A CNC newbie here still exploring builds.
Is it possible to add a 4th and 5th axis to the ox?
If not, are there any known builds/kits in which a 4th and 5th axis can be added?
Not that I know of, the z axis clearance is not big enough to add a forth axis.
@SuperCharger619 while investigating, look into what software you will drive this with.
I always planned on having at least a manually indexed 4th axis on myOX to work on faces of a large work piece. Although I have not reached that level to date …
The table top has a trap to open and allow larger work pieces to hang below where the work surface would normally be. This would allow myOX to work on the top few inches of each face, the rotation point set according to the block size.
As planned, I could work pieces as large as 20" per side, limited by the opening in table.
To motorized all axis, one would need a controller which would drive at least 5 steppers : 1 for Z, 1 for X, 2 for Y (the gantry for myOX) and at least 1 for the added 4th axis. I would use two for added strength / torque if movements need to be fast and precise since it would move the entire work piece.
One could have a CNC lathe type set up by converting the 2 Y steppers to rotate the work piece instead of moving the gantry back and forth … the gantry/bridge would have to held fixed for this mode.
For 5 axis machine, the trick is finding the g-code generator at affordable price. A few options exist (see 5axis kick starter from a year or so ago for free code ex.)
So you are saying the g-code was freeware at one point (may still be)
@SuperCharger619 you could write gcode by hand if you wanted :). Tho CAM software to do this can range in price. I personally use Fusion360 since it’s free for hobbyists, Aspire seems to be popular as well tho cost $$$
Any feedback on the pilotpro series as they have the option to add a 4th and 5th axis
Hey James what kind of CNC setup do you have
@SuperCharger619 Their web site is http://www.5axismaker.com/software/# which still offers the scripts. The catch is that these scripts are for Rhino, which itself might not be in budget. Fusion360 remains free, for now, for hobbyist … Here is an article, from 2015, from CNCcookbook on the options (back then) : http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2015/08/03/it-finally-happened-5-axis-cnc-for-the-diy-and-maker/ Affordable solutions are surfacing in the last couple of years.
Serge, what type of setup do you have running
I’m personally running a Ooznest OX with a Ethernet Smooth Stepper and a C62 Breakout Board (from CNC4PC).
Wow… Clean, any thoughts on a machine I could add 4/5th axis on?
@SuperCharger619 myOX is a large OX based design with the cutting area being 20.5" (Y) and 52" (X). Z is a good 2.5" (able to surface the thick oak slab) working height although I have about 6" of travel (whn table top is removed. I have to make my gantry and Z assembly more sturdy and/or use shallow depth of cut for 3d work.
I have not moved ahead with my 4th axis (even manual indexing), I’m mostly doing through cuts at this stage of 3/4" stock or thinner.
The saga is detailed at http://openbuilds.org/builds/myox-a-4-x-2-ox-cnc-with-potential.915/