I hope that I didn’t overread any existing information but I am struggiling a bit currently.
I want to build a CNC machine based on Nema 17 steppers (52 N. cm) and an Arduino Mega 2560 with a RAMPS 1.4 (I recently srapped my old printer) with no belt driven axis so I need a system with lead srews. Thats why the Root 4 came to my attention.
My desired working area is aprox. 100cm by 75cm.
On the HP there is a calculator for the sizes of the Root 3. What about the Root 4? Can I size it down/up like I want it to be? Can i re-use the calculator from the Root 3? And can I even use the Nema 17 motors on the Root 4?
(P.S.: I’m sorry for my bad grammar/spelling, I’m not a native english speaker .)
I hope someone can help me, because I am really looking forward to this project, especially because I’m a mechanical engineering student soon .
If I’m honest - you really need the NEMA23s recommend in the BOM for the Root 4 - whilst you can use them on the Root 3, I wouldn’t really recommend it. It’ll lead to headaches and poor performance.
If you’re set on lead screws for motion - please check out the Root 4 Lite Machine on Github - this uses the NEMA 17 motors and works rather well - not too sure it’ll scale well to 100x75cm thought!
On the Github, there are size calculators for the machines - the Root 4 can be seen here:
It might be worth looking between the Root 4 and the Root 4 Lite machines - I hope that helps
I really thank you for your advice!
I think i will build a Root 4 Lite in a slightly smaller size than 75cm x 1m.
After studying your Excel sheet I think i will go for 650mm by 980mm, because thats still enough for my uses and it’s your rated maximum .
I wanted to fit a Vevor spindle in there, do you have any experiences with this company?
for example:
I will soon start printing this and will share it over Instagram an as a Make on Thingiverse .
I really love your wirk! Keep on, you are building wonderful stuff right here!
Please do tag me on Instagram! I love to see all the posts and builds of these machine!
I’ve never used this company but have seen them about. I think most of these spindles are pretty much all the same, so you cant go too wrong.
Few things I’ve noted over the past:
1- ER16 collar can be limiting as the maximum size is 1/4 bit. I think the ER20 will allow you to use 1/2" bits - which is very ideal in my mind.
2- contrary to other users - I find the air cooled ones better, easier to install and cheaper to run and no need for any water cooling.
3- the 80mm Diameter body does make them very heavy, although I’ve not got any experience with them on a Root CNC - I think some users have beefed up their axis (PS the one you linked will not fit on the Root 4 Lite)
I’ll do this definetly ! I will now start to print the parts and I’ll order the side plates from your shop. I already bought a wooden baseplate.
1-I will defintely buy an ER20 one then, which is more ideal for me anyways - thanks for metioning this, I guess I would have regognized it way too late.
2-I will stick to the Aircooled one’s, due to other threads I already read about this. But I also don’t want to mess around with water cooled systems - its too complex for my needs.
3-Oh! I didnt realize this, I guess I will stick with 65mm spindles, they deliver enough power for my needs .
I am really thankful for your advice Pete. I am very stoked to build my Root 4 Lite!
I’ll update you via Instagram!
I’ve got you order, thank you - I’ll process that over the weekend!
I didn’t realise at the time and I do miss not having a full 1/2 collect.
if all you’re interesting in machining woods over metals - then the 65mm 24k RPM spindle do just fine. if you were to do metals - then the lower RPM spindle would be more appealable due to their lower down torque.
wonderful, I’m already printing the nessecary parts .
Then I’ll look out for a 1/2" collect. Yeah a main goal is to machine metal, which kind of RPM would you reccomend then?
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