WorkBee
WorkBee
| MachineInfoBox Ooznest WorkBee CNC | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms: | DE: CNC-Fräse, CNC-Plattenfräse, Portalfräsmaschine |
| Type: | CNC Router |
| Material: | wood |
| Used with: | 6 mm, 8 mm, 1/4" or 1/8" end mills; some kinds of router bits |
| Location: | CNC Area |
| Access Requirements: | CNC Router Introduction |
| Status: | Working |
| Firmware: | grbl |
| Software: | LaserWeb, Fusion360, see G-Code Sender |
| Manual: | product page, click "documentation" tab |
| Tutors: | NitramLegov Pakue Johannes Luzian Leo |
| Similar (More or Less): | router, CNC mill |
We have a 1500mm x 1500mm version of the WorkBee CNC router, which is based on the Openbuilds OX. It can currently cut sheet material of up to 50 mm thickness on a work area of approximately 1250 × 1250 mm. The surfaced (plangefräste) spoilboard area is 1260 × 1160 (x × y) mm.
Our plans for further improving it up can be found in our "WorkBee CNC" github project - maybe you would like to help.
Fusion 360 Setup
To use the router in Fusion 360, make sure you add the latest machine definition and post-processor to Fusion 360.
You can find the newest version of these required files here. Feel free to submit improvements.
At the top of the Fusion 360 Interface, select "Manage > Machine Library". Then under "My Machines > Local" you can import (NOT CREATE) the machine definition.
Also seperately import the post processor! Under the machine entry in your machine library in the "Post:" section, you can click the folder icon to import the latest post processor from the GitHub page.
Using the WorkBee CNC
We have various wiki pages documenting how to use the WorkBee CNC. Take a look:
WorkBee Machine Operation for general machine operation (on/off, starting jobs, jogging, etc)
WorkBee organization for keeping things tidy
Autodesk Fusion 2D Contour Machining for CAM (Creating G-Code for the Machine)
Workflow
This is just an overview and does NOT replace the personal introduction!
- create the tool paths in a suitable CAM software (e.g. Fusion 360)
- secure your workpiece on the machine's bed
- insert the appropriate collet & bit as defined in your tool paths
- home the machine, jog to your workpiece origin and zero your work coordinates
- Upload your generated G-Code
- put on personal protection
- Run your Program
- Once the Machine has homed, turn on the spindle & vac on the control panel (only works after homing)
- Be ready to hit the Emergency Stop in case SHTF. Your Program is running!
Router
The router mounted to it is a Dewalt D26200 (GB; known outside Europe as DWP611). You need to consider the sizes of its collets (Spannzangen) when buying your router bits.
- no-load speed: 16000 - 27000 rpm
- max cutter diameter: 30 mm
- available collet diameters:
- 8 mm
- 6 mm
- 1/4 inch (6.35 mm)
- 1/8 inch (3.175 mm)
The collets of the DW613, DW620 and DW621 also fit the router and are easier to get in Germany than the original ones.
RPM Chart
| Dial Setting | Approx. RPM |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16000 |
| 2 | 18200 |
| 3 | 20400 |
| 4 | 22600 |
| 5 | 24800 |
| 6 | 27000 |
Spoilboard
Ooznest recommends a 6mm spoiler board, our first one is 20mm thick. It is mounted to the frame using 4 drop-in T-slot nuts. Cutting into the boards will make it uneven, from time to time it is neccessary to surface the spoiler board again.
The total size of the spoilboard is currently 1445 × 1370 mm.
When there is time, we would like to drill workholding holes into the spoilboard.
Electrics
The Machine received a full electrical overhaul in the first half of 2024, here are its current electrical specifications:
- Duet 3 6HC+ Mainboard running RepRapFirmware
- Web- and touch interface
- MT-2303HS280AW 2.8A NEMA23 Stepper Motors
- Dewalt D26200 Router
Dust Extraction
The Workbee Vacuum automatically turns on with the spindle. We have added a cyclone dust separator before the shop vac so the bulk of the chips should be collected in an easily emptied box rather than the shop vac's bag.
The part that attaches the dust extraction hose to the router is called a "dust shoe". We are currently using this one designed by Patrick. The next version should ideally fit the dust extraction hose without an adapter and include a kind of transparent, flexible "skirt" to optimize the airflow.
Other interesting designs:
