Description
How To Select Your OutBack CNC Kit:
Step 1: Mechanical Frame Size
In this step you are selecting what frame size you want your CNC Machine to be.
Step 2: Stepper Motor
In this step you are selecting what Stepper Motor you want to install on the machine. If you are using your own Nema23 Stepper Motors you can choose “No Stepper Motor”.
We recommend using our Stepper Motors.
Step 3: Cable Management System
In this step you are choosing if you want to add a Cable Management System to your machine.
If you do not want to add a Cable Management System you can continue without selecting one.
We recommend adding the Cable Drag Chains
Step 4: Electronic System
In this step you are selecting the Electronic System you would like to run your machine.
If you are using your own you can add just the cables, or choose not to add any.
We recommend the xPRO V5 or the E5X MCS.
Step 5: Spindle / Router Mount
In this step you are selecting a Spindle or Router Mounting Bracket.
If you are using your own router you can get just the bracket. You can continue without selecting an option.
Step 6: Touch Probe
In this step you are selecting a type of Touch Probe.
You can continue without selecting an option.
Step 7: End Mill Starter Set
In this step you are selecting an End Mill Starter Set. These sets are great general purpose sets.
You can continue without selecting an option
8: Review and Purchase:
This is the last stage of the selector. Here you review your chosen options as well as the price of the components. You can go back and edit the options you have selected.
NOTE: If you go back and edit the options then you will need to go through the following steps again as the available options may have changed.
If you have any questions along the way!
Email: sales@makerstore.com.au
Phone: 03 9005 1160
Via Live Chat
About the OutBack CNC Kit
The OutBack has upgraded the motion system on all axes from our tried and tested wheel system to heavy-duty HGR and MGN linear rails with recirculating ball bearing sliders. The HGH15CA Bearing is commonly seen on larger automation systems and CNC Machines with heavy-duty linear actuators. By securing steel linear rails to the aluminium extrusion, as well as replacing roller wheels with recirculating captive bearings, the rigidity and overall dynamic strength of the OutBack CNC model have been immensely increased.
The OutBack CNC also has an upgrade to the X-Axis and Y-Axis C-Beam Extrusions to our famous C-Beam HEAVY, which has a 72% improvement when compared to a standard C-Beam under the same conditions.
The OutBack CNC is designed to be capable of machining wood and soft metals with a heavier, more powerful spindle. Deformation and chatter are minimised with the improvement of the C-Beam HEAVY extrusion paired with the installation of steel linear rails.
Your choice of spindle
The Spindle weight and size were a key scope that was addressed when designing the OutBack CNC. The OutBack Z-Axis is designed to carry up to 9kg. This is perfectly suited for a range of Spindles as well as Lasers, Plasma Torches and most Routers and Trimmers (Makita, Dewalt, Bosch etc…). When using a Router/Trimmer we generally recommend the worktime to be up to 1.5 hours continuously running.
1.5kW Er11 Air-Cooled Spindles which generally weigh between 1-4kg are great additions to the OutBack CNC. A larger 1.5kW Er16 Air Cool Spindle is recommended as the weight is well within the OutBack CNC’s limit, and the larger ER16 Collet Size allows for more tools and bits to be used. When using an Air-Cooled Spindle we generally recommend the worktime to be 5-8 hours continuously running or 3 hours if the environmental temperature is above 35°C. We do not recommend running the Air Cooled Spindle if the environmental temperature is above 40°C.
The 1.5kW Water-Cooled Spindle and 2.2kW Water-Cooled Spindle are suitable on the OutBack CNC. With the Er20 Collet size offered in the 2.2kW Spindle an even larger range of tools can be used including large surfacing bits. With the introduction of a Water-Cooled system, the continuous running time of the Spindle can be increased. In a basic system with no radiator, the continuous running time is generally recommended to be up to 8 hours. If the environmental temperature is high, or the continuous running time is longer than 8 hours we recommend installing a radiator with a fan to the cooling system to assist in cooling the water more. With a radiator installed and other components, such as a fan and a larger reservoir, the spindle can (in theory) run continuously.
Approximate Cutting Area (mm) |
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Foot Print |
1000×1000 | 1000×1500 | 1500×1000 | 1500×1500 |
| X-Axis | 775 | 775 | 1275 | 1275 |
| Y-Axis | 815 | 1315 | 815 | 1315 |
| Z-Axis (With 12mm Spoiler Board) |
135 | 135 | 135 | 135 |
On the Y-Axis you can also subtract the radius of your Tool
Key New FeaturesBelow are some of the Key Features of the OutBack CNC. |
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HGR Linear Rail on Y-Axis and X-Axis |
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Both the X-Axis and the Y-Axis use HGR Linear Rail for their motion system.
