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Machine overview

Specification	Value
Bed size (X/Y)	48 x 48" Usable size needs to be verified.
Height (Z)	Needs to be tested and verified.
Spindle rating	2.2 kW
Max spindle speed	24,000 RPM
Collet size	ER20
Max feedrate (non-cutting)	About 200 IPM tried so far. Impossible to know, but would be good to publicly record a "known safe" travel speed for rapids to avoid mishaps due to assumptions.
Host software	For LinuxCNC workflow LinuxCNC 2.7.8 running on Debian 7.9
Electronic platforms	For LinuxCNC workflow MESA 5i25 + 7i76, with HobbyCNC Chopper Driver (rev1)
Stepper motors	Bipolar NEMA 23s with 425 oz-in of torque
Dual Y axis motors	Yes

Core systems

Section	Topics covered
Electromechanical	Specifications, wiring schemas, and mounting solutions for stepper motors and endstops.
Mechanical	Kinematics system, leadscrews, spoilboard, gantry and more.
Spindle, VFD, and coolant system	Spindle specifications, VFD information, coolant pump, tubing, wiring, and more.
Future upgrades	Planned and proposed upgrades for the machine.

Systems specific to LinuxCNC workflow

Section	Topics covered
Electronic control system (LinuxCNC)	Controller board, breakout board(s), and HobbyCNC stepper motor driver
Host machine (PC)	Login information, PC hardware specifications, operating system and introduction to host software.
Mobile control station (LinuxCNC)	2x2x2' wooden box built to securely house all of the LinuxCNC-related "brains" (and some of the "guts") of the CNC, including the PC, driver boards, and coolant pump (and reservoir).

Using the machine

Section	Topics covered
CAD/CAM workflow notes	General information about CAD and CAM packages, with important specific notes on speeds and feeds and preparing designs for LinuxCNC
End mills overview and usage	High-level overview of end mill characteristics, with recommendations for which end mills to use for different materials and strategies.
Running a job (#1): machine setup and checks	How to make sure the machine is ready to use. Includes basic preventative maintenance and making sure that the mobile control station is all connected and powered up.
Running a job (#2): securing workpieces to the spoilboard	Methods for properly (and improperly) attaching workpieces to the spoilboard.
Running a job (#3): loading, preparing and running Gcode with LinuxCNC	How to operate the host machine software in order to interact with the machine. Manual positioning using jogging, loading and running G-code, and more.