Hi guys, I’m just about to pull the trigger on ordering an MPCNC kit.
I live in Canada in a smaller city (we do have a Home Depot…), so I want to make sure I have everything I’ll need (that I can’t easily get here) before I place my order.
In my cart, I have the following:
Mostly Printed CNC Parts Bundle - 6A / RAMBo Series Wire Kit
Wiring Kit - Individual for Dual endstop firmware
Full Graphic Smart Controller, Big (LCD Display)
I'll be printing my own parts from PLA.
I am buying the dual endstop kit as a futureproofing maneuver. Am I correct in assuming the wiring kit will be sufficient if/when I decide to upgrade? (I may not end up needing it, but it's inexpensive enough to buy just in case)
I just want to make sure there’s no small stuff that will be missing, and not so easy to replace (Would like to avoid unnecessary extra shipping costs and wait time if possible). Obviously there’s AliExpress and those sort of sites if I need to buy smaller components and that sort of thing.
Just making sure my bases are covered. I’ve done a good bit of digging around on the site but I would like a second opinion before I complete my order. I was thinking of throwing in a couple of end mills as well to get started (I’ll just be learning the ropes at first so there will be quite a few “practice” pieces as I get up to speed).
For those curious, I’ll be going with:
2' x 2' usable work space (The included GT2 belt will be just enough for this, correct?
3" z-axis height (the lower the better, from what I've read. Would 4 inches be too much?)
I'll be cutting wood and plastic, maybe looking at soft metals in the future as I get more adventurous.
I'll be using local EMT conduit for the rails. I may upgrade to stainless in the future if I can find a good supplier... should I just bite the bullet and go for it right away, or is it more of an optional upgrade? I don't anticipate needing super precise tolerances, but will consider if it's a huge difference... haven't found specific numbers in the forums.
I’ll be using the recommended Dewalt 660, so I won’t need to purchase a collet (correct me if I’m wrong).
I might also purchase a couple luxury doodads from the MPCNC section in the shop (emergency stop button, power switch… stickers).
I’ll be looking at upsizing to a LowRider if this goes well. Not sure if I’ll use the MPCNC parts to do this, or make a new machine. One step at a time, haha.
I would add extra G2 belt just to play it safe and add some of the wire sleeve to clean up the wiring.
Also don’t forget about printing the rambo enclosure and the LCD case (I had to use rafts on these to get them to print right, probably just my inexperience with 3d printing)
Go through the assembly instructions 2 or 3 times before handling any of the parts. Tight enough is some times too tight. Take it slow and easy.
ESTLCAM, ESTLCAM, ESTLCAM!!! I started with partcam and wasted twice the cost of Estlcam in lost time based on $5 an hour (yes, I am cheap, but not easy, ok, I am also easy)
Nick thanks for creating this post. I came across the site from Facebook and I am interested in a CNC in the not too far future. The questions you asked answered most of mine. Drones led to 3D printer now to a desire for a CNC.
No problem, I’m glad I asked the question. There’s a lot of great info here but like any other hobby, extra research seems to pay off in spades. The forums here are an absolute goldmine.
