MYCNCUK https://www.mycncuk.com/ The UK cnc machinist community forum, home to all exploring cnc machinists. From diy cnc router enthusiasts to engineering professionals. en Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:58:35 GMT vBulletin 2 http://www.mycncuk.com/images/misc/rss.png MYCNCUK https://www.mycncuk.com/ FOR SALE: Optimum BF46 https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16083-Optimum-BF46?goto=newpost Sun, 17 May 2026 17:07:17 GMT Hello, After a lot of thinking about how much I actually use it, I’ve decided to sell my CNC milling machine. I am keeping the wall-mounted... Hello,

After a lot of thinking about how much I actually use it, I’ve decided to sell my CNC milling machine. I am keeping the wall-mounted control box and the servo motors to upgrade another machine, so this is up for grabs as a bare mechanical roller.

The machine is an Optimum BF46 converted to CNC by Mobasi in Germany. It’s fitted with a pneumatic powered drawbar and a one-shot oiler system, and I’ll include the custom splash guard I made for it (though it’s easily unbolted if you don't want it).

While the servo motors will be harvested, I am leaving all the custom machined belt reduction housings on the machine. This means you just need to bolt on your own motors and hook up a controller to get it cutting. The original factory head-mounted speed/direction box is still intact too, so you can run the spindle manually right away.

Because everything is still fully wired up right now, you are welcome to come and see it moving under power to verify the screws and ways are healthy before buying. Once you are happy, it takes me minutes to unbolt the servos.

Price is £1,250. The machine is located near Cambridge. I no longer have any heavy lifting gear or an engine cranes, so the buyer will need to handle 100% of the extraction, lifting, and transport (it's a heavy beast at around 480kg and sits in a fairly tight corner, so bring skates and a crane).

Drop me a PM if you're interested or want to arrange a viewing.

Google photo links
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NttYcGqaKyJT2yzA7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AZBPoiuffMxdkbV28
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CdDWpnin9LMGNEpDA ]]> Items For Sale LukeHall https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16083-Optimum-BF46 Ballsscrew support help https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16082-Ballsscrew-support-help?goto=newpost Wed, 13 May 2026 08:47:42 GMT So I had a bearing starting to make a noise on the Y so rather than leave it, I got onto it and change both bearings.

But something isn't right as the new ones make a horrible grinding/squeeking noise from day one with zero hours use on them. I assumed I had put things back wrong.

Got some new bearings, took things to bits and replaced them again, making sure I didn't damage anything and putting everything back correctly.

But again from day one they are making the same horrible grinding/squeezing noise.

Is there some special method of installing bearings or ball screw support that im not aware of? Im clearly doing something wrong

]]> Machine Discussion andy_con https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16082-Ballsscrew-support-help Mach3 Probe Error After Reinstall, Runtime Error 438 Explained https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16081-Mach3-Probe-Error-After-Reinstall-Runtime-Error-438-Explained?goto=newpost Tue, 12 May 2026 10:31:10 GMT had to format my hard drive and reinstall everything. i run mach std mill screen set and im getting this error Image:... had to format my hard drive and reinstall everything.

