Greetings from Germany! Some questions planning a 1x2 meter LRv4 build as a CNC as a hobbyist:
I own a battery-powered hand router (takes 6 or 8mm tools, 2.5kg, 10k-30k rpm). Does it make sense to consider this for the start? If not, what would you recommend (focus on 18mm birch plywood, no plans for any aluminum or other metals)? If it is not easy/realistic to take this tool out of the LR for the occasional manual usage, I will buy a separate tool anyway.
How cumbersome and expensive is it to add a tool changer (about 4 tools would suffice for basically all my jobs)? Are there any good links/references available and is there anything I should consider for the initial build, should I want to add the tool changer only later (e.g. a specific control board)?
Any indication whether the Jackpot v3 will be in stock again before Christmas?
I would strongly advise against using a battery powered router in a CNC machine. The batteries don’t last long enough usually and with newer lithium batteries they will run good till they just shut off which will ruin your job.
Also if you spend any time tramming the router in on the LR4 you will likely lose that taking it out to use it elsewhere.
Thank you all for your feedback - great to being welcomed to such an active and helpful community.
I will disregard the tool change aspect for now and go with a separate router/spindle (TBD). Thanks @jeyeager for the link, will order from there if the V1E shop availability remains.
Looking forward to this adventure and will start a build thread when ready!
By the way, the website mentions “Easily removable from the table for storage.” - is that actually a thing people do? I would love to dual use the CNC table for other projects, but am sceptical whether this is actually practical or rather cumbersome in practice for most users…
Take the belts loose from the belt holders and you can pick it up and take it off the table. Takes very little time. Ryan does a good job designing for that!
Man. Its really wasy to do fast bit changes: you can use a muscle chuck, or as i do: a bit speed setter with some stop collars. Less than 1 mins bit change
Carbide3d router is amazing but no version for the EU. Get a Makita, a 65mm 800w spindle-air cooled-you wont need a water-cooled one(really cheap on AliExpress, be sure to select one with the HY vfd and get an rs485 module for your jackpot)
What are good and compatible tool length sensors (with a little more comfort than the plain touch plate)? Maybe a sensor that can be temporarily placed on the work surface and then stored away again…
Also, is there anything to keep in mind when building the FliudDial for the LRv4? Or can I just follow the instructions for sourcing and building here: FluidDial Pendant | Wiki.js ? Is there an alternative pendant I should consider?
The thin touch plate is pretty ideal. I mean you can use any piece of metal, just need to change the thickness when probing.
I first want to note that a pendant is not necessary for using the machine. It might make sense to not use one starting out. You can connect and use the WebUI from a phone, tablet, or computer. Up until the FluidDial came out which was maybe a year or a year and a half ago, basically no one used a pendant with FluidNC. It’s weird to me that a lot of new builds are starting out with one. I have a FluidDial pendant but I don’t use it. It has a bit of a learning curve. Others like the CYD version which has a separate larger jog wheel. These are wired pendants so it does mean having a wire running to the Jackpot controller in the beam.
And I suppose I should mention my own pendant. I am super biased but I like it. It uses a 7 inch touch screen wirelessly. You buy a screen with a case and maybe a battery, upload the firmware using a web installer. It’s still pretty new, just released about a month ago. I still use the WebUI frequently.
I am currently debating what router/spindle to get. I would like to have it power on/off and control the RPM via gcode and/or the CNC interface. Any recommendations that are tested with the Jackpot control board/LR (woodwork only)?
I live in Germany our household outlets are 230V (at 50-60Hz). Where the CNC is located, there are only single phase outlets.
What would be good air cooled 65mm options? Does not need to be the cheapest/budget option, I am looking for something versatile which I can turn on/off and control the RPM via gcode/the CNC.
I understand it does make sense to use 1/8” tools, as they are way cheaper. However, in the German market, most routers come with 6mm or 8mm collars.
Are there any noticeable disadvantages in using an adapter like this?
