I am sold and would buy it now if I could. My only suggestion regarding the 4x8 size is that you mentioned shipping prices. Pass the additional costs to the customer requesting it. I would personally pay for the additional shipping costs to have a 4x8 size. This will open the product up to a larger audiance which is a win for everyone involved.
Been watching the longmill for ages, by the time I have space for a CNC the altmill will definitely be on my short list. Looking forward to seeing how this rolls out. Thanks for your upfront communication of the altmill.
you think about running copper wire threw components to ground everything to reduce static chock.i see alot of ppl have to do that after the fact, would be nice to see done while being made then just run 1 ground wire to ground system.
I was planning on purchasing the MK2 but now I think I’ll wait and see how the altmill develops and at what final price point. The linear blocks are a nicer option. Also would like to have the ability to use a full size router for 1/2” shanks.
4'x2' is a great size for smaller shops. Especially for those that work with hardwoods or aluminum and need the precision of a larger machine, without the larger footprint.
Very interesting project you have. Really wanting to get something beyond my my Open Builds OX. Never got it working reliably, and if I upgrade, I want to get something worth having, not just another hobby machine. But of course also not breaking the bank. Having closed loop steppers will be a game changer. Already have a water cooled spindle, so ready to see this project roll out.
I am either going to buy this if it will come to fruition or another larger stronger machine other than the MK2. Build it and we will purchase. I am ready for an upgrade.
Have a longmill and like the Altmill upgrade coming soon. Might want to think about phased pre purchase options. customers can set up an account and fund it like a saving account and make a withdrawal to buy products.
I like the closed loop steppers , but I have ran into the corner or bumped the gantry which absolutely the machine had lost it's location on my MK1. My solution to remedy this issue without having to re-start the entire G-code over is, as soon as this happens stop the machine. Take note as to what the last line cut was in the g-code. I then raise the z axis and re- center the x & Y axis. My next move is to again using the touch block establish my work piece to the bit. I re-start the G-code, go to the box that tells the G-code where to start and back the initial line up about several lines, then start the program again. If I caught the mistake in time and didn't ruin the work piece, and the work piece is still mounted firmly as it was originally then the machine will start from a line previously from where it was effected and I am off again. I have had to do this several times as I am a beginner and screw up, but I also have learned enough as to how to rectify the error as efficiently as I can to not waste precious time and materials. Thank You Mr. Jason Kent for educating me on the feature in G Send to re-start a project from a specific line. I do in fact want to replace the backlash blocks to the new ones, also I want to add a spindle motor in place of the Makita, I'll explain in a minute, and I now am entertaining possibly up-grading those stepper motors to the closed loop. I love the new machine, but honestly I'm retired and do thigs for myself and have done specific projects for others by request. I can't justify without starting up a business abandoning the MK1 as It does just fine if you stay within it's capabilities. Now that being said with all I've learned and I was starting out again that Altmill would have been my go to machine, no question. I can accomplish quite a lot of different projects if I pay attention to feeds and speeds. Hey I am retired, getting things machined quicker is a plus, but in my case I am in no hurry anymore. Sienci Labs make's fantastic CNC machines at a price that won't crush the bank account. I do not regret in any way purchasing from them my machine. I've always wanted to jump into CNC, the price point coupled with quality and a superb customer service has made my journey rewarding. Maybe in the future things will change and I'll consider upgrading to the Altmill, but for now I am very satisfied with my MK1. In conclusion, If you do a large project which requires a long time to cut the Makita router heats up and the speed control wheel ceases to stay where you put it slowing down the router in progress. That will ruin material and break bits. I did have to purchase a new router from the big orange box store. They all do the same, I can return the unit at the Orange box store no fuss no muss, but I am now on my 6th Makita router. I'd like to eliminate that issue with my machine permanently. Love your machines and dedication to them but please don't forget get us older customers with older machines. There's always things that can be done to make them a little better as we progress in our knowledge and experience.
We hear you! We try our best to keep everyone in mind, while still moving forwards. We're glad Jason was able to help, he's a fantastic resource for our customers. If you need any other help, please get in touch, or check out the Facebook group, the people there are always willing to help too!
Finally. I totally agree with your analysis because I outgrew the 48x30 quite quickly. Will it still use g-sender? Will the controller. Is there a trade up program?
I am just about to purchase the MK2 48x30 beginner kit when I stumbled across this. Now wondering if I should just wait for the Altmill for $600 extra dollars. Decisions… decisions… 🤔💭
i have an mk1 and the 48" upgrade, have not run a SINGLE project without error in an entire year. one of the beams came warped and when I ask to get it replaced I get gaslighted and told to buy a whole new MK2 as they don't sell just the arms...so much for warrenty with these guys. warning buyers!
I am sold and would buy it now if I could. My only suggestion regarding the 4x8 size is that you mentioned shipping prices. Pass the additional costs to the customer requesting it. I would personally pay for the additional shipping costs to have a 4x8 size. This will open the product up to a larger audiance which is a win for everyone involved.
Congrats guys. I am regretting buying a Shapeoko 5 Pro last year. This looks like a hell of a machine.
Thanks for the kind words!
Thanks for the update. Please allow at least 10" on the Z axis. Another thing is to allow an additional 5' on the Y axis for an auto bit changer.
A mount for a full size router that takes 1/2" shank bits would be a great option as well.
I’d love to head to head this against my onefinity
Been watching the longmill for ages, by the time I have space for a CNC the altmill will definitely be on my short list.
Looking forward to seeing how this rolls out.
Thanks for your upfront communication of the altmill.
A drop front to accommodate the Vortex rotary?
