So I wasn’t really going to post about this here, since there really isn’t much MPCNC left in it, just the controller really. However since I have now posted 3 other threads asking for help and got exactly what I needed each time, I figured I’d share. I had been posting on the OpenBuilds forum a little bit, but didn’t get that same sense of community…in fact my threads were often just a dialog with me and one other person.
Coming back here and seeing so many familiar names still posting, helping, and being generally awesome just reminded me why I built my original MPCNC and got me just browsing the forum again for fun.
As I mentioned in some of my other threads, I had built a Burly back in, I think 2020. I loved it. Wasn’t my first exposure to CNC as I do some for work now and then, but to have one that was MY toy was awesome. I made alot of cool stuff, learned alot, but also wanted MORE.
My Burly was built large, as I wanted 1/4 sheet of plywood capability…but I also couldn’t resist the call of aluminum. I think you all know where this is going. I developed tolerance issues that were unacceptable to me, even in wood.
I made one half-hearted attempt at upgrading the machine, replacing my short axis with linear rails. It worked a little, but still didnt get me where I wanted to be, and it was almost impossible to change tools. So I decided to start from scratch.
I thought even about buying a ready made machine, something like the FoxAlien Vasto…but the price tag was high and the working area was half of what I wanted. I KNEW I could DIY something good, but I just didn’t have a concept I could wrap my head around.
Thats when I found OpenBuilds. It was a revelation…not their machine designs, as thats not what I ended up with, but as a supplier of aluminum extrusion. I always thought large 2020 style extrusions were prohibitively expensive (and if you go to say, McMaster-Carr, they are!), but after I priced out what I needed, I realized I could get what I wanted at a price I could swing.
Now, mind you this machine so far has cost me 3x what I paid to build the burly, but I am at a point in my life where I can swing it, so why not. What I DONT like about the OpenBuilds design are the use of 8mm lead screws for ALL axes, and using Delrin V-wheels for motion. So, my machine is the marriage of an OpenBuilds style C-beam frame, with import linear rails on all axes, and ballscrews on X/Y. The spindle is an import 1.5kw 400hz ER16, air cooled with VFD drive.
I tried to keep custom parts to a minimum, but what needed to be made was cut from 1/4" and 3/8" thk MIC6 aluminum tooling plate on my manual knee mill (I know, I had a builder’s advantage there). I am nearing the end of the build, all that is left is endstops, spoilboard, an enclosure (maybe, its big), and dust collection. I may also consider the RapidChange ATC since you fine people on this forum helped me get reverse working on the spindle.
Anyway, enough talk. I have’nt taken ALOT of pictures, so I can snap more if anyone is interested. Thanks for being a GREAT community!
