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4'x8' Vertically Oriented CNC Machine (greenLean) v2

4'x8' Vertically Oriented CNC Machine (greenLean) v2

Regular price $590.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $590.00 USD
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Title
So you want a large format CNC but you're cramped for space. You're a small shop, or just a home-based business and you need a solution. We've got you. The greenLean vertical is a revolutionary machine that is wall-mounted to create a 4'x8' cutting area with a surprisingly small footprint. This is a complete machine. You do not need to build your own table with this bad boy. Purchasing Guide Basic Kit – with Spindle Includes the wood to assembly the entire structure, mechanical components, electronics, and a 2.2kW Spindle with 220V Inverter. Does not include: Computer, Software, Bits (end mills) Spindle is water-cooled and requires some additional wires and plumbing equipment. We recommend you seek a licensed electrician for installation. Assembled Version – with Spindle Includes everything in the basic kit – with 2.2kW Spindle. We assemble the machine for you and put it in a crate to be shipped via freight. Computer and Control Box Options Basic Assembled Control Box redFly – with this option we install and wire the electronics in a custom-made control box. This is a great option if you want to save the time of wiring and mounting the electronics yourself. Assembled Control Box with Deluxe Computer – Includes the control box option plus an integrated computer built into the control box. The computer features an Intel Pentium 3.0 GHz processor with 2GB of RAM and a Seagate 1TB Internal Hard Drive. This package includes Mach3 CNC software and a Windows 7 Professional license, which we will register in your name and pre-install on the computer for you. How Long Does it Take to Ship the Machine? Please contact us to determine current queue times. Machines are shipped first come first serve. The machine typically takes us between 10-20 days to fabricate and assemble. Shipping time will be determined by the time to fabricate, assemble (if needed) which happens after previous machines have been processed. Technical Details The greenLean CNC machine is intended to be positioned against a wall. You will need a clear height of 80 inches minimum, but more if you intend to access the top of the machine. Standard ceiling height is generally 96 inches (8 feet). The length of the machine is 116 inches (9ft 8 in). The ribs of the CNC machine are spaced 16 inches on center exactly, so the machine can be fastened to studs using provided brackets. The greenLean CNC machine rests on the ribs of the machine and each rib has a support called the rib foot that is adjustable to the irregularity of shop or garage floors. To make sure there is optimal rigidity maintained, the z-axis features a very tight organization of mechanical parts, hardware, structure and the spindle. The greenLean CNC machine requires the 2.2 kW spindle since it has a uniform body and is set into the z-axis making it very close to the z-axis and y-axis bearings. This z-axis portion of the CNC machine weighs approximately 30 pounds and is counterbalanced using a constant force spring tucked into the gantry. The X and Y axes use heavy duty 651 oz-in stepping motors as they are dealing with the most inertia and weight and use roller chain and sprockets for motion. The roller chain for the X axis have chain rests that will allow better tension on the chain. The Y axis chain is, for the most part, vertical, so this will enable better tension as well. Both X and Y drive sprockets are #25 with 14 teeth at .25 inch pitch. The Z axis motor is coupled to a lead screw which uses a medium duty 425 oz-in stepping motor. For International Buyers: Please do not use our shipping calculator if you are attempting to purchase a product that needs to be freighted and is outside of the United States. Please contact us and we will arrange a freight quote for you. Any products bought requiring freight will be subject to additional shipping charges if purchased without receiving a freight quote.
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Instructions

