CNC Aluminum Lego block on the ProverXL 4030.
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- Testing the aluminum milling capabilities of the ProverXL 4030 cnc machine. Milling 1" x 2" x 4" long piece of 6061 aluminum into a Lego block. The bits I used were cheap generic 3 flute end mills which did surprising well until near the end of milling the top side of the block when the bit finally broke. The 4030 performed exceptionally well for a small size cnc machine.
This is awesome. I've seen other videos of people really struggling with aluminum on this machine but I feel like its solid enough if you don't go crazy with the speed.
Thanks for the comment. It is a very capable machine for aluminum if you take it easy on the speed and depth of cut and also have a decent quality endmill.
I too have a 4030 from Sainsmart, cool little machine.
It's cool to see the machine cutting Aluminum, I haven't tried that yet...
I mostly cut XPS foam (the pink stuff from Home depot) for making fiberglass plugs, it's a VERY messy process and requires constant cleaning while the machine is running (and after).
Thanks for sharing the video!
I don't think I would want to cut foam with the 4030, it's messy enough cutting it with a utility knife.
Cutting aluminum is a little messy too but a lot fun seeing what the machine can do.
Nice work on the mods for the Focus. My son and I have a 2002 Focus SVT and a 2014 Fiesta ST. We tinker with them a little bit nothing that bold yet. Still learning the basic mechanical stuff.
@@windsorwoodcraft Very cool!
Really tempted to get this machine. I had an XCarve, and had a Onefinity on order, but I just cannot support a machine that size in my shop (and the smaller 1F is nearly as expensive as the larger size), but I really like having a CNC for certain jobs (either an inlay, or an engraving, or making a template). This is really looking more and more like a really great option for me.
The 4030 really is a nice machine. It's becoming a real popular option for people with limited space. And a lot of people will say the price is too high for the size. But they seem to forget that most other brands that they say are cheaper, also charge extra for the router/spindle, spoilboard, control box, etc.
@@windsorwoodcraft Agreed. That their package is about as close to "open the box and start cutting" as you can get is a huge plus as well!
@@windsorwoodcraft What do you use to CAM
I have never own this Prover xl is the software easy to operate and the instructions easy to follow.
The instruction manual for assembling the machine is really helpful. Lots of information to guide you along in getting it set up. As for the software, it depends on what you use. The Carveco software is really nice but it takes a little while to get the hang of it. But there are some really nice tutorials on the Carveco UA-cam channel that can help you a lot. The machine is also compatible the Easel software, which is geared for much simpler projects and is much easier to use.
Sainsmart has put out a bunch more information online for setting up their machines. It wasn't hard for me to setup at all.
I use Fusion 360 for toolpath and UGS.
Nice dust shields for the x axis.
Thanks. They really help to keep dust and debris off of the lead screws.
@@windsorwoodcraft have you considered running a vacuum with adapter near the cutter? I'd hate those aluminum chips all over the place. The machine looks quite appealing.
@@MaximKachurovskiy I just bought a dust boot with shop vac attachment but still need to configure the hose connection.
@@DanielWillinsky I made the dust shields from acrylic that I purchased from the hardware store. I clamped the acrylic between two pieces of wood and then used a heat gun to heat it up until it was soft enough to bend.
Mine just came in yesterday.... Some assembly required. Look forward to working on projects.
Have fun! Shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to get up and running.
I’m looking at purchasing one of these for milling some aluminum prototype parts.
Have you been happy with the quality it produces on aluminum? The finish looks clean.
Also what feeds and speeds are you using?
I've been happy with the results so far. The one thing with this machine that I wish was better is the max spindle RPM. It maxes out at 12K. But as long as you are not trying to cut too deep you shouldn't have any problems. But they do include a second spindle mount for a Dewalt router so that is an option. For the Lego block, I I was using a 3 flute end mill at 20 inches per minute with a .0625 stepover and .012 depth of cut.
I know Im quite off topic but do anyone know a good place to watch new movies online ?
