I just ordered the 4x4 Altmill MK2 with the rotary axis and auto zero. I have Aspire v12.
Is there anything I should know? Anything I should do before it gets here? Any problems I should be aware of?
Anyone in South Carolina?
Thanking you all in advance for all the info and help.
Hi Edward,
Congrats on getting the Altmill. Owning a Longmill mk2 myself, I have been looking at the Altmill in awe. The Longmill is a great machine and works like a charm, but the altmill is clearly in another league.
The one thing that I learned the hard way is that when things go sideways (they will, it’s a given.), they can turn violent pretty nasty. So nasty that you do not want to approuch the machine anymore to press emergency stops or click on screens. It is in those moments you wished you had a way to cut the power to the machine entirely.
In the 2 years I run my machine, I had a few of those moments, but it only took the first time to have me shut all operations on the cnc and rewire the outlets to the mill via a switch way back in my office to be able to Kill Mill at any given moment from behind a closed door.
I have avoided some accidents about to happen where me reaching the mill in time to stop it would have been impossible or even outright dangerous.
So if anything, it would be this. Implement an easy to reach emergency switch to “pull the trigger” on that absolute monster of a beast you ordered, from a safe distance.
Do you have sufficient power at the designated mill location? I believe the recommendation is to have two 15A circuits - one for the router/spindle and a second, separate one for the controller.
I pulled in a 20A double circuit but 15A is sufficient AFAIK.
The router/spindle needs to be on a dedicated circuit, the controller can be on an outlet that is shared with other, low power requirement electronics.
I know the feeling. I’ve had a cnc router for about 8 years. Something comparable to the long mill. Ive had to change my shorts a time or two. If necessary I can get to breaker panel in about 10 steps. Most of the time it’s hold down issue. I try to over compensate with holding things down. A little overkill goes a long way.
Thanks.
I have one outlet where I think I want it. Still undecided on the location because the footprint is so big. I will wire it with two 20a circuits. I always use 20amps for outlets. Never know when you might need it.
Thanks for the reminder.
Another thing you should know is the delay time before you get your Altmill. Take a look at the order status page. If you ordered this week, you are likely NOT getting it until June.
I’m not getting mine until May and like has been said, I’m making sure I will have everything I’ll need once it gets here. That includes a dedicated circuit for the spindle and another circuit for my dust collection system. I’ll be getting the MDF for my tabe and wasteboard soon. And I’m also learning as much as I can on this forum. And practicing with various software packages (Fusion, vCarve Pro, etc).
Congratulations @Edward-Bigham and welcome to the forum! I am happy to hear you got the AltMill! I have a LongMill and would like to upgrade, but money in the way.
I would look at your dust collection. Shop vacuums are not meant for dust collection, plus they are loud. An inexpensive dust collector with a cyclone would be very beneficial for you. Appropriate lighting would be recommended as well. My old eyes benefit from bright led lighting.
Lastly, and this may not be popular, but a second computer for control. While you can use one computer for design and control, I’m a huge fan of having two computers for the process.
Welcome to the forum, I wish you well in your CNC journey.
I’m putting in a second outlet this weekend. I have Aspire and have been using it for several years so I have gotten a pretty good understanding of it. There’s just so much to learn with it.
The waiting is going to kill me but I believe it will be worth it. It seems like a robust machine.
A friend of mine gave me an older dust collector so I will be using that.
I believe I will be ordering the gcontrol panel in a few weeks. This way it can handle the dust better.
Thanks everyone for the replies. All help is greatly appreciated.
Congrats Edward! Check out that guy @buckyscustoms or any of the many Sienci Labs Videos on this great machine!
Thanks. I have been watching what I can. I like Garret Fromme although he can get a little too long at times.
First off, I’ve had my Altmill for 5 months and absolutely love it… as I believe you will, too. I’m using Vectric VCarve Pro (have since my first CNC, a Longmill MK1 30X30, nearly 4 years ago) as my CAD and gSender for driving the milling. I haven’t the rotary axis, so can’t comment on it. I recently ordered a gControl Panel and knowing Sienci Labs, I’m sure it’ll be a great addition to my CNC operations. If you’re not really up to speed on CAD, I’d recommend you spend a lot of time figuring out out to use Aspire.
You should also read up on assembly as well as the various options for mounting the base (I used 3/4" mdf) and spoilboard. One thing I’ll be adding is vertical milling capability by cutting out a 36" X 6" slot in the table, close to the 2nd stringer.
Welcome to the Sienci Labs community, Edward
Thanks. I will be reading up on all the assembly that I can. I just ordered the control panel myself. It makes more sense not having a fan like my computer. This way I can just transfer my files via memory stick. I have been using v carve pro since 2017/18. Then I graduated to aspire about three years ago. I consider myself a little above a novice with it. There is just a tremendous amount to learn with it.
As for the table. I think I have a piece of 1/4” aluminum. Then I would put 3/4 mdf. Trying to save as much Z height as I can.
Thanks for the reply.