We get many questions asking what we recommend in terms of machine, wasteboard, bits, router, software, monitor etc. We’ll try to answer that in this FAQ.
There are more advanced answers (and workarounds) to some of these points, but this is the easiest, general, beginner friendly, answers we can give.
- Machine
Let’s start with the machine. We’d always recommended getting the largest one you can fit. You can always cut smaller pieces on a larger machine, but (generally) you cannot cut larger on a smaller machine. Try to buy your second cnc firstOur largest working area is the Elite Foreman. It has a 48"x48" cutting area. If you can fit it in your work space, this is the best ‘bang for your buck’! https://www.onefinitycnc.com/cnc-machines
Router/Spindle:
You’ll need some way to spin a bit so a router or spindle will be required. Onefinity doesn’t provide either, so you’ll need to source your own. Onefinity supports the Makita router (a 65mm body that fits in the 65mm mount). They are readily available at places like amazon (https://amzn.to/3AT0JtN), Lowes, and home depot.
If you are an advanced user, you can get a vfd/spindle, see more here:
Makita Router vs a Spindle FAQ
-
Frame/Wasteboard
Our machines do not come with a base. The Onefinity was designed to attach to any flat surface. For over a year, every machine was just bolted to a table. In our second year, we released the QCW (quick change wasteboard). This allows users the option to get a ‘all in one’ type of frame. It also has built in t-track slots for easy clamping of material. It makes aligning and setting up the machine a breeze as it’s has a notched mounting system allowing for simple alignment right out of the box. The QCW alone is designed to simply sit on a flat surface. We also have a rolling/folding leg kit that attaches to the QCW. (sold separately). These rolling/folding leg kit provides a very solid stand for your Onefinity. It takes place of the user needing to build or provide a table for the Onefinity machine. With the QCW and rolling/folding leg kit, you can be up and running in less than an hour! The kit is perfect for small shops where having a dedicated space for your CNC isn’t practical, as you can fold up the Onefinity and tuck it into a corner when not in use to gain back your valuable working space.
We’d recommend purchasing the matching QCW and rolling folding leg kit for simplicity and ease of use. The QCW and Rolling folding leg kit is optional and not required for operation of the Onefinity.
If you don’t want to go with t-track or the qcw, our friend Myers Woodshop has created an awesome system for threaded insert wasteboard. Check it out here: Myers Woodshop Wasteboard Fence and Clamps MEGA Pack Every - EtsyQCW: (get the matching size for your machine): https://www.onefinitycnc.com/accessories
Secure from above vs below info: Secure from above vs secure from below
Rolling/Folding leg kit: https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/rolling-folding-stand-leg-kit -
Cable Extensions – If you are planning to move the controller and depending on how your work area is setup, you may need longer cables to connect to the controller. These extensions do just that, extend the wires, they do not replace them. They go between the controller and current wires. You will need a set of cables for each rail. They are sold in packs of 2, so to do the whole machine (that has 4 wire) you will need two 2 packs. We do have 2’ and 4’ options available on our website https://www.onefinitycnc.com/accessories
-
Router
The Onefinity comes standard with a 65mm mount (65mm is the sized hole to accept the router).
The router it was designed to work with the Makita RT0701C Trim Router (North American version). Purchase one here: (Amazon) or (Home Depot)
Other routers can possibly work if they have a 65mm body to fit in the router mount. -
Screen
We feel its best to get a screen with your Onefinity. We sell a 7", 8", and 10" (some may go in and out of stock as inventory permits). We recommend purchasing one of ours with the Onefinity.
We’ve written a pretty extensive faq about screens. Check that out here. What screens can I use with the Onefinity CNC (with a Buildbotics controller) -
Bits
The Onefinity does not come with any bits, but a bit is required for use. We sell many here: https://www.onefinitycnc.com/accessories
We feel a good selection is a 1/4 upcut/downcut endmill, 1/8 upcut/downcut endmill, one v bit, and a ball nose bit. There’s way to many variations to go into great detail here, but the internet has an overwhelming amount of information on bits. -
Dust Boot
Since we’re born from the Suck IT Dust boot, we couldn’t give out recommendations without mentioning dust collection! While you can run your machine without it, we strongly feel the Suck It dust boot is an essential part of the Onefinity CNC. It’s safer for your health and better for your machine to always run with dust collection. You can get one here: https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/onefinity-suckit-dust-boot-basic -
Software
While you do not need a computer to run files on the Onefinity CNC, you will need design software to make those files. We have an extensive write up here: What CAD/CAM software can be used to make gcode files for the Onefinity CNC -
Joypad
The joypad, while not essential, is recommended by most users of the Onefinity CNC. A joypad makes moving the machine much simpler and more elegant. We don’t run our machines in house without oneJoypad will only work with non-elite machines.
You can get one here: https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/onefinity-joystick -
Touchprobe
Just like a joypad, the touch probe is not essential. However, most users of the Onefinity CNC will recommend purchasing it. It makes zeroing your material much easier and more precisive. This is definitely a recommended purchase. You can get it here: https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/onefinity-3-axis-touch-probe -
Laser
Onefinity is one of the few CNC machines to support a laser out of the box. This turns your CNC machine into a laser as well. We recommend a laser to add to your toolbox! You can get one here: https://www.onefinitycnc.com/lasers
While most of the items we’ve listed are not required to use the Onefinity CNC, they definitely make the experience either quicker, more convenient, or more user friendly.
We hope this helps!