE BUFFERED A PWM SIGNAL TO 0-10V ANALOG AND I WOULD LIKE USE THAT RUN YOUR 110V 2.2KW SPINDLE VFD. COULD YOU PLEASE DETAIL THE CORRECT WIRING VFD SETTINGS GET WORKING?

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

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

If your CNC Router is plunging unexpectedly, it may be stalling in the upward movement. Check your velocity and acceleration for the z-axis. Recommended values for the blackFoot/blackToe CNC routers for acceleration and velocity is 80 ipm for velocity and 7 to 20 for acceleration. Test at the lower values to see if that helps. If it does help, then increase the values until the problem happens, then lower the values.

If the acceleration is too high, there may be a stall at the beginning of the axis travel because the motor cannot compensate for the inertia of the axis assembly. If the velocity is too high, but the acceleration is low, then a stall may happen at the motor's top speed.

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I purchase blackfoot cnc machine 4.1 resecentily cnc mech 3 upectedily plunging.I will cut one part and its fine the second I notice that it upectedily plunges and I dont have clue.. please help.

Generally, you’ll need to check what control software will need to be used with the CNC router. Our machines use industry standard electronics and control software that is nonproprietary so you can use just about any software out there with our machines.

Specifically, what software are you planning on using?

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dear Sir,
I'm searching for the best one,I think that I have to learn more about that in order to be able to make the right decision.

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If you are using a computer running Microsoft Windows, then I would recommend using Mach3 or Mach4. If you prefer Linux, then LinuxCNC is the best control software in my opinion.

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I'm searching for a desktop cnc, could you tell me please if any software I may choose could be compatible with all desktop cnc machine or I have to check the compatibility before ?

All of our CNC machines can carve at that depth without a problem and do 3d carving. Our typical application is cutting sheet materials, but a good percentage of our customers cut 3D bas reliefs or even more complex 3D objects using reference points and jigs.

Most of our CNC machines have a Z travel of at least 6 inches for the smaller machines and 7 to 10 inches for our larger machines. The Fabricator Pro has a Z travel of 10 inches.

Depending on your application, you will need to consider the length of the end mill (more than the deepest depth of the 3D carving) and the stock that you will be using. If the stock plus the length of the end mill exceed the clearance with the Z axis raised to the top extent, then you will need to consider the way the table/bed of the machine is formed (maybe with a depression to take advantage of the greater need for clearance).

The greenBull has the capability of Z axis travel of up to 36 inches, but I would recommend, if milling wood, that the Z-axis not extend more than 12 inches to reduce deflection.

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Most of the CAM software on the market will have 3D profile machining operation capabilities. CAMBAM has a very nice 3D prpfiling feature. The Vectric line of software can definitely handle this as well.

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All of the pics and videos show your cncs cutting sheet materials, I'm interested in carving 3d images in plastic and hardwood slabs up to 2" thick. What machine and software would you recommend?