@@jaycereed9928 You killed me! 😂
@@windsorwoodcraft im getting this for christmas with a 6060 conversion kit and the dewalt router... would the dewalt router cut the aluminum better?
@@liberalgeekiscool It would definitely cut aluminum better with the Dewalt or even the Makita or Caribe router.
Interesting ....re the bits , I’ve been cutting spruce today and yes I know I should be using a down cut bit but I was using a 1/4 up cut mill and it was really bad ... so I tried a rubbish cheap nasty dremel straight bit and it left a perfect edge and no ripping ..... the Lego brick is impressive these are great machines .... you thinking of upgrading the spindle yet so you can play with a lot more material
A Dremel bit saves the day. Lol. Some of the cheaper bits are good, especially for wood. The cheap one I used for the aluminum held up real well until about 5 minutes before finishing. I may get a new spindle, going to wait and see if sainsmart comes out with one later this month when they introduce the upgrade kits. Not sure I would like the Dewalt that a lot of people have, I like the fact that I can control the spindle speeds and feeds through Candle while the machine is running. I don't think you can do that with the Dewalt. I'll have to look into it more.
@@windsorwoodcraft is there any chance I could have a screenshot of your candle g code preference section ... I can't seem to get it to return to origin after first pass ...martk
I really need this great machine for my signage workshop
Nice to see that this machine is capable of cutting Aluminium!
Is it very accurate?
How deep are you able to cut without issues?
How long did this part take to complete?
Also can this machine be upgraded to get better results?
I'm hoping to find/build a machine that can cut 30mm deep (Just over 1'') or even 5mm may be OK? @approx £500 to £1000 if possible? Any suggestions??
The 4030 is accurate when cutting aluminum, but that depends on the feed rate and depth of cut. I wouldn't cut to deep with the standard spindle because the rpms are limited to about 12k. I think I was cutting at about 0.1 - 0.2mm per pass.
I don't exactly remember how long it took to mill the lego block but it was probably between 1 and 2 hours.
The 4030 can be upgraded and comes with an extra 69mm spindle mount. Right now I have a 65mm Carbide compact router in it and it works real well.
I don't know of any desktop/hobby type cnc machine that can cut 30mm in one pass in aluminum. May need to look at a regular type milling machine or something similar. There are so many different brands and sizes on the market now. Just need to research what you want to do with it for the price and size you can afford.
@@windsorwoodcraft what was the end mill size, and your feedrates , doc ?
@@nullkuhl The bit that I used was a 3mm, 3 flute endmill. I think the feed rate was around 20 -25 inches per minute and the depth of cut was around .005 to .01.
I was wondering what that extra endstop is you've placed on top of the Y-axis. Is that an additional safety measure?
That was just a reference mark for the edge of the working area. I also had one for the X Axis.
The one thing i notice about these machines is the long spindle and the end mill sticking out to far. Chuck the end mill up to where the shank ends. Why do they make such a long spindle also? Even a Bridgeport mill will chatter if i had to have the end mill 6 inchs from the spindle bearings. It would chatter much less if you could somehow keep the bottom of the end mill no more than 2 inchs from the bottom of that motor but i don't know how you could? Maybe there's a shorter and larger diameter shanked motor? You will get much less vibration if you can find a way. I would love to have one myself one day.
Amen, been doing metal work for over 30 years. These machines are not designed to cut aluminum. You are very right about the spindle and bearings, you need to get the cutter as close to the spindle bearings a possible and add mass to the machine. This thing sounds terrible cutting aluminum. the surface finish has to be terrible. I am not surprised the end mill broke with all the chatter and vibration. Oh it chatters through the aluminum but anyone expecting to do any serious aluminum work with the machine (or other like it) will be seriously disappointed in the long run. If you want to do aluminum get a Milling machine or a seriously beefed up router.
@@homebuiltedmmachines9471 But if you use the Dewalt or Makita trim router spindle motor, you won't have any problems.