I will pre-order if it is available
Would like to see some more altmill projects 😅
Were working on it! coming soon!
you think about running copper wire threw components to ground everything to reduce static chock.i see alot of ppl have to do that after the fact, would be nice to see done while being made then just run 1 ground wire to ground system.
I definitely have interest in this unit.
Great presentation guys
I may be showing my age but I would love for the word "like" to just vanish from our vocabulary
4x4 with table legs sounds great 👍
I was planning on purchasing the MK2 but now I think I’ll wait and see how the altmill develops and at what final price point. The linear blocks are a nicer option. Also would like to have the ability to use a full size router for 1/2” shanks.
Any consideration for a version that will fit the whole heavier duty machine in a sub-4x4 footprint?
4'x2' is a great size for smaller shops. Especially for those that work with hardwoods or aluminum and need the precision of a larger machine, without the larger footprint.
Very interesting project you have. Really wanting to get something beyond my my Open Builds OX. Never got it working reliably, and if I upgrade, I want to get something worth having, not just another hobby machine. But of course also not breaking the bank. Having closed loop steppers will be a game changer. Already have a water cooled spindle, so ready to see this project roll out.
Well hopefully the AltMill fits what you're looking for! Livestream coming up on the 27th!
I totally love the honest sty☺
I think some sort of super light weight cover would be a cool idea. Like a box made out of foam or something like that.
Great looking machine!
I am either going to buy this if it will come to fruition or another larger stronger machine other than the MK2. Build it and we will purchase. I am ready for an upgrade.
Are we going to get a production and shipping update soon?
Have a longmill and like the Altmill upgrade coming soon. Might want to think about phased pre purchase options. customers can set up an account and fund it like a saving account and make a withdrawal to buy products.
We're still working on launch details and more information will come out soon. Thanks for your interest!
If I had the cash I would buy ASAP. For now I'll keep having fun with my MK2 48X30. :)
Hoping to see gantry clearance after waste board install that is greater than LongMills.
I like the closed loop steppers , but I have ran into the corner or bumped the gantry which absolutely the machine had lost it's location on my MK1. My solution to remedy this issue without having to re-start the entire G-code over is, as soon as this happens stop the machine. Take note as to what the last line cut was in the g-code. I then raise the z axis and re- center the x & Y axis. My next move is to again using the touch block establish my work piece to the bit. I re-start the G-code, go to the box that tells the G-code where to start and back the initial line up about several lines, then start the program again. If I caught the mistake in time and didn't ruin the work piece, and the work piece is still mounted firmly as it was originally then the machine will start from a line previously from where it was effected and I am off again. I have had to do this several times as I am a beginner and screw up, but I also have learned enough as to how to rectify the error as efficiently as I can to not waste precious time and materials. Thank You Mr. Jason Kent for educating me on the feature in G Send to re-start a project from a specific line.
I do in fact want to replace the backlash blocks to the new ones, also I want to add a spindle motor in place of the Makita, I'll explain in a minute, and I now am entertaining possibly up-grading those stepper motors to the closed loop. I love the new machine, but honestly I'm retired and do thigs for myself and have done specific projects for others by request. I can't justify without starting up a business abandoning the MK1 as It does just fine if you stay within it's capabilities. Now that being said with all I've learned and I was starting out again that Altmill would have been my go to machine, no question. I can accomplish quite a lot of different projects if I pay attention to feeds and speeds. Hey I am retired, getting things machined quicker is a plus, but in my case I am in no hurry anymore. Sienci Labs make's fantastic CNC machines at a price that won't crush the bank account. I do not regret in any way purchasing from them my machine. I've always wanted to jump into CNC, the price point coupled with quality and a superb customer service has made my journey rewarding. Maybe in the future things will change and I'll consider upgrading to the Altmill, but for now I am very satisfied with my MK1. In conclusion, If you do a large project which requires a long time to cut the Makita router heats up and the speed control wheel ceases to stay where you put it slowing down the router in progress. That will ruin material and break bits. I did have to purchase a new router from the big orange box store. They all do the same, I can return the unit at the Orange box store no fuss no muss, but I am now on my 6th Makita router. I'd like to eliminate that issue with my machine permanently. Love your machines and dedication to them but please don't forget get us older customers with older machines. There's always things that can be done to make them a little better as we progress in our knowledge and experience.
We hear you! We try our best to keep everyone in mind, while still moving forwards. We're glad Jason was able to help, he's a fantastic resource for our customers. If you need any other help, please get in touch, or check out the Facebook group, the people there are always willing to help too!
Finally. I totally agree with your analysis because I outgrew the 48x30 quite quickly. Will it still use g-sender? Will the controller. Is there a trade up program?
Seems like a great product. If i was single I'd have this for my bed frame. 😅
You guys gonna do a trade in trade up process.
I am just about to purchase the MK2 48x30 beginner kit when I stumbled across this. Now wondering if I should just wait for the Altmill for $600 extra dollars. Decisions… decisions… 🤔💭
Can't wait to order one of these, even though I can't really afford or justify it.
Is there any way to get mall screw driven with closed loop stepper motors
i have an mk1 and the 48" upgrade, have not run a SINGLE project without error in an entire year. one of the beams came warped and when I ask to get it replaced I get gaslighted and told to buy a whole new MK2 as they don't sell just the arms...so much for warrenty with these guys. warning buyers!
Is there a way to add crossmembers in the mark 2 to square up the install. Then screw the spoil to that. Otherwise Cant wait for this new machine.
4x4 +plus? Surfacing requires a tad extra.
That's some beefy side plate you've got there
I like to see you guys improve but I just can't help myself with this one.
Alt-Mill; Is that the same thing as Alt-Right?