CNC4Newbie HSNCxxxxRP

About the Machine

The HSNCxxxxRP covers six sizes on one build, described by CNC4Newbie as a ‘PIMPED version’ of the New-Carve with rack-and-pinion drive: 2424 at 26 x 26 x 7 in, 3636 at 38 x 38 x 7 in, 4824 at 50 x 26 x 7 in, 4836 at 50 x 38 x 7 in, 4848 at 50 x 50 x 7 in, and 4896 at 50 x 98 x 7 in (4.5 in clearance below the gantry using a 3/4in MDF wasteboard on all sizes). It runs rack-and-pinion drive on X/Y with an 8mm leadscrew on Z, 15mm square linear bearings on every axis, and 4 stepper motors. It can take a round-body spindle up to 2.2kW, not included; mount options run from 65mm up to 89mm.

Cut Settings on this Machine

Every cut starts with one formula: Feed Rate = Spindle Speed (RPM) x Chip Load x Number of Cutting Edges (flutes). Chip load is the thickness of material each cutting edge removes in one revolution of the bit. This number comes from the manufacturer of the bit, which publishes a chip-load chart for each bit diameter and material. Look up your exact bit and material, start from the middle of the published range, and you have the third number in the formula. The chart below shows the recommended spindle speed for each material and bit type.

If this machine's spindle cannot reach the listed speed, run the spindle at its maximum and control the cut with feed rate. For 65mm trim routers, the DeWalt DW611 dial maps to: 1 = 16,000; 2 = 18,200; 3 = 20,400; 4 = 22,600; 5 = 24,800; 6 = 27,000 RPM.

The HSNCxxxxRP ships without a spindle, so its top RPM depends on whatever unit you mount, up to 2.2kW, check that unit’s own rating plate against the chart rather than assuming a number. Its rack-and-pinion X/Y drive and 15mm square linear bearings on every axis are a step up in rigidity from a plain leadscrew kit, closer to an industrial-style drive train. A truly rigid machine with a powerful spindle can cut as deep as the bit is wide in a single pass, but that takes real spindle torque, a drive train and clamps that hold firm, a gantry that will not flex, and enough mass to soak up vibration. With a suitable spindle mounted, the HSNCxxxxRP can handle more depth per pass than CNC4Newbie’s leadscrew-driven kits, but still build up gradually. Push too deep and the bit deflects and chatters, leaving scalloped edges, or it rubs instead of cutting and burns the material. The fastest way to dial in a cut is to see what has already worked for other people.

Worked example for feed rate: 1/8in (3.175mm) two-flute solid carbide end mill in hard wood. The chart says 16,000 RPM. With the bit maker’s 0.025mm per tooth (0.0010 in): 16,000 x 0.025 x 2 = 800 mm/min (31 in/min) feed. For depth per pass, start shallow and check Community Cut Settings in Easel for what works on the CNC4Newbie HSNCxxxxRP. If the cut sounds strained, reduce the depth, not the feed. Slowing the feed below the chip load makes the bit rub instead of cut.

Community Cut Settings shows the spindle speed, feed rate, and depth per pass other makers actually run for your machine, material, and bit.