Build is going very well… and i’ll keep this topic updated as i go.
Started out with a 4x4 machine but decided to change it to a 4x2 which will fit better into our warehouse.
The cable tray is a bit large… so working with Avid to get the correct cable tray for this 4x2 machine.
Fully assembled… now i need to figure out the computer situation. I’ll use my macbook for now if that’s possible… otherwise I may need to hurry up and sort out the monitor arm situation asap.
Just checking…what are your thoughts on the Avid vs. the Onefinity? I currently have a Onefinity Woodworker, but I’m seriously considering “upsizing” to an Avid. Can you/ would you recommend one over the other and why?
ATM i can’t. There are several reasons… but the number one is the controller. I’ve completely fallen for the Masso controller. It is one of the simplest to use controllers i’ve come across.
My Avid uses the UC100 controller. I have some experience with this on the CNC4Newbies HSNC we have in house. We’ve setup our ATC on it but that required a lot more help from C4N than I wanted. I keep running into mental roadblocks regarding that UC100 for some reason.
The Avid is solid… don’t get me wrong. They’ve made some really good choices regarding how they’re utilizing the extrusions in their design. The parts are very over-sized which gives them plenty of rigidity and strength where it’s needed.
My issues all stem back to the controller is all.
They are extremely helpful… so this is purely a personal thing not anything wrong with their machine.
If you have the Onefinity and it’s an Elite… i’d stick with that a bit longer.
Where Onefinity falls short though is related to the capacity of their machine. They don’t have a 4x8 option where Avid does.
Regardless of if your Onefinity is an original with the BB controller or an Elite with the Masso controller, no external computer is required to operate the machine. That can’t be said about the Avid.
Side Note: I understand Avid has released a new control system, but i do not have experience with it and can’t comment.
I hope this is helpful and the information you were looking for. If you have additional questions, ask and i’ll be glad to answer further.
Yes, that is very helpful!! I love my 1F, but am taking on work that will need to run on sheet goods. I’ve been looking at upgrading mine from the original BB to the Masso. When you get your Masso supply, if that’s the plan, will you offer complete system upgrades like on the 1F site, except maybe to include the ATC in the package? I agree, the footprint of my 1F is a little lackluster, but that’s the only issue I have with it right at the moment. Thank you for the quick response.
The plan is to offer the Masso touch in two forms… a vanilla controller which would be the same as ordering it directly from Masso but would ship from here.
The other is our full Conversion Kit. This would be the pre-wired Masso Touch, closed loop steppers with z having a brake, proximity switches, power box, and all needed plug-n-play shielded cables.
The conversion kit is being designed so it can be installed onto any NEMA23 based CNC machine. The main challenge between machines is how the proximity switches will mount considering each machine is different. Another challenge is our steppers have an 8mm shaft and some older machines have 6mm shaft steppers.
Aside from those details it should be “easily” installable onto any brand machine.
I’ve already installed it onto a Shapeoko 5 Pro and gearing up now to install it onto a Shapeoko HDM, Sienci Labs AltMill, as well as my original Onefinity Machinist.
I’m putting it onto the Machinist as i need a smaller machine here on the warehouse floor for our crew to use during PE and ATC motor stress testing.
I love this!!! Definitely following. Would rather buy from you than 1F, simply because you’re “local” to me since I’m in the Fort Smith area.
Once we’re finally moved over to our new warehouse space you should definitely drive up and check it out.
The current space is nice but we are stuffed in here now. The repainted yellow/black pallet racks are a real sight to behold and the 30 3d printers is really impressive.
The new space will be much nicer with a proper break room, larger 3d space, better manufacturing areas as well as a future shop where we’ll be able to run the machines rather than only doing that in my garage as we are now.
Luckily we’l be moved over before it gets too cold… cause i really want to park in my garage again 
and my wife will not be happy if she can’t park in it as well through the winter freeze.
Keep us posted on when the grand re-opening will be and I’ll make it a point to come up and check it out!!
@Daniel i’m curious if you have now upgraded your avid using the Pwn Conversion kit.
I’m planning to get an Avid bench top pro 2x3 bare frame and use the conversion kit. Wondering if this is something you did with your 4x2.
I haven’t upgraded the Avid, instead i’ve decided to sell it as-is.
My particular Avid is NEMA23 and would do very well with the conversion kit though. That’s the primary requirement anyways as they also have NEMA34 motors which our conversion kits don’t offer.
The other tricky part, as with most all conversions and our conversion kit, is how you’re going to be mounting the proximity switches. The kit comes with 2 Y switches, an X and Z. And knowing where or how you’re going to mount them is the trickiest part of any conversion.
After the NEMA23 requirement and how you’re going to couple the screws seeing as our closed loop steppers have an 8mm diameter shaft.
For the mounting, we can possibly help with designing some mounts, but you’ll have to provide a lot of info to make that happen.
For the couplers, we have a good supply of 8mm-to-8mm and 8mm-to-10mm motor couplers, and could order different sizes if something becomes common and makes sense to stock it vs buying form Amazon.
In speaking w avid, they’re happy to provide the 2x3 frame w 8mm couplers which iirc the conversion kit requires. Re proximity sensors this sounds surmountable and a fun design challenge for me to design something.
who else do you think I should be looking at for a frame, other than Avid? I need something smaller than the 2x4 dominator; 2x3 seems almost perfect. Also want ballscrew driven for precision. Appreciate the tall z clearance.