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Step 1
Wiring Diagrams and Tutorials: Parallel Breakout Board: Diagram | Video Tutorial USB Breakout Board: Diagram | Video Tutorial 2.2KW Spindle: Wiring Instructions (Scroll down to Instructions)
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Step 2
Product Demonstration and First Test: greenLean Vertical CNC Machine.
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Step 3
Precautions Use a standard screw driver with a #3 tip. An automatic screwdriver or drill will cause damage to the screws or nuts that are used in the assembly. While driving the screw in with a manual screw driver, be very gentle with the process and if you feel any resistance at all, back the screw out and start again. Main Rib Structure Assembly Attach rib supports to the ribs. Attach a rib support, shaped as in the illustration using two (2) 1/4 x 1.5 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels into the top of the rib at the slightly angled grooves and the side of the rib support. The ribs and rib supports will create an eccentric bracing to eliminate any parallelogram-like flexing and keep the ribs vertical.
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Step 4
Using another rib support, not the same support from the previous step, attach the rib support to the lower part of the rib at the slightly angled grooves using two cross dowels and two 1/4 x 1.5 inch screws.
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Step 5
Position another rib so that the angled grooves at the mid point of the rib is against the other end of the rib supports from the previous two steps. Fasten these rib supports to this rib using four (4) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and four (4) cross dowels.
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Step 6
Repeat the previous three steps to attach the remaining ribs and rib supports.
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Step 7
Rib Feet: Attach a rib foot to the lower grooves on a rib using two (2) 1/4 x 2 inch screws, two (2) 1/4 inch washers and two (2) 1/4 inch nuts. Keep the screws loose so the rib feet can move up and down for adjustment later.
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Step 8
Repeat the previous step for each rib. The screws should remain loose until the entire rib assembly is complete (just before the gantry is installed onto the ribs assembly).
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Step 9
Spoilboard and wall bracket: Attach one spoilboard bracket on the rib as shown using two (2) 1/4 x 1.5 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 10
Attach the remaining brackets to all of the ribs as shown. These brackets positioned at the front of the rib are intended to be used to keep the spoil board fixed to the ribs. the brackets positioned at the rear of the rib are intended to be fastened to the wall studs. Use shims behind the brackets to maintain straightness of the rib system, but attach the brackets to the wall only after the entire machine has been assembled.
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Step 11
Loosely attach the X axis rail support extension using five (5) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and five (5) cross dowels. The following steps that pertain to the x-axis rail assembly are shown at the same camera angle so you can understand where each component is required.
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Step 12
Loosely attach the long x axis rail support using eleven (11) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and eleven (11) cross dowels.
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Step 13
Loosely attach the long x axis rail starting from the end that contains the x axis rail support extension. This rail will span across the seam of the two rail supports. Use fourteen (28) 1/4 x 1 inch screws and fourteen (28) cross dowels.
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Step 14
Loosely attach the shorter X axis rail extension to the long X axis rail support from the end of the long rail to the end of the rail support. Use six (6) 1/4 x 1 inch screws and six (6) cross dowels.
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Step 15
Repeat the X axis rail assembly steps above to complete the lower X axis rail assembly. Once all of the rails and parts have been installed loosely, tighten all of the screws working from the end screws first, then at the midpoint of each screw tightening. While the tightening is in process, keep an eye on the straightness of the rail by peering down from one end of the rail to the other. the ribs may also need adjusting to keep the rails straight.
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Step 16
Fasten the top roller chain rest at the top of the ribs. The chain rest should be positioned so that there is equal space (ribs) on either side.. Use twelve (12) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and twelve (12) cross dowels. Make sure the orientation of the chain rest has the counter bored holes closer to the rail.
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Step 17
Repeat the previous step for the chain rest at the lower portion of the ribs.
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Step 18
Loosely attach the chain mount to the end of the X-axis rail support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 19
Repeat the previous step for the remaining X axis chain mounts. When the gantry is mounted and the chain is attached to these mounts, adjust the mounts to align well with the gantry sprockets and tighten the screws holding the mounts.
