Hey guys, it’s finally time to offer the Ghostrider for sale. Since I am a lazy bum and I am selling it (probably) in Germany I just ran my German text through a translator. You can find the listing here on Kleinanzeigen. But you never know, Belgium and the Netherlands aren’t too far off as well… I am adding the disclaimer at the beginning as well: The machine is probably available mid September! It goes as follows:
I’m offering a LowRider 4, the “Ghostrider.” It was the second completed LowRider 4 worldwide in the beta program and was later upgraded to Beta 3/Release Candidate 2, so it’s still using the endstops from the beta phase. All other changes between RC2 and the final release are minor.
I printed the Ghostrider exclusively using Prusa Galaxy Black and Glow in the Dark filament from Das Filament with the recommended settings, sometimes using multicolor prints. It doesn’t add functionality, but it looks great. I milled the XZ plates myself from 8mm thick aluminum, and the rails are precision steel tubes with a 3mm wall thickness, treated with Silbergleit (a metal lubricant).
The machine is controlled using the OpenCNCShield 2 with a ControllerModule – Arduino Mega running Estlcam, which enables autosquaring to work with Estlcam. This setup is necessary because the LowRider has to align 5 motors, not just 3, which Estlcam doesn’t natively support.
For drivers, I’m using 4x TB6600 with Stepperonline Nema 17 stepper motors (bipolar, 59Ncm / 84oz.in, 2A). Since the X-axis has only one motor, I installed a Closed Loop stepper driver (CL42T) with a 17HS19-2004D-E1K Nema 17 closed-loop stepper motor (52Ncm / 73.64oz.in) and a 1000PPR (4000CPR) encoder, which throws an alarm if the X-axis ever misses steps (which hasn’t happened since the upgrade).
A detailed thread on the Ghostrider can be found here:
Videos and project pictures are available on my website: www.hawiwe.de
and on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HaWiWe
The offer does not include the spindle, the computer with Estlcam, Xbox controller, or the table. So you will still need a computer running Estlcam (I bought a used mini-PC for €70; the full version of Estlcam with no ads costs €50). Of course, it’s also possible to swap out the controller module on the OpenCNCShield and switch to FluidNC for a low-cost alternative. If you’re using a Makita or similar router, I’ll gladly 3D print a mount and a dust shoe for you.
You’re buying a LowRider built by someone who has been working with V1 Engineering machines for over 5 years – starting with the Primo, then the LowRider 3, and now the LowRider 4 (which I built two and a half times during the beta phase). The machine is precise, as you can see from my inlay work and decorative boxes (assuming sharp bits). Feed rates of 2400mm/min at 6mm depth using a 6mm two-flute bit are possible, though I usually limit depth to 4.5mm in hardwood. The basic settings are saved on the Arduino Mega, and I’ll include a sample tool list for Estlcam.
I’m parting with the Ghostrider because I’m so impressed with the closed-loop system on the X-axis that I now want them on all axes. Also, I’m always chasing more speed and performance – with speeds of 3000mm/min and 6mm depth in plywood, I’ve reached the physical limits of what the LowRider can handle, so I’m now moving toward a professional-grade CNC.
My new CNC should arrive by the end of August, so the LowRider will only be available around mid-September (that’s a realistic estimate, but I can’t give an exact date), as I’m still using it almost every other day. I’ve marked the condition as “very good” because the Ghostrider is well-maintained. Of course, it’s a bit dusty from wood shavings—it’s in a workshop after all.
I am asking 1200€. The price, in my opinion, is more than fair. If you want to negotiate, please do so after seeing the machine in person.
I will not ship the machine, as it would require a freight service. Also, I want the buyer to see the machine running first and receive at least a basic explanation of how to operate it.
This is a private sale, and I exclude any warranties or guarantees. Returns or exchanges are not possible.
Cheers
Philipp