i run mach std mill screen set and im getting this error

]]> General Computing andy_con https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16081-Mach3-Probe-Error-After-Reinstall-Runtime-Error-438-Explained DIY Steel Blackening with Vinegar – Why the Uneven Finish? https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16080-DIY-Steel-Blackening-with-Vinegar-%C2%96-Why-the-Uneven-Finish?goto=newpost Mon, 11 May 2026 19:49:09 GMT Hi All!
Trying to blacken steel parts with vinegar, l resulted in uneven surface colouring.
Can't figure out what it was that may have done wrong.
Is there someone here who has succeeded blackening parts with this method? ]]> Metal Finishing Techniques asto https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16080-DIY-Steel-Blackening-with-Vinegar-%C2%96-Why-the-Uneven-Finish Die set indexing https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16079-Die-set-indexing?goto=newpost Mon, 11 May 2026 18:10:48 GMT Hi all! Trying to create the stator of a BLDC outrunner out of sheet steel I stumbled upon the indexing phase of this project because making use of... Hi all!
Trying to create the stator of a BLDC outrunner out of sheet steel I stumbled upon the indexing phase of this project because making use of a rotary stop- pin proved to be inacurate as shown in the photo.
Any suggestions on utilizing a more precise indexer would be of great help. ]]> Metalwork Discussion asto https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16079-Die-set-indexing FOR SALE: Vertical 8x4 CNC Router https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16078-Vertical-8x4-CNC-Router?goto=newpost Thu, 07 May 2026 15:07:51 GMT Hi all, I’m selling my 8x4 vertical CNC router, which I designed and built with guidance from Jonathan and Jazz CNC. The machine was completed in... Hi all, I’m selling my 8x4 vertical CNC router, which I designed and built with guidance from Jonathan and Jazz CNC.

The machine was completed in 2015 and used for around two years in my CNC woodworking business. It performed reliably during that time and ultimately funded my move to an industrial CNC in 2017. Since upgrading, this machine has been unused and partially disassembled for storage (gantry removed, control box and PC disconnected).

When it was decommissioned in 2017, the router was in full working order. However, as it hasn’t been powered up since, I’m selling it as seen and cannot guarantee current working condition. I’m also unsure whether the original Mach3 PC is still available. The buyer should be comfortable with CNC setup and commissioning, as it will require reassembly and configuration.

This would suit someone looking for a solid DIY machine with good bones, or a project to recommission and put back into service.

Specs:

8x4 working bed

Near-vertical configuration

Overall size: approx. 3000mm (L) x 800mm (D, excluding gantry) x 1900mm (H)

2.2kW water-cooled spindle

Rack and pinion drive on X axis (dual drive)

Ballscrews on Y and Z

4 stepper motors (2 on X)

Custom-built control box (approx. 75V) with PMDX control board

Mach3 control with variable spindle speed

Vacuum bed with 2 x 4ft x 4ft zones

Vacuum pump included

Assorted collets

I’ve held onto this machine longer than I should have for sentimental reasons, but it’s time for it to go to someone who will get it set up again and make use of it.

Open to offers and happy to answer questions or provide more details/photos.
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]]> Items For Sale Stickio https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16078-Vertical-8x4-CNC-Router Automatic Tool Sensor Z Axis Probe Sensor wiring on AXBB-e https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16077-Automatic-Tool-Sensor-Z-Axis-Probe-Sensor-wiring-on-AXBB-e?goto=newpost Thu, 07 May 2026 09:37:01 GMT Hi , help need Automatic Tool Sensor Z Axis Probe Sensor https://tinyurl.com/yu4wk8jj wiring 4 wire on AXBB-e and UCSB with UCCNC Software ... Hi , help need


Automatic Tool Sensor Z Axis Probe Sensor https://tinyurl.com/yu4wk8jj wiring 4 wire on AXBB-e and UCSB with UCCNC Software


Working wiring info, settings or script in UCCNC

Thanks ]]> CNCdrive (UC100, UC300ETH) ICT Avatar https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16077-Automatic-Tool-Sensor-Z-Axis-Probe-Sensor-wiring-on-AXBB-e Tool setter normally closed wiring to AXBB-e with UCSB usig UCCNC https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16076-Tool-setter-normally-closed-wiring-to-AXBB-e-with-UCSB-usig-UCCNC?goto=newpost Wed, 06 May 2026 12:34:54 GMT Hello, need some help wiring 4 pin NC toolsetter (https://tinyurl.com/yu4wk8jj) with AXBB-e with UCSB usig UCCNC any wiring info, settings or... Hello,
need some help wiring 4 pin NC toolsetter (https://tinyurl.com/yu4wk8jj)
with AXBB-e with UCSB usig UCCNC
any wiring info, settings or script

Thanks ]]> CNCdrive (UC100, UC300ETH) ICT Avatar https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16076-Tool-setter-normally-closed-wiring-to-AXBB-e-with-UCSB-usig-UCCNC NEW MEMBER: New to CNC, looking to learn https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16074-New-to-CNC-looking-to-learn?goto=newpost Tue, 05 May 2026 14:51:33 GMT Hi Apart from using a 3D printer my knowledge of CNC is pretty limited. Do have a useful workshop with a Harrison M300, Warco Mill, MIG and TIG... Hi

Apart from using a 3D printer my knowledge of CNC is pretty limited.

