Description
How To Select Your Machine:
Please Note: Any machine with a 2650mm Axis is not covered under our flat rate shipping. We will contact you with a shipping quote for the 2650mm extrusion.
Step 1: X-Axis Length
In this step, you are selecting what length you want your X-Axis to be. The X-Axis is the suspended axis with the gantry that moves in the left-to-right direction.
We recommend the X-Axis is 1000mm or 1500mm.
Step 2: Y-Axis Length
In this step, you are selecting what length you want your Y-Axis to be. The Y-Axis is the dual actuator that runs in the front-to-back direction.
If increasing the length of the machine to 2650mm to work on full sheets, we recommend the Y-Axis is the 2650mm length. This is because the Y-Axis is supported along the length by the spoiler board which makes a very strong and sturdy 2650mm axis.
Step 3: X-Axis Transmission
In this step, you are selecting what transmission you want to drive your X-Axis.
Lead Screw is available in 1000mm and 1500mm. Gear Rack is available in 1000mm, 1500mm
We recommend Lead Screw for a 1000mm axis, and Gear Rack for a 1500mm and 2650mm axis.
Step 4: Y-Axis Transmission
In this step, you are selecting what transmission you want to drive your Y-Axis.
Lead Screw is available in 1000mm and 1500mm. Gear Rack is available in 1000mm, 1500mm and 2650mm
We recommend Lead Screw for a 1000mm axis, and Gear Rack for a 1500mm and 2650mm axis.
Step 5: Frame Color
In this step, you are selecting the color of the extrusion. The options are Silver or Black.
If you have a 2650mm axis then only Silver can be chosen.
Step 6: X-Axis C-Beam Extrusion
In this step, you are selecting what C-Beam Extrusion you will install on the X-Axis (left-to-right). The C-Beam Extrusions is the main beam that the gantry runs along.
We recommend C-Beam HEAVY for the X-Axis.
Step 7: Y-Axis C-Beam Extrusion
In this step, you are selecting what C-Beam Extrusion you will install on the Y-Axis (front-to-back). The C-Beam Extrusions is the main beam that the gantry runs along.
We recommend Standard C-Beam for the Y-Axis.
Step 8: Stepper Motor
In this step, you are selecting what Stepper Motor you want to install on the machine. If you are using your own NEMA 23 Stepper Motors you can choose “No Stepper Motor”.
You can choose any motors if you have Standard C-Beam and Lead Screw transmission.
You can only choose No Stepper Motors or High Torque Stepper Motors if you have C-Beam HEAVY or Gear Rack transmission.
Step 9: Cable Management System
In this step, you are choosing if you want to add a Cable Management System to your machine.
If you do not want to add a Cable Management System you can continue without selecting one.
We recommend adding the Cable Drag Chains
Step 10: Electronic System
In this step you are selecting the Electronic System you would like to run your machine.
If you are using your own you can add just the cables, or choose not to add any.
We recommend the xPRO V5.
Step 11: Spindle / Router Mount
In this step, you are selecting a Spindle or Router Mounting Bracket.
If you are using your own router you can get just the bracket. You can continue without selecting an option.
Step 12: Touch Probe
In this step, you are selecting a type of Touch Probe.
You can continue without selecting an option.
Step 13: Review and Purchase
This is the last stage of the selector. Here you review your chosen options as well as the price of the components. You can go back and edit the options you have selected.
NOTE: If you go back and edit the options then you will need to go through the following steps again as the available options may have changed.
If you have any questions along the way!
Email: team@makerstore.cc
Phone: (513) 760-6253
What is a Mechanical Kit?
The mechanical kit is the foundation of your CNC Machine. A mechanical kit includes all the mechanical components needed to build your CNC Machine; All the screws, nuts, wheels, plates, washers, etc. A Mechanical Kit is undoubtedly a perfect choice if you plan on bringing your own CNC Controller, Stepper Motors, or other Electronics. CNC Add-Ons Packs are required to complete a CNC Machine. These Add-ons include the electronic system that will control the machine, cable management, and the tool that will be mounted to the machine.
