Root 3 or root 4 lite?

1

So began a CNC project about 5 years ago, and gave up, mainly as the plans I had were for Imperial units and sourcing everything got too difficult here in metric Australia.
Fast forward to now, I have myself a 3D printer and discovered Root CNC on thingverse, remembering I still have 4 big Nema23 steppers, drivers, bearings etc waiting to be to put use.

I’d love to built something like a 6060 cnc, and considering the parts I already have, which model should I go for?

Also need to order a bunch of filament. Are the printed parts designed for PLA or will I need something sturdier?

Thanks!

2

If you’ve already got some NEMA23s lying around, I would consider the Root 4 Standard build - nothing can beat it! especially if you want to build a larger machine.

It can be printed in which ever material you fancy. I would recommend something other than PLA though, as the heat could deform it. Either from the sun or the temperature of the spindle of steppers motors.

If you looking for something more like a Desktop machine, then the Root 4 is looking promising!

let us know what decision you’ve made.

3

Hey there,

thanks for the reply. Before I saw this, I’d actually already embarked on printing the Root 3.

Considering:

1.You say in the root 4 info “there is nothing wrong with my Root 3 CNC (originally named Root 2.1) and it did all my CNC jobs!”
2. My requirements seemed to fit Root 3 best in the comparison table.
3. Root 4 parts added significant cost compared to Root 3
4. Ballscrews add rigidity, but also I’m guess thing they’re much slower on travels and jogging etc. But im only guessing there.

I have already printed most of the parts in PETG %80 infill. This was a good learning experience in printing PETG. I’m using the cheapest PETG available to me in Australia (postage is usually cost prohibitive from boutique stores or Amazon, so Banggood / Ali Express are the only real options), but it’s actually printing great after a lot of experimentation.

But now I have a question. It’s time to order the timing belts. You list 3M HTD Belt in the BOM, but you don’t state the width of the belt. Is it 9mm like Root 4? The links for these go nowhere, like many of the other things in the Root 3 BOM)

Thanks

4

Hi!

Did you ever find the answer to your question, regarding the timing belts width?

I came here looking for answers as well, with the main question being, what width timing belt to use? I am trying to order the belts and pulleys today but then it hit me, what width to get…

I want to get the widest you can, assuming the wider the better correct?

I measured the Y Mount 1" box mounts, the top area where the belt would get clamped. This area is 25mm wide but that is the max. I would think 20mm wide. But then im thinking, the other printed parts, were they made for the 15mm wide timing belt??