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Step 20
Constant Force Spring (CFS) Bearing Truck Assembly Attach the side bearings to the main bearing truck plate at each slot shown using two (2) 5/16 inch bearings (608ZZ), three (3) 5/16 inch nuts, two (2) 5/16 inch narrow washers and one (1) 5/16 x 2-1/2 inch screw. Since these are open slotted areas, tighten the two nuts at either side of the slot slightly so they will be able to move with a little bit of force and press against the sides of the gantry at a later step.
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Step 21
Attach the bottom bearing mount using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels. Attach the wire rope holder eye bolt to the front of this mount using one (1) 1/4 x 2 inch eye bolt and one (1) cross dowel. Screw the eye bolt in completely.
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Step 22
Attach the bearings at the bottom of the truck with the same configuration of hardware and bearings at the side. Tighten the nuts completely so the bearings are very secure.
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Step 23
Attach the spacer and hinge to the bearing truck as shown in the illustration using two (2) #8 x 2 inch screws, two (2) #8 nuts and two (2) #8 washers. The spacer serves to rais the CFS so there is no conflict with the bearing hardware.
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Step 24
Gantry Assembly Attach the v-groove adjustment screws into the gantry bottom ends using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels. The screw should not enter the slotted area reserved for the v-groove bearing assembly. These screws will be used for adjusting and pressing the v-groove bearing against the rail in a later step.
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Step 25
Attach the v-groove bearing assembly as shown. The bearing assembly that is installed with the wood spacer is used to guide the wire rope for the Constant Force Spring counterbalance. The other two assemblies are use for the x-axis rail. Each rail v-groove bearing assembly consists of one (1) 3/8 x 2 inch screw, two (2) standard 3/8 inch washers, one 3/8 inch narrow washer and one (1) 3/8 inch nut. The wire rope v-groove bearing assemblies do not use a washer on the screw head side as shown in the illustration and are 2" in length as the gantry bottom is counterbored. Very important: make sure the narrow washer is installed between the standard 3/8 inch washer and the v-groove bearing. The bearing will not spin if this narrow washer is not installed correctly. The narrow washer prevents the outer race of the bearing from touching the larger washer.
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Step 26
Install the remaining v-groove bearing assemblies for this side of the gantry bottom.
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Step 27
Repeat the previous steps for installing the adjustment screws and v-groove bearing assemblies.
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Step 28
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Step 29
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Step 30
Fasten the gantry back to the gantry bottom using nine (9) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and nine (9) cross dowels. Pay close attention to the orientation of this gantry back using the large hole on the gantry back and the square hole on the gantry bottom as a reference.
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Step 31
Using three (3) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and three (3) nuts, fasten the NEMA 34 (Large) stepper motor to the x-axis motor mount as shown in the illustration. The motor mount does not need to be placed in this location for this step. Make sure the wire outlet on the motor is facing up.
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Step 32
Attach the x-axis motor mount to the gantry back using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 33
Insert a 1/2 inch to 1/2" rigid coupling to the NEMA 34 motor rear shaft. Don't tighten the coupling until a after the roller chain is installed on the gantry at a much later step. Insert one of the two 1/2 inch rods into the other side of the coupling. Slide the drive pulley onto the rod in the orientation shown in the illustration.
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Step 34
Insert one (1) 1/2 inch ID (inside diameter) bearing into the bearing seat on the x-axis bearing support. the bearing may need persuasion to be inserted into the seat. You can use a vice or clamp, or use a mallet, or a hammer to bring the bearing into the seat. If a hammer or clamp/vice is used, use a piece of wood to protect the bearing in this process.
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Step 35
Attach the bearing support to the gantry back using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screw and two (2) cross dowels. To place the bearing support into the proper location, the rod will need to be inserted into the bearing first and then moved axially into place.
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Step 36
Install the constant force spring axle assembly to the gantry back using the 1/2 x 5 inch screw, one (1) 1/2 inch washer, four (4) 1/2 inch nuts and three (3) 1/2 inch ID bearings. the nuts will need to be tightened around the bearings in the most appropriate way to bring as much surface area as possible to the constant force spring.

CORRECTION The 1/2 x 5 inch screw is different than pictured. The actual screw will be threaded and does not have a head.

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Step 37
Attach the constant force spring to the hinge of the bearing truck using a plexiglas adapter, two (2) 1/4 x 1 inch screws, two (2) 1/4 inch nuts, two (2) #8 x 1/2 inch screws and two (2) #8 nuts. The plexiglas part is sandwiched by the hinge and the constant force spring end that exhibits two mounting holes.
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Step 38
Instructional Video: Coiling the Constant Force Spring
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Step 39
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Step 40
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Step 41
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Step 42
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Step 43
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Step 44
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Step 45
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Step 46
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Step 47
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Step 48
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Step 49
Position the constant force spring and bearing truck. The loop of the constant force spring should be wrapped around the constant force spring axle. The bearing truck and constant force spring will be tightly bound at this point. Both springs will be used in the same location.
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Step 50
Attach one end of the wire rope to the eye bolt with a ferrule. Thread the end of the wire rope through the eye of the eye bolt and curl it around. Use a ferrule to hold this loop of wire rope together. Crimp the ferrule tightly to provide a very secure hold on this loop with a crimper, wrench, clamp or vice grips. Make sure the crimp is very tight. You can optionally use an extra ferrule (not included) to wrap the tail of the end of the wire rope back on itself for a more secure hold if desired; however, this will need to be planned and done prior to the crimping. To keep best management of the wire rope during the next many steps, route the wire rope around the v-groove bearings as shown and tape the remaining wire rope to the body of the gantry and also on the v-groove bearings so the wore rope does not become removed from the groove.
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Step 51
Fasten twenty two (22) 1/4 inch nut inserts with an allen wrench into the gantry front. The holes reserved for these insert nuts are slightly smaller than the holes reserved for cross dowels. Also, all of the cross dowel holes will exhibit an intersecting hole and the insert nut holes will have no intersecting holes.
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Step 52
Attach the gantry front to the gantry bottom using nine (9) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and nine (9) cross dowels. Make sure to orient the side wit the nut inserts toward the inside of the gantry. The 3 inch square opening is at the bottom and closest to the constant force spring axle.
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Step 53
Attach an idler sprocket mount to the gantry bottom using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 54
Fasten the idler sprocket assembly to the idler sprocket mount using two (2) 3/8 x 2 inch screws, two (2) idler sprockets, two (2) 3/8 inch narrow washers, two (2) 3/8 inch standard washers and two (2) 3/8 inch nuts. Make sure to attach the idler sprockets on the side facing the end of the gantry. Additionally, the narrow washers much be positioned between the standard washers and the idler sprockets; otherwise, the idler sprocket will not spin.
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Step 55
Repeat the previous two steps to attach the idler sprockets and mount to the other side of the gantry.
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Step 56
Make sure these idler sprockets are attached to the side shown and not the side facing the end of the gantry.
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Step 57
Couple the other 1/2 inch rod to the face of the motor using one (1) 1/2 inch to 1/2 inch rigid coupling and one (2) 1/2 inch rod. Slide one (1) drive sprocket onto the 1/2 inch rod in the orientation shown.
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Step 58
Insert one (1) 1/2 inch ID bearing into the gantry side that exhibits a bearing seat. Use the same method of bearing insertion as previously stated for the other bearing mount.
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Step 59
Attach the gantry side used in the previous step to the gantry bottom using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 60
Attach the same gantry side to the gantry back using three (3) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and three (3) cross dowels.
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Step 61
Attach the same gantry side to the gantry front using three (3) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and three (3) cross dowels.
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Step 62
Attach the other gantry side to the gantry bottom using three (3) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and three (3) cross dowels.
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Step 63