About the WorkBee V3
The WorkBee CNC Machine was originally designed by Ryan Lock of Ooznest UK. It is a strong, accurate and easy assemble CNC machine. This WorkBee V3 is the Maker Hardware kit based on the popular WorkBee CNC Machine design. The Maker Hardware WorkBee V3 CNC is an upgrade to our WorkBee V2.2. This new Version 3 model is heavily modified to achieve better results. It is important to note that the new upgrade is VERY different to the Ooznest or other manufacturer’s models. The Maker Hardware WorkBee V3 has two interchangeable transmission systems allowing for a high level of customisation as well as axis compatibility with up to 2.65m in length, allowing for full timber sheets to be worked on!
The WorkBee V3 is incredibly simple to assemble and is suitable for milling wood, foam, plastic, soft metals and more. The WorkBee V3 CNC Machine is a 4-axis (3 + 1) machine, this means there are 3 physical axes (X, Y, Z) and a slave axis of Y which is called the A-Axis.
This is a perfect router for the hobby woodworker who wants to get into CNC woodworking. The WorkBee V3 is easily customised and adaptable, all parts of the machine are generic and modular encouraging additions and alterations after the initial mechanical build. Every WorkBee is packed with off-the-shelf parts, every part is available individually from Maker Store.
The WorkBee is our most customisable CNC machine and can be supplied in almost any size imaginable. If the application requires a cutting area of larger than 1.5m the WorkBee V3 is our solution.
About the Tool Mounted to the Machine
The WorkBee V3 Z-Axis is designed to carry up to 5kg. This is perfectly suited for Lasers, Plasma Torches and most Routers and Trimmers (Makita, Dewalt, Bosch etc..).
As well to the tools mentioned above, the WorkBee V3 is designed to mount the Spindles we offer;
All 400W Spindles, 800W Spindles and 1.5kW Er11 Air-Cooled Spindles which generally weigh between 1-4kg are perfectly suited to the machine.
Approximate Cutting Area (mm)Different types of limit switches and other components may affect the working area |
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| Machine Size (mm) | X-Axis | Y-Axis |
Z-Axis (With 12mm Wasteboard) |
Machine Footprint (not including motors) |
| X-Axis: 1000 Y-Axis: 1000 |
800 | 820 | 110 | 1000 x 1000 |
| X-Axis: 1000 Y-Axis: 1500 |
800 | 1320 | 110 | 1000 x 1500 |
| X-Axis: 1500 Y-Axis: 1000 |
1300 | 820 | 110 | 1500 x 1000 |
| X-Axis: 1500 Y-Axis: 1500 |
1300 | 1320 | 110 | 1500 x 1500 |
| X-Axis: 1000 Y-Axis: 2650 |
800 | 2470 | 110 | 1000 x 2650 |
| X-Axis: 1500 Y-Axis: 2650 |
1300 | 2470 | 110 | 1500 x 2650 |
The WorkBee has two different transmission systems available
1: Lead Screw Transmission System
Lead Screw machines are designed to achieve high-resolution levels and great repeatability. It also requires little ongoing maintenance, with nut-blocks often having a functional life of longer than 3 years if the machine is taken care of. Lead Screw transmission combined with a bipolar stepper motor has a resolution of 0.04mm without any microstepping settings. Considering 1/4 set in your microstepping settings, the same Lead Screw can provide 0.01mm resolution.
All of our Lead Screws are specialised ACME thread TR8x8(P2), in basic terms, this means one revolution of the Lead Screw will make nut-block travel four times further than a standard threaded rod which is only a single start. Furthermore, this precision trapezoidal (metric) lead screws’ pitch and diameter are a perfect combination of high torque and speed.
While you can select whether or not you want Lead Screws on the X and Y-Axis on the WorkBee V3, the Z-axis is equipped with a Lead Screw Transmission System as the only option for two reasons:
1. Low speed and high resolutions are required for most applications such as Lasers, Plasmas, CNC and 3D printers.
2. The Lead Screw needs tangential force to cause motion and with this characteristic, your spindle will hold in place when the motors aren’t energised
| Microstepping | Lead Screw Tr8x8(P2) |
| Full | 0.040mm |
| 1/2 | 0.020mm |
| 1/4 | 0.010mm |
| 1/8 | 0.005mm |
| 1/16 | 0.003mm |
| 1/32 | 0.001mm |
2: Rack and Pinion Transmission System
The MOD1.0 Internal Gear Rack was designed right here in-house at Maker Store. Our Gear Racks are designed specifically to allow for continuous lengths by butt-joining multiple racks in succession. With this feature, there is almost no limit to how long your axis can be!
