Thank you for the files Garrett. Much appreciated. I took your long Mill break-in file, changed all the y negatives into positive since my home position is front left corner and now it's running great on my onefinity foreman.
Some of the spindle manufacturers have specific break-in recommendations, and after sitting for a long time it seems that a dwell time of more than just a few seconds is necessary for those of us running larger spindles (3kW and higher). I do not have the manual in front of me, but if memory serves me correctly the recommendation was five minutes at a very low speed to get the bearing grease warming up and moving around where it needs to be, and then ramping up to full speed in multiple steps. The break-in cycle recommended by the manufacturer was about an hour, with a much shorter warm-up cycle when the device is used daily.
r2db, You bring up some great points about spindle break-in procedures! It's definitely important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure longevity and optimal performance. The longer dwell time and gradual ramp-up you're mentioning can make a big difference, especially for those higher-powered spindles. Properly warming the bearings can help everything run smoothly. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Another of your good videos Bro, along with great practical advice. I always do a break-in period / cycle on all my machines - no matter what their size or how cheap / expensive they are / were. I have had my three of my four CNCs almost 7 years, and have never had a problem with them, other than just recently having to change the spindle on the oldest machine. A break-in period, along with a regular maintenance routine, will give you many years of trouble free service.
alpscraftshack599, Thanks for sharing your experience! It's great to hear that your CNC machines have served you well for 7 years with regular maintenance. It really does make a difference in the longevity and performance of the machines.
robnhannon, I totally understand the anticipation! The Oatmeal CNC is such a fantastic machine for woodwork. Hope you enjoy your project when it arrives!
jamesengland22, You're welcome! CNC machines are a great investment if you're looking to take your woodworking to the next level. Keep saving up for one, it'll be worth it!
For my final check for squareness on my Longmill 30x30 I did the opposite corners as well but instead of using a tape measure I used double sided tape and mounted a long thin piece of scrap wood to the first set of opposite corners and had it drill using a 1/16" endmill through the wood strip and the spoil board. Then drill the second set of opposite corners without the wood strip. I removed the wood strip put 1/16" nails into the wood strip holes and checked to see if they exactly fit into the 2nd set of spoiler board holes. With a test square of 760x760 mm my 30x30 is Square.
laser31415, It sounds like you've conducted a thorough and inventive method to check the squareness of your Longmill 30x30! By utilizing double-sided tape and a scrap wood strip to create reference holes, you've effectively established a precise way to ensure that your machine's framework is aligned properly. Nice work brother and thanks for sharing your tips and tricks.
kennethfrick9879, Awesome to hear that you have an Alt Mill on the way and your IDC drills are on their way too! Can't wait to see what you create with them.
chrishayes5755, Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad you appreciate the content. The Altmill is definitely a great machine to add to your workshop. Happy woodworking!
Great advice. I held off on my order so that I would get past any initial production issues. But that also means I have to wait until October...grrrr. Can't wait for more tips/tricks on this machine. Keep up the great content.
souprmage, It's great to hear that you're being patient with your order to avoid any initial production issues! Waiting can be tough, but it sounds like you're making a wise choice. In the meantime, I recommend keeping an eye on user reviews and forums related to the machine you ordered; they can be a goldmine for tips and tricks. Also, consider watching tutorial videos or reading articles that cover its features and functionalities to help you get a head start when it arrives. Im excited for you to get your new machine!
keep up the great content. i can't wait to get my altmill in December. i wish it was sooner but i guess some bugs will be worked out. i saw they already addressed the packaging issues some had.
caluman69, Thank you for the kind words! It's exciting to hear you're getting your AltMill in December. The anticipation can be tough, but you're right-delays can often lead to a more polished product. It's great to know that the team is already working on any issues, like packaging. That can make a big difference in the overall experience. Enjoy your new machine when it comes!
@IDCWoodcraft thank you. Plus it helps me by learning vcarve pro and watching all your videos to help figure stuff out before it arrives. Thanks again for all the information!
I tend to use a 3-4-5 triangle to check for square. On my 1270mm x 1270mm that means a 600mm x 800mm x 1000mm which is nice and easy to measure. Horses for courses I guess.
tetleyk, Using a 3-4-5 triangle is a classic and effective method to ensure everything is square! It’s great that you've found a measurement that works well for you, especially with the dimensions you have. Everyone has their own preferred techniques, and that's what makes woodworking so interesting!