As with the previous gantry side, fasten this gantry side to the gantry back and front using the same hardware.
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Step 64
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Step 65
This part serves as a mount for the cable carrier at the top of the gantry and top of the ribs structure. Attach this part to the top gantry side (the gantry side closest to the wire rope bearings). Use two (2) 1/4 x 2 inch screws and two (2) 1/4 inch nuts. The gantry front is shown transparent for a better view to the nuts.
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Step 66
Attach the Y axis rail support to the gantry front using twenty two (22) 1/4 x 1 inch screws. These screws will be threaded into the nut inserts that were previously fastened to the gantry front. be very careful screwing these screws into the nut inserts. If there is any slight misalignment with the nut, the screw and nut will be damaged and will not be effective. Follow the precaution stated at the beginning of these instructions.
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Step 67
Attach the Y axis rail support to the gantry side using three (3) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and three (3) cross dowels.
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Step 68
Attach the Y axis rail support to the other (lower) gantry side using the same hardware from the previous step.
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Step 69
Attach the gantry top to the gantry front using ten (10) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and ten (10) cross dowels. The cross dowel holes are accessed through slightly larger holes on the Y axis rail support. Be very careful not to push the cross dowel too far as to lose the cross dowel in the inaccessible cavity of the gantry. If cross dowels do get pushed in, just raise the lower end of the gantry and allow the cross dowel to roll to the top end and out of the openings around the wire rope v-groove bearings.
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Step 70
Attach the gantry top to the gantry back using nine (9) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and nine (9) cross dowels.
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Step 71
Fasten the bottom Y axis rail to the bottom of the Y axis rail support using ten (10) 1/4 x 1 inch screws and ten (10) cross dowels. Keep an eye on the alignment of the rail by peering down the rail from one end as you tighten the screws.
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Step 72
Fasten the top Y axis rail to the top of the Y axis rail support using ten (10) 1/4 x 1 inch screws and ten (10) cross dowels. For alignment, refer to the previous step.
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Step 73
Attach the gantry rear support to the gantry bottom using nine (9) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and nine (9) cross dowels.
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Step 74
Attach the X axis motor mount to the gantry rear support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 75
Fasten the X axis bearing support to the gantry rear support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 76
Fasten the lower gantry side to the gantry rear support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 77
Fasten the top gantry side to the gantry rear support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 78
This step may require a couple people to complete. Rest the top bearings of the gantry onto the top X axis rail. Make sure the top bearings are loose enough to move within its slot. Also, make sure the X axis rail supports are loosely fastened to the ribs so the X axis rail support have some play up and down. Once the upper bearings are resting on the top rail, align the top of the bottom set of bearings onto the top of the bottom X axis rails. Move the bottom X axis rails up against the bearing so that the bottom bearings are in-line with the bottom rail.
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Step 79
Gently tighten the v-groove adjustment screw at the top of the gantry. Only use slight tightening. Over tightening will damage the rail. A good rule of thumb is to spin the v-groove bearings while tightening. When the v-groove bearings stop spinning and the gantry moves when you try to turn the bearing, the screw will be tight enough.
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Step 80
Repeat the process from the previous step to tighten the lower bearings. Errata: Use two (2) of the thumb screw provided since there will be very little space for a screwdriver to fit between the floor and the gantry side.
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Step 81
Move the gantry to the far left of the ribs structure and tighten only the leftmost screws on the top and bottom rail supports. Move the gantry to the far right and tighten the rightmost screws of the top and bottom rail supports. As you complete this process, keep an eye on the alignment and straightness of the rails by peering down the rail from one end. Repeat this process by tightening the rail supports at the mid point of each tightening. For instance, the next tightening will by at the midpoint of the X axis rail, so the gantry is moved to the midpoint and the screws at the midpoint (next to the gantry) are tightened. Ss you secure the X axis rail supports and you notice an issue with straightness, loosen the X axis rail support and repeat the above process.