The Internal Gear Rack is designed to slide inside the channel of our V-Slot Linear Rail and works with all our different V-Slot profiles. Along the X and Y-Axis, the WorkBee can benefit from the stronger C-Beam Extrusion, which also helps to keep the gear hidden away from dust. The Stepper Motor is attached to a specially designed plate that is installed spring-loaded and mounted to keep the right amount of tension between the Gear and the Rack.
Module 1.0 Gear Resolution table:
| Microstepping Note: We generally recommend 1/8 |
Gear Size | |||
| 16T (Used in the WorkBee V3) | 20T | 32T | 40T | |
| FULL | 0.25mm | 0.31mm | 0.50mm | 0.63mm |
| 1/2 | 0.13mm | 0.16mm | 0.25mm | 0.31mm |
| 1/4 | 0.06mm | 0.08mm | 0.13mm | 0.16mm |
| 1/8 | 0.03mm | 0.04mm | 0.06mm | 0.08mm |
| 1/16 | 0.02mm | 0.02mm | 0.03mm | 0.04mm |
| 1/32 | 0.01mm | 0.01mm | 0.02mm | 0.02mm |
Note: The 1.0 Gear Resolution Table is based on a bipolar Stepper motor (200 steps/rev).
Expanding The Working Area To Do Full Sheets
| A key feature of our new Maker Hardware WorkBee V3 is the newly designed system which allows the machine to be built large enough to work on full sheets of timber. Both the Y-Axis and the X-Axis can be installed up to 2650mm in length. We generally recommend installing the 2650mm axis on your Y-Axis and installing your X-Axis as 1500mm which will allow you to work on full sheets. The reason for this is the Y-Axis spoiler board supports change for a machine larger than 1500mm. For a 2650mm Y-Axis, the spoiler board supports are transversal meaning they are secured to each Y-Axis C-Beam along the length of the Y-Axis which makes for a very strong and secure Y-Axis while also making several supporting beams for the workpiece to be placed on.
If installing a 2650mm X-Axis, we highly recommend upgrading the X-Axis C-Beam extrusion to our C-Beam HEAVY extrusion. |
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On a larger Y-Axis, the Internal Gantry Plate and the second row of wheels are removed to allow spoiler board supports to be secured between each Y-Axis C-Beam so that the axis is supported along its entire length rather than suspended from each side as in the smaller machine design. The WorkBee V3 has built on this tried-and-tested reliable design while also strengthening the X and Z-Axis so that Spindles can be mounted to the machine in place of standard routers as in our Ox-GEAR. The new WorkBee V3 has become our recommended “Full Sheet Working” machine while staying a fraction of the cost of other machines on the market that can achieve full sheet working areas. |
Key New FeaturesWhile there are so many different features, below are some of the Key Features that are new on the WorkBee V3. |
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Y-Axis Plates for Interchangeable Transmission System |
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The new WorkBee V3 Y-Axis Plate design allows interchangeability between two distinct transmission systems. You can easily build your machine to be Rack & Pinion or Lead Screw & Nut Block Transmission System.
The Lead Screw & Nut Block transmission is compatible with the Y-Axis length of 1000mm and 1500mm. Lead Screws are best used on a 1000mm Axis. A Lead Screw & Nut Block transmission offers a strong and accurate transmission while having very little ongoing maintenance required. The Gear Rack and Pinion transmission is compatible with any Y-Axis length, it can even be installed on a 2.65-meter Y-Axis! We generally recommend Gear Rack and Pinion transmission for a 2650mm Y-Axis. Gear Rack and Pinion transmission allow for higher speeds to be achieved with no loss in accuracy. With both systems being able to be installed onto the Y-Axis Plates, upgrading the length and transmission of your Y-Axis, later on, is very easily achieved due to the modular nature of our hardware. |
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X-Axis Plates for Interchangeable Transmission System |
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| Similar to the Y-Axis Plates, the new WorkBee V3 X-Axis Plate design allows interchangeability between two distinct transmission systems. You can easily build your machine to be Rack & Pinion or Lead Screw & Nut Block Transmission System.