Do have a useful workshop with a Harrison M300, Warco Mill, MIG and TIG welders etc so comfortable making things, but electronics and CNC is all new to me

Acquired a Boxford 160TCL and 190VMC with auto tool changer probably 8 years ago but they have been sat under a dust sheet till now.

Intention was to convert both of them to modern electronics but work, DIY/car/van projects keep getting in the way.

I had recently started working on the 190 to understand how it works, give it a clean and get a shopping list together of bits I needed to buy, however, a Boxford 260 VMC turned up locally already converted and this will be my focus with the 190 probably going up for sale
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]]> New Member Introductions Indy4x https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16074-New-to-CNC-looking-to-learn CONVERSION: VMC190 converted to modern electronics, after many years! https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16075-VMC190-converted-to-modern-electronics-after-many-years%21?goto=newpost Tue, 05 May 2026 14:34:08 GMT Recently joined the forum as I have a Boxford 160 TCL and the 190 VMC with auto tool changer. Both have been sat in my workshop for many years and... Recently joined the forum as I have a Boxford 160 TCL and the 190 VMC with auto tool changer. Both have been sat in my workshop for many years and recently started looking at getting the VMC190 converted to modern electronics.

But, a 260 VMC turned up on eBay recently, it was local to me, already converted to use modern electronics and came with a bunch of accessories. Its now mine but does need some cleaning and fettling.

Apart from running a 3D printer, I have no experience of CNC so its going to be a steep learning curve
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]]> Boxford Vertical Mills Indy4x https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16075-VMC190-converted-to-modern-electronics-after-many-years%21 <![CDATA[BUILD LOG: Zero's Build Log - My slow descent into insanity...]]> https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16073-Zero-s-Build-Log-My-slow-descent-into-insanity?goto=newpost Sat, 02 May 2026 10:25:25 GMT Ok,

Thanks for coming to take a look. Not sure if I'll ever reach the end, but I'll at least give it a very good try.

Tiny bit of background... about 6 years ago I decided that building a CNC would be a good idea. After a couple of months, a friend sold me on the idea that I'd get better use out of a CO2 laser. The appeal was instant and the fact that the machine didn't need to be anywhere near as robust helped greatly. It was a pretty big affair, I'd designed it so it could take 1/3 of standard sheet of ply or mdf, and took up a sizable chunk of my garage. It got good use.
Jump forward 6 years and the novelty of my laser has long worn off and I'm now back on the CNC path.

I'm not too sure of the cutting area size I'm after just yet, and that will be decided over the next couple of weeks.

Anyway, I've probably forgotten most of the research I did all those years ago... but it's slowly coming back, please bear with me if I ask inane questions.

Talking of which... 2 To be starting off with.

1. Up to what sort of size machine is it considered OK to use a SFU1204 for the Z axis ballscrew?

2. What are the general feelings on linear rail spacing on the gantry? I've read somewhere that you should be looking for a minimum of 150mm, which seems quite a lot to be honest, well for a smallish machine anyway. Looking at some of the other build logs, specifically the ones that use 9045 extrusions in an L configuration, I can see that that spacing is impossible. So is it just a case of whatever the maximum you can achieve given the design you go for?