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Step 82
Route the lower X axis roller chain over the drive sprocket and under the idler sprockets using the longer roller chain in the kit. Make sure the drive sprocket is loose during this installation. The drive sprocket will not be tightened until the roller chain is fixed at both ends and the gantry is moved to make sure the drive sprocket is well aligned with the sprockets.
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Step 83
Repeat the previous step for the roller chain at the top of the gantry.
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Step 84
The eye bolt will serve as the tie to fix the end of the roller chain. Install the eye bolt assembly using one (1) 1/4 x 2 inch eye bolt, one (1) 1/4 inch washer and one (1) 1/4 inch nut.
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Step 85
Affix the roller chain to the eye bolt using two (2) # 4 x 3/4 inch screws and two (2) #4 nuts. Thread the end of the roller chain through the eye of the eye bolt and curl the roller chain around to itself and fasten the chain within the links using the #4 hardware.
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Step 86
Fasten the end of the roller chain using the #4 hardware as shown.
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Step 87
Repeat the previous steps to complete the remaining eye bolts and roller chain ends. During this process, make sure that the drive sprockets and the couplings around the X axis are loose so when the roller chain is tensioned, those mechanical parts can move freely and not cause the gantry to rack. Tension the roller chain so there is little deflection on the chain, but don't tension the chain too much.
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Step 88
ZY Plate Assembly Attach the v-groove adjustment screws to the ZY plate using one (1) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screw and one (1) cross dowel for the top and one (1) 1/4 x 2 inch screw and one (1) cross dowel for the right side.
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Step 89
Attach a v-groove assembly on the ZY plate using one (1) 3/8 x 2 inch screw, one (1) v-groove bearing, one (1) 3/8 inch nut, one (1) 3/8 inch narrow washer and two (2) 3/8 inch standard washers.
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Step 90
Repeat for this and the next steps pertaining to installing the adjustment screws and single v-groove bearing assemblies. Use two 3/8" standard washers on the bearing side instead of one.
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Step 91
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Step 92
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Step 93
Use two 3/8" standard washers on the bearing side instead of one.
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Step 94
Since this assembly uses two v-groove bearings, the 3/8 screw will need to be 2-1/2 inches rather than 2 inches as in the previous steps. Make sure to place the washers in the order shown so the bearing will spin correctly. Use two 3/8" standard washers on the back bearing side (left side on the illustration) instead of one.
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Step 95
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Step 96
After this bearing is attached to the ZY plate as shown in the illustration, attach the entire ZY plate to the gantry rails and gently tighten the v-groove bearings against the top rail with the adjustment screws as was done for the gantry. Remember not to over tighten as the rail can be damaged as a result. Use two 3/8" standard washers on the back bearing side (the bearing on the left on the illustration) instead of one.
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Step 97
Affix the other end of the wire rope to the hole provided on the ZY plate. Thread the wire rope through the hole and curl the wire rope though to meet itself.
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Step 98
Slide the ferrule over the rope end and crimp the ferrule. Refer to the previous wire rope connection onto the constant force spring bearing truck to determine how to crimp the ferrule.
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Step 99
Attach the anti-backlash nut mount support to the ZY plate using one (1) 1/4 x 1-1/2 screw and one (1) cross dowel.
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Step 100
Add four (4) 3/8 x 3 inch screws and four (4) 3/8 inch nuts to the ZY plate as shown. These screws will serve as the main screws to hold the Y axis stepping motor mount and idler sprockets.
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Step 101
Using four (4) 1/4 inch nut inserts, fasten these nuts into the Y axis stepping motor mount as shown.
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Step 102
Fasten the Y axis stepping motor mount and idler sprockets to the four screws using six (6) nuts and two (2) idler sprockets. Errata: Include two 3/8" nuts on the 3/8" screws that will receive the idler sprockets. These nuts will hold the idler sprockets in place. Between the idler sprockets and the Y-Axis motor mount, add a 3/8" standard washer against the mount and a 3/8" narrow washer between this washer and the idler sprocket. This will enable the idler sprocket to spin freely and the not washer combination will hold the idler sprocket securely in place.