Lead Screw & Nut Block is best used on a 1000mm Axis. A Lead Screw & Nut Block transmission offers a strong and accurate transmission while having very little ongoing maintenance required. Gear Rack and Pinion transmission is generally recommended for 1500mm Axis. If installing a 2.65-meter X-Axis it is best to pair the Gear Rack system with our C-Beam HEAVY over such a long suspended length. |
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X-Axis and Y-Axis Length Up To 2.65 Meters |
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Both the Y-Axis and the X-Axis can be installed up to 2650mm in length. This is such a huge leap forward in this class of CNC Routers as it now allows full timber sheets to be worked on with no more tiling!
The best “Full Sheet” machine configuration in our opinion is a 2650mm Y-Axis with Standard C-Beam and a 1500mm X-Axis with C-Beam HEAVY. We recommend choosing the Y-Axis to be the 2650mm axis because the spoiler board extrusions are installed in a transversal manner so that they secure the Y-Axis along the length which makes for a very strong and secure Y-Axis. With this design standard C-Beam is perfect for the application, C-Beam HEAVY is not necessarily required on the 2650mm Y-Axis (but it sure is tough when installed!) When installing a 2650mm X-Axis we strongly recommend upgrading the X-Axis C-Beam to C-Beam HEAVY. The reason for this is the X-Axis sits suspended from each end between each Y-Gantry Plate where it is secured. Over a 2650mm length, the standard C-Beam may ‘flex’ or ‘twist’ if a heavier spindle. If installing a 2650mm X-Axis we recommend a smaller tool such as a Laser, Plasma Torch, Router/Trimmer or Light Spindle (such as the 400W, 800W). |
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C-Beam End Plates |
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| The End Plates that are mounted to the ends of the C-Beam Extrusion on the Y-Axis have been changed from unique WorkBee Plates to our new Standardised C-Beam End Mount Plates designed to mount to C-Beam and C-Beam HEAVY profiles.
This small but simple change makes the WorkBee more modular in design by using more off-the-shelf parts instead of unique parts. This helps keep the WorkBee V3 End Plates in line with other C-Beam-based CNC Machines such as the Lead CNC, C-Beam Machine, C-Beam XL and MiniMill. |
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Strong M8 Hardware On Weight Bearing Wheels |
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The top rows of V-Wheels on both the Y-Axis and the X-Axis have been upgraded to use M8 Screws and larger bearings inside the wheels.
The weight load and downward forces of the machine are placed on the top rows of wheels, with the bottom rows of wheels in place to adjust tension. For this reason, the top rows of wheels have been upgraded to a larger stronger screw series. By upgrading the top rows of wheels from M5 hardware to M8 hardware a stronger axle is created. This is a great and effective improvement to increase the rigidity of the assembly while also reducing ‘flex’ in the assembly. |
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Z-Axis with MGN 15 Rails and Bearings |
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MGN Rails are a low-profile version of the well-known HGR rails. The New Z-Axis uses High-Quality MGN Series Linear Rails and MGN15C Bearings. This combination of rail and bearings offers high rigidity and precision accuracy in linear motion. Used in 3d Printing, CNC Machining, Robotics, Measuring Equipment and linear motion actuators.
The WorkBee V3 takes advantage of the low-profile MGN rails that are responsible for keeping the centre of gravity as close as possible to the X-Axis gantry. This simple “trick” mitigates the X-Axis from twisting and causes less stress on the Y-Axis wheels. |
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Cap Head Screws – Also known as Socket Head Screws |
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| The WorkBee V3 has upgraded any screw that does not need to have the Low Profile Head to the Stronger Cap Head Screw.
This simple upgrade makes the assembly of the machine much easier as it minimises the risk of stripping the head of the screw. |
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Jaw Couplings |
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Jaw Couplings have been used to connect all Stepper Motors to Lead Screws.
Jaw Couplings are stronger and longer-lasting by design when compared to their Flexible Coupling cousins. Jaw Couplings are more precise in acceleration and deceleration. Jaw Couplings have less backlash than Flexible Couplings. |
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Lead Screw Tensioning Nut |
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| The WorkBee V3 has upgraded the outer locking collars that hold tension on the lead screw to the new Lead Screw Tensioning Nuts.