The HGR Rail is made from strong steel and is secured along the length of the aluminium extrusion which creates a very rigid actuator. Chatter when working on composites and metals is reduced with the installation of the steel rails. Another feature of the HGHCA Bearing Blocks is the high deflection tolerance. This allows for heavier weight and larger force to be applied to the moving gantry on the machine which in turn allows the machine to use a heavier tool such as a 2.2kW Water Cooled Spindle. |
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Increased Working Height |
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| The working height on the OutBack CNC has a working height of 150mm or approximately 135mm if a 12mm base-board is installed. The taller height is achieved without accuracy loss due to the strong X to Z mating and linear rail being used on both the X-Axis and Z-Axis. |
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C-Beam HEAVY |
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| Our famous C-Beam HEAVY is installed on the X-Axis and Y-Axis. This upgraded extrusion makes the entire machine significantly stronger, especially in the X-Axis.
X-Axis ‘twist’ that is experienced on 1500mm X-Axis that has a heavy 2.2kW Water Cooled Spindle is reduced with the installation of the thicker C-Beam HEAVY with a 72% improvement when compared to a standard C-Beam when inputted into a computer simulation to determining machine deformation under different forces and loads. |
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Spoiler Board Design |
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The OutBack CNC uses a new Spoiler Board design that secures the two Y-Axis actuators together in 5 places on a 1000mm length and 7 places on a 1500mm length. This makes the Y-Axis incredibly rigid under heavier loads.
Another great feature of the Spoiler Board design is it secures the baseboard along the entire length and makes it easier to hold down the baseboard which is particularly helpful if working with composites or metals. |
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Slimline Z-Axis with MGN 15 Rails and Bearings |
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MGN Rails are a low-profile version of the well-known HGR rails. The New Z-Axis uses High-Quality MGN Series Linear Rails and MGN15C Bearings. This combination of rail and bearings offers high rigidity and precision accuracy in linear motion.
The OutBack CNC takes advantage of the low-profile MGN rails that are responsible for keeping the centre of gravity as close as possible to the X-Axis gantry. This simple “trick” mitigates the X-Axis from twisting and causes less stress on the Y-Axis wheels. |
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Cap Head Screws – Also known as Socket Head Screws |
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| The OutBack CNC has upgraded any screw that does not need to have the Low Profile Head to the Stronger Cap Head Screw.
This simple upgrade makes the assembly of the machine much easier as it minimises the risk of stripping the head of the screw. |
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Jaw Couplings |
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Jaw Couplings have been used to connect all Stepper Motors to Lead Screws.
Jaw Couplings are stronger and longer-lasting by design when compared to their Flexible Coupling cousins. Jaw Couplings are more precise in acceleration and deceleration. Jaw Couplings have less backlash than Flexible Couplings. |
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Lead Screw Tensioning Nut |
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| The OutBack CNC has upgraded the outer locking collars that hold tension on the lead screw to the new Lead Screw Tensioning Nuts.
This specially designed nut when installing a Lead Screw in tension helps reduce Lead Screw ‘whip’ which occurs in Lead Screws with lengths greater than 1000mm. Installing the nut onto a Lead Screw it helps ensure your machine runs smoothly at higher feed rates. |
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Lead Screw Transmission System
Lead Screw machines are designed to achieve high-resolution levels and great repeatability. It also requires little ongoing maintenance, with nut-blocks often having a functional life of longer than 3 years if the machine is taken care of. Lead Screw transmission combined with a bipolar stepper motor has a resolution of 0.04mm without any microstepping settings. Considering 1/4 set in your microstepping settings, the same Lead Screw can provide 0.01mm resolution.
All of our Lead Screws are specialised ACME thread TR8x8(P2), in basic terms, this means one revolution of the Lead Screw will make the nut-block travel four times further than a standard threaded rod which is only a single start. Furthermore, this precision trapezoidal (metric) lead screws’ pitch and diameter are a perfect combination of high torque and speed.
| Microstepping | Lead Screw Tr8x8(P2) – Calculated Resolution |
| Full | 0.040mm |
| 1/2 | 0.020mm |
| 1/4 | 0.010mm |
| 1/8 | 0.005mm |
| 1/16 | 0.003mm |
| 1/32 | 0.001mm |
Cable Management System
When wiring up a CNC Machine, even a simple CNC machine, there will be a lot of cable runs that are needed for all the components of the electronic system. These cables will quickly start getting in the way of moving parts and if there is no cable management there is a serious risk of damaging cables which can be extremely unsafe when the CNC machine is operating.