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Step 103
Attach the drive sprocket to the shaft of the Y axis stepping motor and mount the stepping motor to the stepping motor mount using four (4) 1/4 x 1 inch screws.
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Step 104
Attach the eyebolt to the Y axis top chain mount in the same configuration as the X axis chain mount eye bolt. Loop one end of the Y axis roller chain through the eye bolt.
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Step 105
Attach the roller chain to the eye bolt using two (2) #4 x 3/4 inch screws and two (2) #4 nuts.
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Step 106
Route the Y axis roller chain below the idler sprockets and above the drive sprocket.
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Step 107
Repeat the previous steps to attach the lower roller chain end for the Y axis. Tension the roller chain snugly and run the ZY plate up and down to auto adjust the drive sprocket on the stepper motor shaft and then tighten the drive sprocket very tightly.
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Step 108
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Step 109
Attach Z axis rail to the z-axis side and rail support using five (5) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and five (5) cross dowels. Pay close attention to the orientation of the z-axis rail support.
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Step 110
Repeat the process for this side of the z-axis. Again, pay close attention to the orientation of the rail support and the side piece exhibiting the special cutouts for the motor and bearing mounts.
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Step 111
Insert the bearing into the Z axis bearing mount using the same technique used in the X axis bearing mount/
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Step 112
Insert the bearing mount through the hole of the Z axis side as shown and line up the holes for the next step.
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Step 113
Attach the Z axis bearing mount to the Z axis rail support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 114
Attach the stepping motor and top spindle mount to the Z axis rail support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 115
Assemble the drive mechanics to the Z axis assembly using one (1) 1/2 inch lead screw, one (2) 1/2 inch narrow washer, one (1) 1/2 inch flexible coupling hub and one (1) flexible coupling spider. Insert the lead screw through the 1/2 inch ID bearing. slide the washer over the lead screw and fasten the coupling hub so that the end of the lead screw is flush with the other side of the hub. Errata: Add a 1/2" bearing, 1/2" narrow washer and a 1/2" collar to the other side of the bearing mount on the lead screw. This will stabilize the lead screw axially. Make sure the bearing is against the bearing mount and the washer is between the bearing and the collar so the outer race does not rub against the collar.
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Step 116
Insert the Z axis stepper motor into the 1/4 hub where the shaft is flush with the other side of the hub and tighten the set screw.
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Step 117
Fasten the Z axis stepper motor to the Z axis motor mount using four (4) #8 x 1-1/2 inch screws, four (4) #8 nuts and four (4) #8 washers.
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Step 118
Attach the lower spindle mount to the Z axis rail support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 119
Attach the dust shoe holder to the Z axis rail support using two (2) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and two (2) cross dowels.
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Step 120
Secure the dust shoe to the dust shoe holder using two (2) 1/4 inch nut inserts and two (2) thumb screws.
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Step 121
Thread the anti-backlash nut onto the lead screw. When applying the nut to the screw, hold the bushing back allowing the nut to spread and be threaded onto the lead screw. The nut will hold to the lead screw very firmly and will require a few runs up and down the entire lead screw to break it in. Make sure to align the nut properly so that there is no cross-threading.
122
Step 122
Loosely fasten the anti-backlash nut to the anti-backlash nut support with two (2) #8 x 1-1/2 inch screws, two (2) #8 nuts and two (2) #8 washers.
123
Step 123
Slide the entire Z axis assembly between the bearings of the ZY plate. Allow the anti-backlash nut mount to rest on the anti-backlash nut mount support that is attached to the ZY plate. At this point, the bearings can be gently tightened against the Z axis rail using the adjustment screws for the v-groove bearings.
124
Step 124
Secure the anti-backlash nut mount to the anti-backlash nut mount support using three (3) 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch screws and three (3) cross dowels.
125
Step 125
Insert the spindle into the spindle mounts as shown. Adjust the depth of the spindle so that the top of the spindle is very close to the top spindle mount, but the collet is flush or below the bottom surface of the dust shoe.
126
Step 126
Secure the spindle with two (2) 1/4 x 2 inch screws, two (2) 1/4 inch nuts and four (4) 1/4 inch washers.
127
Step 127
Tutorial: How to install the spoilboard to the greenLean ribs.

