-
Do you have any videos or plans for how to make a strong table for a large CNC router? I saw the torsion box videos but would like some more guidance on how to build just a good table.
This is a good video on how to do a vacuum table https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOrkvPF0pro
-
Do you have a vacuum hold down solution for the 4x8 router kit?
This would be a great submission to the R&D section. You can make the request by going in the R&D section: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/ResDev.aspx and logging in and describing the request using the title and description fields and pressing the submit button. Don't forget to vote for your favorite projects, including the new one, while you are there.
-
If I purchased the blackFoot 4x8, do you include the plans for the machine itself, in case I wanted to replace a piece of it due to wear?
Unfortunately we no longer include or sell our CNC plans for none of our machines. We will be here to assist you if any parts wear over time, and will be able to replace the parts if needed. Charges may be subjected due to time of purchase and cause of wear.
-
If I purchase the blackFoot and the Plug and Play system will it come with 2 sets of electronics?
When you are ready to make the purchase select the blackFoot without electronics, then select the computer system. You will also need to purchase cable for each axis at your desired length.
-
I would like to do a review on your 4x8 table, we are the new kids in town looking to give honest reviews no BS. We want no affiliate bonus or sponsorship we only ask for free product so that we can educate ourselfs and others while giving honest feedback
What organization are you with and how will you use the CNC?
-
I would be using this machine in Fiji. MDF delaminates over time here. How would I protect the machine from delamination?
I WOULD CONSIDER USING A BOARD MADE OUT OF CLOTH AND RESIN AND IS USED IN ELECTRICAL AREAS AS AN INSULATOR. IT IS USUALLY A DARK RED/BROWN IN COLOR AND COMES IN DIFFERENT SIZES. IT IS VERY STRONG AND HEAVY. I DO NOT RECALL THE NAME OF IT, BUT POWER COMPANY LINEMEN HAVE ACCESS TO IT AS IT IS USED IN HIGH VOLTAGE AREAS. Response: I FOUND A LINK FOR YOU TO SEE WHAT I AM DESCRIBING. HERE IS THE LINK.. www.electricalinsulationmaterial.com Response: Currently our machines are made out of MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood, and are used in the construction industry for cement forming. They come lightly coated for moisture protection. Some possibilities for protecting the machine could be: Painting the structural parts with a oil based paint Coating the structural parts with a protectant sealant (polyurethane) Please try to avoid getting any coating or paints on the steel components. Additional Information: Additional Information:
-
I purchased a Blackfoot 4ft X 8ft in 2015 I have yet to run it. Do y�all offer any classes that can help me?? I would very much like to have this machine running. Thank you in Dayton Tx
Come on over and we will assist you in any way you need.
-
I purchased a 4ft X 8ft Blackfoot CNC machine in 2015 and to this date have not been able to use it. How can I get some help. Thank u
What problems are you having?
-
I need the blackfoot gantry, the red frog router mount, redfrog plug and play with the vacuum pump and pipes connected. Please give me a quote.
For complicated requests, please refer to our (customerservice@buildyourcnc.com) email. For further help, now this apply's to a custom machine, I would request a post in our R&D section.
-
I need a customised blackfoot without spindle but mount for vacuum pump pick and place.What software do I need and what's the quote
We currently do not have that application implemented in our design. please suggest this in our R/D section (http://buildyourcnc.com/ResDev.aspx).
-
I have a Blackfoot that was purchased in 2017, after the purchase we moved and I haven�t been able to find room for it... would you be interested in buying it back or trading for something smaller. The Blackfoot and computer have never run but I did purchase it assembled. Thanks in advance, scott
The blackFoot uses the same electronics and motors as the blackToe (2'x4') machine. The only parts that change are the gantry horizontal structural parts which may be relatively easy for you to change. We can send you those parts if you are interested in a smaller unit.
-
I have a Blackfoot 4x4 v2 chain drive. my Y plate is broken . do you sell just the Y plate or can I buy just the Y plate spec plan? I love this machine Its great. my name is Jeff Krug I bought the complete package and electronics from you guys. thanks
Sure, email me at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com and I will send you a replacement for a minimal fee. I now use HDPE for that part. The HDPE holds up much better.
-
I have a 4x8 CNC and would like to cut my own parts for the Blackfoot. What is the price for the plans and the electronics ?
The available options for the blackFoot, is only structural components with hardware, and structure components/hardware with electronic components. However we currently do not have any plans available for public use/distribution.
-
I bought an used machine that need work how can I find the model. The owner said, he used this site for parts and manual.
