Hi everyone!
I decided to create this topic to document my LowRider 4 build from the beginning, share the decisions I have made, and probably ask for some help along the way.
My goal is a fairly large LR4, designed to work with full 2 x 3 meter sheets. Because of the size, one of the things I am most curious about is how the gantry will behave across this span. I know this is getting toward the larger side of what people normally build, so I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of rigidity and cutting performance I can achieve.
For the rails, I decided to use 32 mm steel tubing, and most of the printed parts are already being produced.
One thing I can already say about the LR4 is that printing the parts is not particularly difficult — there are simply a lot of parts to print. It takes time. However, the documentation, instructions and information shared by V1E and the community make the process much easier.
Congratulations to everyone involved in putting all of that together. The step-by-step documentation helps a lot, especially for someone building the machine for the first time.
The table
I am also building a table specifically for this machine.
The top will be a torsion box, because with a machine this large I want the working surface to be as flat and rigid as reasonably possible.
For the structure underneath it, instead of using a simple rectangular frame, I designed a heavily braced base.
I had several MDF strips left over from other projects, so I decided to take advantage of them and make the base as rigid as possible rather than letting that material become scrap.
The structure therefore uses multiple cross members and diagonal braces.
I also designed the base parametrically, so I can still change its dimensions before cutting the final version on the CNC. I designed the joints so that the parts interlock with each other instead of relying only on screws for rigidity.
It might end up being a little overbuilt, but for a machine with a 2 x 3 m cutting area, I would rather start with a very rigid foundation than later try to diagnose problems caused by the table moving.
Once it is finished and tested, if the design works well, I would also be happy to share the parametric table design with the community.
TinyBee + FluidNC
For the controller, I decided to try a TinyBee running FluidNC.
One of the main reasons is simply the cost of importing electronics into Brazil.
When an international purchase goes above approximately US$50, Brazilian import taxes can make the final cost dramatically higher — in many cases close to twice the original price.
Because of this, some of the controller options commonly used on LR4 builds become considerably more expensive here.
The TinyBee was inexpensive and readily available, so I decided to give it a try.
Hopefully it works! 
I know it is not one of the most common controller choices for an LR4, so I intend to document the configuration and results here as well.
If it works properly, maybe this information will also be useful for other builders in countries where importing the usual electronics is expensive.
Doug’s pendant/display
Another project I really liked was Doug’s pendant/display, so I am planning to build something very similar.
I like the idea of having a small dedicated controller directly at the machine for jogging, homing and basic operations instead of always needing a computer or phone just to move the CNC.
So that is also part of the build.
Router and dust collection
For now, I intend to start with a Makita-style router rather than immediately installing a heavier spindle and VFD.
Because my gantry is already going to be quite wide, I think keeping the moving mass relatively low initially makes sense.
Once the machine is running, I can see how it performs and then decide whether changing to a spindle would actually bring enough benefit to justify the additional weight.
I am also planning the dust collection system from the beginning. I already have a larger dust collector available, so I am adapting the LR4 dust collection system to work with the hoses and equipment I already have.
Current progress
At this point:
- I have defined the general dimensions of the machine.
- I chose 32 mm rails.
- A large portion of the printed LR4 parts is already finished or currently being printed.
- I designed the table base.
- The torsion-box top is planned.
- I purchased the TinyBee and intend to run FluidNC.
- I am preparing the motors, wiring, endstops and other electronics.
- I am planning to build a pendant/display similar to Doug’s.
- I am incorporating dust collection into the build from the beginning.
- And I have already spent far too much time reading this forum.
The next major steps are finishing the printed parts and the table, followed by the actual assembly of the LR4.
I intend to use this topic as a kind of build log, updating it with photos, problems, solutions, mistakes and results as the project progresses.
Considering the size of this machine, I am sure there will be some interesting problems to solve along the way.
I am particularly curious to find out how well the LR4 gantry will handle a 2 x 3 meter cutting area.
Any suggestions, criticism or advice from people who have already built an LR4 are very welcome.
And once again, congratulations to V1E and the community for the quality and amount of documentation available. It makes building something like this much easier to approach.