@@Cessna172G I am sure that a trim router it is a Big improvement because a router has the tool cutting edges much closer to the output spindle bearing than does virtually all of the imported low cost Chinese desktop routers. That alone will make a big difference but he frame needs to be stiffer along with a multitude of other issues that need to addressed if you are serious about cutting aluminum.
@@homebuiltedmmachines9471 The frame looks good stiff enough. Of course I won't be cutting aluminium all the time, just occasionally for making templates for woodworking out of aluminium 1.5mm thick plate. I use it mainly for cutting shapes out of plywood.
I'm looking for a cheap cnc to cut Aluminium (Possibly up too 30mm deep) (Just over 1'') even up to 5mm might be OK? Can anybody suggest a good machine for home use?? Is it possible to get one for £500 - £1000 ish? Thanks!
Is that the 400w spindle that comes with the Proverxl 4030 or is it an upgrade spindle ?
That is the stock spindle that came with the machine.
Awesome!! My Proverxl is on its way.. should receive it soon. I'm a super noob, have a lot to learn.
Can you make more videos? A tutorial series? For example.. this aluminum Lego block. From CAD and CAM drawing and setup, to loading work piece and end mill. Pretty much from concept to finished work piece. 😁😁😊
Needs serious revision. Gantry wheels super tight with flat spots out of the box. Loosing the screws is not the answer. They need to make them adjustable, even later with wear they will need adjustment.
Way to much slop in the ends of the lead screws at the bearing interface.
Really sad to miss the mark on easy fixes. Just returned mine to Amazon.
Hi, I have a question I hope you can answer. I'm interested in making aluminum works of sculpture, using 1/4" or 1/2" aluminum plates and either cutting an embossed surface (similar to your Mandalorian project in Cherry wood) or cutting actual shapes out of the aluminum plate. Would the ProverXL 4030 work for this? I'm definitely not concerned about micro-tolerances or even fast production. Half a day to cut a shape out of an aluminum plate would be more than fine. BTW, what about bit cooling? Have you explored some recirculating cooling system? Thanks!
This machine will cut aluminum. The stock spindle will work but it maxes out at 12k rpm. I just got a new Carbide Compact router, which has a range of 10k-30k rpm, so I will be seeing how that works with aluminum pretty soon. For bit cooling I have been using 3 in 1 oil or WD-40 which seem to work well. Plus I have a high output pond pump blowing the chips away which I'm sure helps a little too. I haven't looked into water cooled spindles yet but have seen other machines with them.
What does this have for rails ? Are they linear and ball screws? And what all upgrades did you do to it to get it to where you could mill aluminum
Thos machine has acme lead screws. I didn't do any upgrades to mill the lego block. It was with the stock spindle.
Awesome thank you for replying. I am new to cnc and want to learn how to do it. I have been thinking on getting myself one. I just need to be able to do metals. Thus seems to fit tge build. Do you like the rigidity of it ?
Overall, I do like the rigidity of the machine. Plus, there are ways to modify it to make it more rigid if needed.
Between this machine and the 6050 genmitsu which one do you think would be better
I haven't looked into the 6050 that much, but just from the specs, it looks like it's a more rigid machine. And with a spindle upgrade, it would be better suited to mill aluminum. The
So the steppermotors make more noise than the spindel? 🤔
Sometimes they make some noise. Mostly when they are making quick and repeated small movements in a 3d carving or something similar.
@@windsorwoodcraft Most steppers make some noise but what i find amazing is how silent that spindle must be 🤯
@@FullFledged2010 The spindle motor is pretty quiet compared to some others I've seen and especially most regular routers.
What's the power of the spindle?
The power is 6.5 amps, 1.25hp with 10,000-30,000 rpm.
Where do you buy aluminum?
I usually buy it on Amazon. Lowe's has flat aluminum bar stock that is 1/8" x 2" x 4 ' that is good for keychains, bottle openers and small things like that.
What would the tolerances be on this?
I honestly don't remember what the tolerances were for this project. This was a test project and I was using the stock spindle and an inexpensive bit so I had to take it slow with very shallow depths of cut.