Frequently Asked Questions

AnswerThere is nothing as much fun as learning to use technology to help you create new projects. It’s what drives us to build the best CNC Router kits we can for our customers. So, it’s no surprise that one of the questions we often hear is if we have a Laser accessory for the Evolution 3, Evolution 4 or the KL series.

Laser cutting and engraving is a great CNC application. While it seems logical for BobsCNC to manufacture a laser engraver we have chosen not to. And since our CNC Routers were not designed to be used for CNC laser engraving we don’t recommend modifying them. For us, the issue is customer safety. The 100-watt C02 lasers we use for production are specifically designed to contain not only the material we cut but also all the laser radiation in a safe environment.

While most hobby machines don't use more than a 5-watt laser, whether it be a diode or some other type, the risks for burns or possible eye damage are real and extremely serious. The safest course for us is to encourage our customers to look for products specifically designed for laser engraving.

A word about eye protection. There are a number of short videos on YouTube that address lasers and eye protection, they are well worth watching. If you are going to operate a laser engraver remember three simple rules:

1. Always wear eye protection that is rated to filter out the wavelength (color) of the laser you are using.

2. Only use eye protection that guarantees an Optical Density (OD) of 5+ or more.

3. Avoid all direct and reflective contact with a laser beam. Never underestimate the possibility of an eye injury. Damage to the cornea or worse to your retina will be permanent.

Our Warranty and returns policy can be found here: Warranty and Returns Policy.

Our Quantum Series CNC router frames are made from 6 mm 5 ply Baltic birch.

Our KL7 Series CNC routers are made from 12 mm 9 ply Baltic birch.

Yes, some CAD/CAM programs allow you to Tile the toolpath or cut a project in segments. Using a reference mark will allow you to cut one end of the project and then slide the workpiece down to finish cutting.

Quantum Series

Comes with a T-Slot spoilboard that is compatible with most T-Slot clamps on the market, and a simple clamp kit. The kit comes with 1/4"-20 screws, t-nuts, and wing nuts along with 8 clamps for mounting the workpiece.

KL Series

The KL Series doesn’t come with a spoilboard, but there are plans available in the KL Series manuals page for different style spoilboards that can be made.

All our CNC machines use a Keyestudio (Arduino Clone), Controller running GRBL firmware. This controller is a 3-Axis controller, All 3 axes X, Y, and Z working independently. The BobsCNC Routers are capable of doing 3D relief carvings as well as cutting out shapes and engraving.

Our machines come with a Makita RT0701C router. They are loud enough that you will want hearing protection. One reference we read online quoted 103 dB.

The accuracy is highly dependent on how hard the bit is pushed thru the material. The theoretical accuracy is 13 microns (0.0005"). However, there are several things that add to error.
• bit deflection
• belt stretch
• micro-stepping
• lead screw error
• frame rigidity
• bit size configuration in the g-code
• backlash

With all of these, the well-maintained BobsCNC CNC router will still be able to hold accuracy within a few thousands of an inch. (0.002" to 0.004"), or 50 to 100 microns.

The best way to hold tolerance is to make light cuts on the final pass. This reduces bit deflection, belt stretch, and frame flexing.

Yes, all our CNC Router kits come with the controller, motors, and power supply. The assembly manual can be downloaded from our website. The appendix at the end of the manual has a complete parts list. You will need a computer with a free USB.

The Evolution Series CNC router gantry height from the table is 3.3". The maximum height from the bottom of the DeWalt collet from the table is 4.5". Without a tool change, you would be able to cut 1.2" into a 3.3" thick stock or cut all the way thru a 2.25" (or less) thick stock. With tool changes, you would be able to cut thru a 3.3" thick stock.

Calculations for the answer.

4.5" -3.3" = 1.2" bit available to cut

4.5" = 2.25" of bit + 2.25" thick of stock

Our CNC Routers come with a Makita RT0701C router, which comes with a 1/4" collet, and 1/8” collets can be purchased for it online.

Straight, V-Carving, Ballnose, and Endmill bits will all work. Any bit used for our CNC Routers will need to have a 1/4" or 1/8" shaft sizes.

Yes, you can use a laptop as long as you have a free USB port.

Our CNC routers use GRBL firmware on the microcontroller. The microcontroller uses a USB to connect to the computer. Open source software such as UGS - Universal G-code Sender can be used with GRBL to operate the machine. Both GRBL and UGS have good documentation on the internet. The assembly manual can be downloaded and reviewed here.

No warranty is given nor will any refund be offered for Vectric or Estlcam software.

Please see the “try before you buy” on Vectric’s webpage. If the BobsCNC kit is purchased with Vectric software or with the Estlcam software, the refunded amount will be reduced by the retail price of the Vectric and/or Estlcam software.

Our Warranty and returns policy can be found here: Warranty and Returns Policy

There are several choices of software and many are open sourced and free. We recommend using our Basic Sender, but there are other gcode senders out there that can be used with our machine. The firmware loaded on the microprocessor (Keyestudio Controller) open sourced and is named grbl. There is plenty of information on the internet about grbl when using the search term “Using grbl.”

Our CNC routers are like most CNC machines, as they use g-code files. The g-code files are text files that can be computer generated or written by hand.

There are several software/program options for CAD/CAM design. We offer Vectric and EstlCAM software through our online store. Vectric’s V-Carve Desktop and V-Carve Pro are a great choice for designing and creating your g-code for your projects.

Please see www.vectric.com for additional information as well as free, downloadable versions. Please note, the free version will let you learn and create projects but will not let you create the g-code. For EstlCAM, please visit their website for a free trial: https://www.estlcam.de/.

Other CAM software to check out: Autodesk Fusion 360, EstlCAM, MakerCAM, or F-Engrave

You will need a computer with an open USB. Once you download the software, discussed above, to generate and interpret the g-code, you will be ready to create your projects with our CNC Routers.

Basic SENDER is a free gcode sender that comes with the Basic Software Suite and will work with Windows, MAC, and  Linux operation systems.