If you purchased a machine that was used and you don't know which mode it is, you can browse our models here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/milling
-
I am putting together the Blackfoot and I am using a porter cable router. I am confused on how to relay the routetr with the USB board. is there another relay switch that goes between the USB board and the router so that planet CNC can turn the router and perhaps the vacuum on and off?
We are currently working on a relay board that will connect to USB breakout board, and the router/spindle for both the on/off function. Unfortunately we still do not have it completed or ready to be placed on our website, but it is in the final stages of testing. Please check back regularly for updated stock! Here is a link to a tutorial for a DIY relay circuit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJO_XoLL6lQ There is no vacuum control on the Planet-CNC program, however you could use the same concept of the router/spindle on/off using the relay circuit. Although you will have to use either the flood or mist function for the vacuum.
-
I am getting a certain amount of offset on my 2nd machining pass on my blackfoot. I am preparing to go back and make sure everything is tight, however is it possible to overtighten the chains and sprockets. Is there a general rule of thumb to increase rigidity?
The chain should be tensioned the same on both sides, and you should have some slack and not have it too tight. The bearings should be tightly secured as well. There is another probable cause, which is the rod, where the sprocket is tighten to. Since the rod is circular the sprocket screws, cannot securely tighten the rod, which you can file where the 2 screws rest to have a flat surface or if you have a welder you can tack weld the sprocket to the rod.
-
HOW DO I SQUARE MY CNC MACHINE OR GANTRY?
I use a standard large "L" square used in construction. I run gantry up and down with the bit along one side of the square to make the square aligned with the x-axis. I then run the bit along the other edge and if I see space from the edge of the bit to the square, I adjust the gantry square by loosening and tightening the eye bolts that hold the chain at the ends of the table. Repeat as necessary to get the desired square. Additional Information:
-
how do I build the blackfoot?
the blackFoot is built using the online instructions found here: http://buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4
-
Hi is the blackfoot 8x4 cnc router sold by anyone in the UK or would I need to import it from yourself?
We are in talks with someone in the UK on distributing our machines. I will provide further information on this FAQ when I have more information.
-
Having some repeatability issues on Y axis of the blackFoot CNC Router. doing motor tuning, but also notice the Y axis idler pulley doesn't stand up straight. Bearing seems good, just loose on the bolt. Do i try to shim between bearing to bolt or shim the sides to make it stay up straight?
First, make sure that the alignment of the roller chain is straight with respect to where the roller chains are affixed at the ends of the gantry. This is of chief importance as there will be a clicking sound if there is no alignment. Also, make sure the idler sprocket can move from side to side to auto-correct on alignment, unless you can fit nuts or shim washers on either side to maintain the perfect position with respect to the alignment of the chain. The misalignment of the chain is most likely the reason the idler sprocket is slanted at an angle. If you are having repeatibility issues, make sure the drive sprocket is very tight on the motor shaft, and that the set screw is tightened on the flat of the stepper motor shaft. This is the typical culprit if any of the axes are having repeatability problems. It is difficult to determine if the drive sprocket is loose. Make sure to push with a bit of force to determine this. Additional Information: ok, took the y axis apart. Checked the drive sprocket. it seems tight. Although I did not take it off and put it back on. Checked the chain alignment edge to edge using a straight edge along the y drive rail and no clicking. tightened the chain and seemed to have it now off the same distance to the other side of the Y. I lossened it back up but no noticeable change. using Mach3 spindle not running, just a pointer bit in and feed rate 50ipm 9k line gcode it's off by about .1 to .14 (ran code 4 different times, once in opposite corner of table) 130k gcode it's off 1.3 to 1.5 (ran code 4 different times, once in opposite corner of table). Not sure what to do, using the using the mach3 motor tuning it seems really close, and it's always the Y. should I swap wiring on the x & y drivers to see if problem goes to X? Additional Information: You can give the swap a try. It would rule out a possible wiring/driver/motor issue. If that doesn't work, we will need to go email so we can see pics to get a clearer understanding of the issue. Additional Information: So, I couldn't swap X and Y as X has a big honkin' motor. So I swapped the Driver for Y and Z, ran the same 130k line gcode and Y was spot on, but now Z is off. it was only off by .01 but there wasn't as much Z movement as there was Y of course. To me this would point to the driver. What do you think?
-
Am I supposed to drill a hole in the back of the gantry to access the wires for the motor?? There does not seem to be a way to access the wires for the x axis motor once the gantry back is installed.
The installation of the motor inside the gantry is mounted and wired before installation of the back plate of the gantry. For Example, our blackFoot machine seen in steps(124/139), you can see that the gantry and and z axis is complete finished before back plate is placed.
-
BlackFoot CNC: Where should z-axis limit switches be placed?