Simply cable tying the cables to your frame will not work because the CNC machine axis is constantly moving, so the cables too must move with the axis.
Cable Drag Chains are a solution to cable management. When it comes to cable drag chains, if you have the space for them, the larger the better. It is easier to feed a new cable through a larger drag chain than it is trying to force a cable through an already full smaller drag chain. Cable Drag Chains very quickly fill up with the numerous cables that are running around the CNC Machine.
Our 15x30mm Cable Drag Chains have each individual link able to be opened up, this is an incredibly useful feature the smaller drag chains do not have. Drag chains can be shortened or lengthened by simply removing or joining links of the chain.
OutBack CNC Kit Electronic System
When it comes to deciding on an electronic system to control your CNC machine there are many opinions on the options to choose from and researching these can lead you down a rabbit hole. However, a great place to start is with the software. The choice of software to control your machine will dictate the options available for electronic hardware. To read more about Electronic Systems please read here
Our Recommendation:
The E5X MCS T4.1 is Maker Store’s most recommended CNC Controller for all CNC enthusiasts. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, E5X MCS is the right choice for your application.
The E5X MCS T4.1 is an Ethernet-controlled 5-axis Motion Control System based on Teensy 4.1 that has been designed and is certified Australian made.
It is an easy-to-use and powerful CNC motion control system capable of controlling 5-axis CNC machines. As CNC machines evolve, there is a great demand for high-performance CNC controllers such as the E5X MCS.
The E5X is a powerful 32-bit CNC controller, running on grblHAL firmware which is fast becoming the firmware of choice for CNC control due to increased functionality and added features, far superseding the current 8-bit CNC controllers running on the standard grbl or grbl esp32. Depending on the user’s requirements, E5X MCS can be connected via a USB or ethernet interface.
The layout of E5X MCS has been designed with ease of use and practicality in mind with inputs and outputs easily accessible via secure and pluggable connectors. The E5X MCS is pre-configured and is ready to use right out of the box.
Other Options:
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This electronics bundle contains all the required electronics to operate the CNC machine. The only part you need to bring is a computer. The xPRO V5 Motion Control System is our easiest to set up and learn and most user-friendly electronic control system. |
AXBBE
The AXBB-E is a CNC controller that is very popular in the CNC industry due to its reliability and feature-rich interface. Moreover, its flexibility makes it popular among both hobbyists and professionals. |
| CNC Cable Pack
This cable pack contains all the necessary cables for controlling 4 Stepper Motors and 3 Limit Switches. We use these in our Cable Bundles and Electronics Bundles. This is a perfect choice if you are using your own Electronics. |
CNC BYO The CNC BYO is the perfect solution if you are bringing your own CNC Controller that runs off 24V and your own stepper drivers. |
Spindle / Router Mount
A Spindle/Router Mounting Bracket is the best choice if you are using a standard Makita/Dewalt/Bosch router. Check the diameter of your router before choosing the size.
The 400W Air Cooled Spindle is a DC motor similar to a router. These spindles are relatively safe to use and run on 48VDC. If a fault condition ever occurs no serious harm will come to the user. Small spindles such as this can perform the same cuts and run times as a standard router. The run out for the 400W Spindle is generally more accurate than a router.
The 1.5kW Air Cooled Spindle is a 3 phase motor that uses 220VAC+ per phase through electrical windings at high frequency to rotate a shaft. Generally, spindles require the user to terminate the wires to each phase in a connector. Terminating wires can be quite difficult for an individual who does not have the experience or skills in delicate soldering. Care must be taken when terminating a spindle connector to ensure there is no short circuit between phases or earth. Spindles have a conductive metallic housing which is incredibly dangerous if exposed to a voltage above 50VAC. The 1.5kW Air Cooled Spindle will run significantly quieter than routers. The runout is also considerably low and becoming ‘bogged’ or stuck while moving through materials during a cut is incredibly difficult and almost non-existent. The powerful 3 phase spindles are designed to run non-stop for hours at a time.
Touch Probe
There are two options when selecting a Touch Probe.
One is a simple touch probe used for correctly offsetting the Z Height from the workpiece prior to beginning a job. The other option is an XYZ Touch Probe that is used to accurately set the 0, 0, 0 coordinate of the workpiece prior to beginning a job.