Questions & Answers

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  • Derek, got your email, can the greenlean large format perhaps handle the laser head?

    The greenLean can potentially be adapted to hold laser equipment, but the laser tube would need to be in-line with the gantry and use mirrors for the laser energy to find its way to the nozzle. It would be challenging to make room for the power supply on the gantry, but not impossible. due to the weight of the z-axis, raster engraving would be pretty slow. If the machine was for cutting and vector graphics, the z-axis weight and inertia would not be an issue. To experience the full features of laser engraving and cutting, it's best to stick to a sole laser machine like the vertical laser XL or the blackTooth. If you want both CNC cutting and laser to possibly mark the cuts made from the CNC machine, then the hybrid is a good solution.

  • i would like to purchase the Greenlean Vertical as a skratch kit.

    We do not provide scratch build kits for any of our machines due to copyright issues in the past. The only plans we make available for purchase are included with our basic scratch build CNC kit.

  • I have a green lean machine that I acquired from a friend that had to move cross country and could not take the machine with him. It was partially disassembled and stored in his garage. Unfortunately, he lost a couple of parts I cannot easily replicate. Is there a parts list anywhere for this machine so that I can order replacements?

    Yes, you can contact me at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com to get the full BOM for that machine.

  • I am looking at the greenLean cnc machine 4'x8' Vertically Oriented CNC. I am based in the UK. What sort of shipping costs would we be looking at?

    You can determine the cost of shipping the greenLean or any other product to your country by adding the greenLean option to the cart. In the cart, click on the calculate shipping button and the shipping costs will be presented directly from the carriers that we use. You will also see the number of packages and weights of the packages in the cart, under the items in smaller print. Make sure that your shipping address is entered in the form prior to clicking on the calculate shipping button.

  • I am loking for a kit that can cut 4x8 material and would be ready to cut when assembled. plus what computer and software are needed to be ready to cut?

    The greenLean machine comes with the entire structure and features a 4'x8' cutting area. You will still need some hookup wire to connect the electronics and silicone tubing for the water to and from the spindle. greenLean Machine: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenLean-v1 Thanks for answering my last question. So I have two follow-up questions from the response. The green leaf stands vertical is it designed for the material to be cut without falling free once it is cut through? And second question: you metioned water running to the spindle is this a cooling system for the spindle? You would use holding tabs to keep the parts from falling out of the cut areas. Holding tabs are generated as part of the CAM file. Yes, this is the way the spindle is cooled. This is far superior to air cooling. Air cooling will blow the chips all over the shop. Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information:

  • I am interested in purchasing the Green Lean complete kit and also buy the ArtCamPro what other software will I need to up and running?

    If you were to buy all of that, only thing you'll need is the mach3 software to run the machine.

  • How can I get a replacement part for my Green Lean machine that i cant order from the Stuff For Sale page? I need the bearing truck plate for the Constant Force Spring. Or is there someplace I can get a drawing of the part so that I can make one?

    I can provide a drawing for that part or I can sell you the part of the machine that you need. Just email me at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com with a description of the part you need.

  • Hello� We would like to buy a greenLean Vertically Oriented CNC Machine we start from scratch and want to make sure that we get all the pieces, we need� hardware and software we have a PC and a Mac

    If you purchase the greenLean, you will get everything you need except a router, computer to operate the machine, and software to control the machine. You state that you have a computer. You can use this computer, but you will need to determine if it has a parallel port, or if you are going to need the USB controller option. As for the software, there are too many different options for you to choose from. We would not be able to tell you which to get, and how much it will cost you. This is a matter of preference. I can tell you, however, that you will need 3 types of software to complete a CNC project. You will need CAD software to design your design, CAM software to add tool paths and convert the design to g-code, and then control software to take the g-code and operate the machine. Additional Information: 20

  • Can the vertical CNC router do about what a horizontal router can, like cutting out 3/4" cabinet doors from a 4'X8' formica clad sheet? If so, how do you hold it - with Vacuum? Is a vacuum system available?

    Our hold down method is screws. For a 4'x8' 3/4" sheet, we use 6 screws around the perimeter of the sheet. This provides sufficient hold down for milling. For the vertically oriented machine, the sheet also rests on a small ledge, making it easy for the board to maintain position while fastening.

  • Can the leangreen vertical laser be adapted to attach a spindle as well?

    At this current time we only have the laser hybrid available for the greenBull. Due to the weight that is on the z-axis for the greenLean and the spring load, we have not tried retrofitting it just yet. However, with enough skill and patience anything is possible. Please let us know if you try this and any lessons learned along the way.

  • Does the Green lean CNC 4'X8' cut 3D?

    Yes, the greenLean can do the same type of machining as any other 3 axis CNC machine or CNC router. With 3D machining using a 3 axis CNC machine, 3D carvings can be done; however, no undercuts can be carved as the end mill (carving tool) is constantly perpendicular to the workpiece. A 4th axis headstock and tailstock can be added to the machine for more precise 3D carvings and the greenLean can have these 4th axis units mounted within the structural ribs.