I have had an MPCNC with a plasma torch for several years. It works very well, although I use it less and less.
I wanted to test the LowRider, particularly for cutting whole wooden panels, and I have a few questions before I embark on this project:
Has anyone already assembled an XL table, for example 1.5m x 6m, to cut two panels in succession? Since the tubes are sold in 6m lengths, it’s not any more complicated. But in this case, does the machine remain accurate? And how do you manage the two successive cutting operations? (similar to the multiple trays on 3D printer slicers…)
Has anyone combined a milling machine with a laser? This could be interesting for cutting and then engraving, but how do you manage the X/Y delta when mounted side by side?
I’ve seen several projects with lasers. But as I own one from the market (Creative Falcon), I’m surprised that this can be done on a Lowrider, given the feed rate (which is quite low on an MPCNC). What is your feedback on this?
And one last question: the Jackpot3 CNC Controller is not available for international shipping (when will it be?). What are the differences between it and the Jackpot CNC Controller? I haven’t been able to find a comparison…
So I can answer this one: If you use Lightburn for the laser it has an ‘pointer offset’ option. set the router centre point as zero and the laser will move to match it.
The Jackpot V1 has a removable ESP-32, and removable TMC2209 stepper drivers.
The Jackpot V3 has a built-in ESP-32 and built-in TMC2209s.
The connectors on the Jackpot V3 are more user friendly, and the packaging is improved (where wires or cables come or go, and the ESP-32 antenna is in a better spot.)
Thermals on the V3 are a bit better if you’re running the machine hard.
The IO on the V3 is switchable between 5V and VMOT.
For most applications and for most users there’s really no significant difference between them.
The V3 is an incremental improvement, and for most use cases is slightly better.
Ryan keeps the controller prices very affordable, so the V3 in my opinion is an exceptional value- but the V1 remains affordable. I tell him all the time he should double the price. He’d rather have the boards be affordable for our worldwide community of makers.
There are reasons the V1 will stick around. The removable ESP-32 enables things like using an external antenna (if you put the Jackpot inside a metal enclosure) or playing around with development of the firmware.
I wouldn’t have any worries about starting a new build with a Jackpot V1.
I guess I’ll partially take this one as well. Users have made stupendously long LR machines for niche applications. There’s very little penalty for making the Y axis arbitrarily long.
The workflow for your multi-sheet projects, though will need some work. It’s completely doable in terms of machine and controller capability, but how to do it depends on your CAD/CAM and sender workflow.
I’m sorry that’s not the most helpful answer on workflow; but a long Y axis is not a problem for a LR4.
You’ll probably have more difficulty building a long table than anything. If you exceed the longest tubing you can buy in one piece that gets interesting as well.
It should be available on Elecrow in a few days to weeks I guess, as is the Jackpot 1 for international builders. It’s brand new, those things take time.
You highlight the problem well: the process/software part, whereas the hardware part is ready to go.
For my modeling and plasma CAD/CAM, I use Fusion. For the engraving CAM part, I use EstlCAM, which is infinitely simpler and more practical (addition of “dogbones”).
For the nesting part, I use DeepNest.
But I haven’t seen any software that can handle multiple cutting sheets (or combined milling/laser).
Something I didn’t quite understand, even though it has been discussed several times on the forum: is it better to get a commercial router such as a Makita or a CNC router (Chinese?). If I understand correctly, the latter should be quieter, with the possibility of adjusting the speed via the FluidNC control card? And stay at a maximum diameter of 65.
I want to cut plywood sheets to a maximum of 20mm. With a 6mm or even 3mm cutter if possible, for greater precision.
‘Better’ is very subjective so there’s not a clear answer. The noise from a trim router isn’t much of an issue when it’s running at speed 2-3 as you would with single flute end mills, quieter than the dust extraction tbh.
Lightburn is working on a CNC package called MillMage. It’s currently a release candidate. I have not played with it myself but it wouldn’t surprise me if they figure out how to blend those two tools, if they haven’t already.
I completely understand. Ryan has done a lot of work to try and have options for non-US V1 machine builders. The current state of things really sucks for everyone, but in particular for small businesses and individuals.
On another machine, I use a Karcher vacuum cleaner with variable suction speed (Shopvac doesn’t seem to exist in Europe) with a Dewalt router. And at speed 2/3, it’s still noisy with a fairly noticeable whistling sound from the router… That’s why I was wondering if a CNC router might be more suitable? But if that’s not the case, I would prefer a “manufacturer” router to a standard Chinese router with no guarantee of durability…
This software seems to be well developed, with half-relief engraving features… but as you say, it’s not unaffordable (much cheaper than an annual Fusion license) but not really accessible either ($800 for the pro version with additional modules). You still need to be passionate and have a good command of your machine before spending that kind of money…