This specially designed nut when installing a Lead Screw in tension helps reduce Lead Screw ‘whip’ which occurs in Lead Screws with lengths greater than 1000mm. Installing the nut onto a Lead Screw helps ensure your machine runs smoothly at higher feed rates. |
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Cable Management System
When wiring up a CNC Machine, even a simple CNC machine, there will be a lot of cable runs that are needed for all the components of the electronic system. These cables will quickly start getting in the way of moving parts and if there is no cable management there is a serious risk of damaging cables which can be extremely unsafe when the CNC machine is operating.
Simply cable tying the cables to your frame will not work because the CNC machine axis is constantly moving, so the cables too must move with the axis.
Cable Drag Chains are a solution to cable management. When it comes to cable drag chains, if you have the space for them, the larger the better. It is easier to feed a new cable through a larger drag chain than it is trying to force a cable through an already full smaller drag chain. Cable Drag Chains very quickly fill up with the numerous cables that are running around the CNC Machine.
Our 15x30mm Cable Drag Chains have each link able to be opened up, this is an incredibly useful feature the smaller drag chains do not have. Drag chains can be shortened or lengthened by simply removing or joining links of the chain.
Electronic System
When it comes to deciding on an electronic system to control your CNC machine there are many opinions on the options to choose from and researching these can lead you down a rabbit hole. However, a great place to start is with the software. The choice of software to control your machine will dictate the options available for electronic hardware. To read more about Electronic Systems please read here.
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This electronics bundle contains all the required electronics to operate the CNC machine. The only part you need to bring is a computer. The xPRO V5 Motion Control System is our easiest to set up and learn and most user-friendly electronic control system. |
High Torque GRBL System
This electronics bundle is the most flexible and adaptable CNC control system we offer. This system does take a bit more to set up, but can be adapted and changed to suit a vast range of different applications. |
Spindle / Router Mount
A Spindle/Router Mounting Bracket is the best choice if you are using a standard Makita/Dewalt/Bosch router. Check the diameter of your router before choosing the size.
The 400W Air Cooled Spindle is a DC motor similar to a router. These spindles are relatively safe to use and run on 48VDC. If a fault condition ever occurs no serious harm will come to the user. Small spindles such as this can perform the same cuts and run times as a standard router. The run-out for the 400W Spindle is generally more accurate that a router.
The 1.5kW Air Cooled Spindle is a 3-phase motor that uses 220VAC+ per phase through electrical windings at a high frequency to rotate a shaft. Generally, spindles require the user to terminate the wires to each phase in a connector. Terminating wires can be quite difficult for an individual who does not have the experience or skills in delicate soldering. Care must be taken when terminating a spindle connector to ensure there is no short circuit between phases or earth. Spindles have a conductive metallic housing which is incredibly dangerous if exposed to a voltage above 50VAC. The 1.5kW Air Cooled Spindle will run significantly quieter than routers. The runout is also considerably low and becoming ‘bogged’ or stuck while moving through materials during a cut is incredibly difficult and almost non-existent. The powerful 3-phase spindles are designed to run non-stop for hours at a time.
Touch Probe
There are two options when selecting a Touch Probe. One is a simple touch probe used for correctly offsetting the Z Height from the workpiece before beginning a job. The other option is an XYZ Touch Probe that is used to accurately set the 0, 0, 0 coordinate of the workpiece before beginning a job.
CREDITS:
The New Maker Hardware WorkBee V3 is substantially different to all other WorkBee models as well as the predecessors before it. The machine was inspired by the Lead CNC, the Ox-GEAR, and the earlier WorkBee models. Without these previous machines that came before the WorkBee V3, the machine would not be possible.
- The WorkBee V3 Pates were designed by Maker Store Australia. This design allowed for a gear rack and pinion transmission system on the X-Axis and Y-Axis.
- The Internal MOD 1.0 Gear Rack was designed by Maker Store Australia
- Ox-GEAR CNC and Ox V4 CNC were designed by Maker Store Australia
- C-Beam HEAVY was designed by Maker Store Australia
- Ox V1 (belt) was designed by OpenBuilds USA
- C-Beam was designed by OpenBuilds USA
- WorkBee V1 was originally designed by Ooznest UK
Please note the Maker Store WorkBee V3 is heavily customised and upgraded to the original design by Ooznest. WorkBee V3 is different to all other company’s “WorkBee Variants”.
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