Cheers

Chris ]]> DIY Router Build Logs ZeroReciprocity https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16073-Zero-s-Build-Log-My-slow-descent-into-insanity CONVERSION: Dyna Mechatronics DM2800 https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16072-Dyna-Mechatronics-DM2800?goto=newpost Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:13:40 GMT OK, here we go again. You may have seen my last rebuild of a Boxford VMC260 (https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/15971-Boxford-260-VMC-rebuild). I... OK, here we go again. You may have seen my last rebuild of a Boxford VMC260 (https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/1597...60-VMC-rebuild). I thought that would be my final one, but while browsing Facebook Marketplace I came across — and accidentally purchased — a Dyna Myte DM2800 (also known as Dyna Mechatronics DM2800).These machines originated from California in the late 80s to early 90s. They are very heavily built, weighing in at just over 316 kg (690 lbs). As you can see in the attached photos, the machine is well constructed and mechanically in pretty much unused condition. However, it has been partly dismantled and it looks like a small bomb went off in the electrical cabinet.

Good Bits:
The machine is in good overall condition and was originally well made, with some nice features such as 16 mm ball screws supported at both ends. It is also fitted with an auto lubrication system and a 10,000 rpm BT30 spindle.
Decent spindle bearings 3 x 7008 angular contact bearings,

Bad Bits: Low-power brushless DC spindle motor (around 900 W), coupled with a tiny spindle drive belt.
The nice Escap disc stepper motors are coupled to the leadscrews with some really tiny belts!
The whole electrical system needs to be replaced.
Information is really scarce!

My plan of action over the next few months is to replace everything in the electrical cabinet, swapping the current DC spindle drive for a more powerful AC servo motor. All the mechanical parts will be stripped and cleaned.

To be continued.
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]]> mike-f https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16072-Dyna-Mechatronics-DM2800 NEW MEMBER: Hello everyone https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16071-Hello-everyone?goto=newpost Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:43:20 GMT Hello everyone, I’m new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself properly. A couple of years ago, I finished building my own 6040 CNC milling... Hello everyone,

I’m new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself properly. A couple of years ago, I finished building my own 6040 CNC milling machine from the ground up, which has been a really rewarding (and occasionally frustrating) project. The build combines an EC300 board running Remora firmware with LinuxCNC.

Most recently, I’ve been developing an automatic tool changer (ATC) module for my ER20, 2.2 kW spindle. It’s a manual tool change spindle at heart, so the ATC has meant tackling tool retention with the right nut tightening torque, repeatable positioning, and tool length measurement. I’ve been working on integrating a tool setter to automatically pick up tool offsets during changes, aiming for something that’s robust enough to actually use day-to-day rather than just a proof of concept.

The project has ended up being a nice mix of mechanical design, electronics, and control logic. I’m particularly interested in pushing hobby-grade hardware a bit further toward semi-production capability, without losing the flexibility of a custom setup.

Looking forward to learning from others here and hopefully contributing something useful as I keep refining the machine and the ATC system.

Cheers ]]> New Member Introductions Daz https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16071-Hello-everyone ATC module for ER20 spindles https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16070-ATC-module-for-ER20-spindles?goto=newpost Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:21:35 GMT Hello everyone, I have developed an Automated Tool Changer module for ER20 spindles. It works on the impact driver principle and delivers 35Nm or... Hello everyone,

I have developed an Automated Tool Changer module for ER20 spindles. It works on the impact driver principle and delivers 35Nm or more of nut-tightening torque, meeting the ER20 spec. Happy to chat and answer any questions. Let me know what you think.

Here is a video of its operating principle:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eBymr9Z7TvU

And here, when I used it to mill an aluminium vacuum holding plate, doing some decent cuts with an 11mm, 2 flute end mill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH3Ue6h8MHE&t=1s ]]> Daz https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16070-ATC-module-for-ER20-spindles Ballscrew issue https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16069-Ballscrew-issue?goto=newpost Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:43:46 GMT when the y stepper turns in a clockwise direction, im 99% sure this bearing block in making a loud clicking noise. is this repaceable and if so... when the y stepper turns in a clockwise direction, im 99% sure this bearing block in making a loud clicking noise.

is this repaceable and if so how do i remove it?

thanks



]]> Machine Discussion andy_con https://www.mycncuk.com/threads/16069-Ballscrew-issue