The limit switch for the z-axis should be placed in a location where nothing can interfere with CNC process, now for our blackFoot, referring to step 115(https://www.buildyourcnc.com/blackFoot48v40.aspx#prettyPhoto/120/) it will be placed 1-1/4"(may be adjusted) down from the top wood piece(vacuum holder). So contact will be made from the location of the anti-backlash nut wood piece and the limit switch stopping it from going to high.
-
BLACKTOE MOTOR CABLE LENGTH
The total length of cable for the greenBull 5x is 50 ft. Now the individual lengths for all three axis, is x=15 ft, y=17 ft, z=18 ft.
-
BLACKFOOT SILICON TUBE FOR SPINDLE
The Black foot requires 38 feet of 1/4 Inside Diameter and 3/8 Outside Diameter silicon tube for the spindle.
-
Can the 40w Laser combo be mounted on the Black Foot 8x4 router?
Currently, the 40W laser tube can be mounted on the greenBull and the blackTooth machine kits. The gantry on the blackFoot CNC machine kit has a height that would not be able to to support the laser tube very well. The laser tube needs a gantry that has linear rail bearings that are spread apart to minimize any transient response at exact stops and changes in direction.
-
are pdf/breakdown plans and specs available for purchase for blacktoe 4x8 router? i would like to purchase plans, and build all components by myself. thanks!
We do not currently provide any plans for our machines. We do provide a scratch build kit with plans, DVD, and hardware. You can find it here https://www.buildyourcnc.com/cnckitintro.aspx Additional Information: WE are a technical school and would like to build a laser cutter for the school that can cut up to 6mm plate please help us ti find drawings to build it
-
Can the black foot table be mounted vertically or at a steep angle?
Unfortunately not. The weight of the spindle and the z-axis assembly is too much for the motor to hold its position. If you need a steep angled bed, then the greenLean is the best machine for this purpose and comes with the entire structure where the blackFoot requires you to construct the table.
-
Can I upgrade my Black Foot 4.0 to the latest version (4.3)?
You may have received the version 4.3 as we did not update the version on the website for a while after shipping the units. The only difference is the 1/2" shaft size for the X axis motor and the nut mounts on the Z/Y plate. If you don't have these improvement, we can send you the parts for a small fee. Call us so we can help you out on this.
-
can alphacam be used to program blackfoot cncs?
any CAM software that can import a DXF file and create g-code can be used to program a blackFoot CNC.
-
Can the 4x8 blackfoot be outfitted with some type of reference pins?
Our CNC Routers can be outfitted with other devices and configured in so many ways. However, I'm not familiar with reference pins. Are you referring to input for feedback? Customer response: Looking to add something like this: https://youtu.be/J7kcXfn0HKk Does the Blackfoot have a preset x and y home point so pop up pins will be accurate? Buildyourcnc response: Oh yeah. You can easily add those types of pins to any of out machines. You can even use pins for registration as well so you can machine two sides of your work-piece so the design matches.
-
Are plans for the blackFoot available?
At this time the blackFoot is not available in plans form. It is too new in the market, however, in the near future this may be an option.
-
Are the Dust Shoe DXF files available and if not will they
Do you have one of our machines? Additional Information: Yes I have a Blackfoot 4.1 ver. 4'x8' cut area. By the way I love it.
-
do you offer a 4' x 4' solution?
Depending on the specific kit, we can adjust the length of rails that are included with the kit to fit a 4' x 4' cutting area. Specifically the blackFoot and the greenBull 4' x 8' machines will be a straight forward kit for a 4' x 4' cutting surface! For custom size requests please email: customerservice@buildyourcnc.com, for further assistance.
-
Do you make blackfoot with leadscrew for x and y axis?
Currently we do not have any lead screw driven machines except our scratch build kit, all other models use either timing belt or are chain driven.
-
I have a Blackfoot and have a question about the power supply. I currently have a 36V power supply and my machine bogs down, would a 70V or something like that help, or will that blow up my machine? thank you!
I would first check the mechanical parts to ensure smooth motion. Is your machine bogging down during cutting or jogging/rapids? You can increase the voltage to gain a higher speed for rapids/jogging, but make sure the driver can handle this voltage. There should be a max voltage on the driver label. If the bogging down is happening during cutting, either reduce the cutting depth or switch out the drive and motor for the axis that is giving the problem.
-
Hi, i am having jaggy edges in curve shapes with my blackfoot,it is just like shake movement , any advice in regards? thank you.
Does this happen at any feedrate? This could be a resonance issue if it only happens at a specific feedrate range. You can also try tightening the roller chains on both axes.