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CNC Router Kit Version 4.0:Blacktoe 4'x8'
blackFoot 4'x8' routing area Version 4.1 CNC Machine Kit
blackFoot 4'x8' routing area Version 4.1 CNC Machine Kit without electronics
See the section below for an itemized part list with prices
About the blackFoot 4x8:
Up to version 4.0, the blackFoot CNC Machine has a routing area of 4 feet x 8 feet
with some spare room for clamping that big board to the table. As with the
blackToe version 4.0 CNC Machine , I went all out on the design and aesthetics.
The blackFoot offers precise control using 3 axes of motion. The x and y axes are
helped by roller chain mechanisms at a pitch of .25". The chain and sprocket combinations
are ANSI #25 specification. The z-axis uses
lead screw at 1/2"-10 TPI @ 5 starts for a travel of inch with 2 turns.
Accuracy and smooth operation is maintained using an
anti-backlash nut on the z-axis.
All blackFoot CNC machines come with two router mount sizes. The diameter of the
router mounts accept a router with a motor housing of 3.5" and 4.2". These fit the
Porter Cable 890 series (2.75 HP) and the Porter Cable 7500 series (3.25 HP) routers.
With the roller chain and remarkable precision that this machine provides, you will
be able to apply this machine for a wide variety of projects and machining various
materials including aluminum, wood, plastic, steel and other materials. The structure
is very rigid and resists lateral and bending forces to keep the machine stable
throughout the machining process.
Most of the structure and design is based on the blackToe 2x4 CNC machine with a
few differences. The most obvious difference is the size of the gantry. The horizontal
length designed to have a y axis travel length of 4 feet. The gantry is assembled
with many parts that achieve this needed size. the necessary table width to accomodate
the gantry size is 52 inches. Since the #25 roller chain is relatively light, lengths
of the x-axis travel can be increased comsiderably. Although rails for 8 feet of
travel is provided (8 feet and 2 foot extensions), longer travels can be achieved
with a longer table and added rails.
Parts included:
- Hardware: nuts, screws, washers, etc. (about 700 pieces)
- MDO Structure
- V-Groove Bearings: (16-pack price)
- Two Ball Bearings (1/2")
- Two 1/2" Collars
- 1/4" to 1/2" Coupling Flexible
- Two 1/4" to 1/2" Couplings Rigid
- Two 12' Roller Chain:
- Five Idler Sprockets
- Three Drive Sprockets
- Lead Screw for Z-axis
- Lead Nut for Z-axis
- Cross Dowels
- Aluminum rails x-axis 4 @ 8', 4 @ 2', 2 y-axis, and 2 z-axis
- Electronics: 2 NEMA 24 motors and 2 3.0 amp drivers, 1 NEMA 34 motor 1 high current
driver, breakout board, power supply
Parts not included:
- Computer (Personal Preference)
- Software (Personal Preference)
- Router (Personal Preference although I recommend Porter Cable 2.25 HP 892 or 3.25
HP 7518)
- Table
Supplemental Assembly Videos
To assist with the assembly of the 4x8 blackToe CNC Machine, here is a three part
series as a suppliment to the 2x4 assembly. These videos cover the main differences
that you will need to know while assembling the 4x8 machine. These videos are intended
to add to the previous lead screw version video assembly series. The major differences
include the much wider and stronger gantry structure, the roller chain power transmission
and the methods and parts needed to take advantage of the mechanics.
To see the wiring videos for the electronics, go here.
Additional Information:
If you find that the sprockets are slipping on the x-axis 1/4" rods, make sure to
file a flat so the set screw can seat well.
Table specifications for the blackToe CNC Kit:
The table width should be 52 inches. The table length should be 10 feet.
Overhangs will be needed for the two long sides at 1.5 to 2 inches to make room
for the aluminum angles. Important revision to this drawing: the front and back
should also have an overhang of 1.5 to 2 inches. This is necessary to attach the
chain mounts at the ends of the table.
Two methods of support can be used. The upper is a simple frame using 2x4 studs.
The structure below is the same with the addition of a torsion box for rigidity.
Other Purchase Options:
The below options were requests by customers that are mainly overseas and didn't
want the expense of shipping the MDO.
blackFoot 4'x8' routing area Version 4.0 g-code (.nc or .dxf) files for the MDO pieces
(This is not my recommended solution for the kit, but is an alternative for international
customers that feel the shipping cost is exorbitant).
I am offering the .nc or .dxf files due to overwhelming requests. These need to
be run on a CNC machine. The price is factored by many aspects of the research and
development of the blackToe machine and that this website survives by the sales
of these machines. Remember that these files are licensed under the Creative Commons
Attribution-Non Commercial and are have copyright restrictions.
For the g-code execution: Each board measures 2'x4' with a 1" clear border to maintain
structure while routing. The z-axis is positioned where the tip of the end mill
meets the surface of the material to enable easy cutting with a flat end 1/4" end
mill, the depth per pass is set at 0.17".
If you are considering purchasing the g-code, you may wonder, it would be great
if the hardware and mechanical stuff excluding the MDO could be offered and not
be burdened with scouring this site and picking the parts one-by-one. Well, here
is the xMDO (excluding MDO) kit: The below kits do not include the g-code or dxf
files for the machine, you will need to purchase this separately.
blackFoot xMDO 4x8 Kit with electroincs
Note: Includes no MDF pieces or g-code/dxf
Products
Machine Kits and Plans
Motion Electronics: Motors, Drivers, Power and More
Bearings for Lead Screws and Linear Motion
Couplings to connect motor shafts to lead screws
Router Accessories
End Mills
Mechanical Parts