BIG CNC under $2000 - LongMill 48x30 CNC Machine from Sienci

An overview and review of the LongMill MK2 48x30 CNC machine by Sienci. I cover everything from the frame through to software.

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00:00 Introduciton
00:30 Why I got the LongMill
01:00 Sizes and components
02:19 X axis strength
03:12 The V wheels
04:34 DIY build vs pre-built
05:35 Routers and spindles
06:16 What can it cut
06:32 Will it machine metal?
07:04 Big and small projects
08:08 Customer service
09:06 Electronics and the Longboard
10:49 What software can you use
12:07 What accessories
13:16 Overall thoughts after 6 months of use

[JamesDeanDesigns]

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[ronhansen]

I have the Longmill MK2 48x30 as well, but I did a few upgrades. It's now considered a MK2.5. I've added the Super Long Board and the new anti-backlash nuts. In addition, I got an 80mm water-cooled spindle from PWNcnc. I use Vectric vCarve Pro V12 and gSender for software. You are correct about customer service. It is the best. I am more than happy with my system and would recommend it to anyone. There will be an AltMill in my future.

[StephenGrant-nodz]

You got to get the Altmill now! I love mine! It's a Beast!

[jastoddart]

having mine for a bit over a year now I totally concur. I upgraded from the get-go with a 2.2k water-cooled spindle. and this thing has been a beast.

[ifiwooddesigns]

Great video! I’ve had it since February and also ordered the AltMill to arrive in October. Love the company, bought all their products and enjoyed the fact that you build it from scratch so easy to make repairs and upgrades. That being said, the new anti-backlash nuts are a game changer and their support and groups are top notch. I’m a constant contributor on helping others on the FB site and have seen you on there. Enjoy and maybe I’ll install the Vortex before you (although I doubt). Keep up the great work and enjoy the MK2. It’s already paid for itself and the Altmill.

[fossfix]

Nice one James, as always, Hope you feeling better.

[restotool]

I bought the 1500x1500mm (59"x59") Ultimate Bee for $1, 970 delivered to my house. It can do 4'x4' sheet goods without a problem. I only have to cut a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood in half then stick on the machine and let it do its thing. It has a 2.2kW water cooled spindle, ball screws, all linear rails (no terrible V-Wheels) and is as rock solid as the LongMill. Kicks the pants off the LongMill feature/spec wise at a better overall value. Got it from Bulk-Man3D and their customer service is second to none. The largest, yet much smaller and feature poor LongMill seems like an absolutely terrible value to me in comparison. I do love that Adirondack style chair you made though!!!

[kevinphilpott]

Good video James, I've been following your channel for quite some time. It's been a great help. I started out with a 3018PROver, which you helped me with in the past, and I've moved up to the Sienci 48x30 Longmill. The knowledge you gave me, transitioned easily to the bigger cnc. I'm in Newfoundland, Canada, so your videos are far reaching. Thank-you. Much respect.

[TheCrawlspaceCraftsman]

Good video Brother! Lots of great info for potential buyers. I’m the same way… I love using my CL-4x4 for small projects! 😂

[khish]

You have some of the best setup tutorials out there, thank you for doing those, I’ve learned a lot. I have an odd problem and wondering if you’ve seen this before: I can jog 10mm, 100mm just fine on every axis. But I can’t jog just 1mm at a time. If I set to 1mm, I hear a little bump in the motor but it doesn’t turn at all, not even a little. If I hit jog 3 or 4 times in quick succession then I get movement. Using GRBL 1.1h, arduino uno R3, NEMA23 CLOSED LOOP from stepper online. All axis using the same motor/driver and all doing the same thing (won’t move 1mm at a time).

[jameskuhlman]

I chose Onefinity Elite because I could. I considered the Scienci Altmill and Shapeoko, but the 1f features won over Shapeoko and I couldn't deal with the production time of the Altmill. Passed on the Longmill because of the v-wheel motion components.

[dunrobindesigns]

Hi James. GSender is my sender of choice; it is one of the few systems that has ongoing product development.
Where did you get the files Z dust boot?

[mikeserago]

James, great video, how do you fasten down the waste board?

[C-M-E]

I looked at these for my 'step up' machine, and the price is fair for what you get. However, I was also looking to just source my own parts with linear rails and extrusions, motors, etc and a 2.2kw with VFD spindle. I haven't committed just yet as I'm still shopping around, but there's definitely something to say about difficulty and it not being for everyone, which is where Sienci comes to market. I did grab gSender immediately and Love that software package.

[michaelgmyers]

Just waiting on my Altmill
And Vortex.

[imeach]

Agree on the 110 point, a bit annoying

[bumbeeworking]

How does it perform in terms of actual accuracy?

[michaelzarutsky]

Re. 110V power supply. Stuff those transformers. And their power supply too :o} I simply bought a 500W 24V PSU {220V}. It's running a 20A load quite happily right now while I'm waiting for the machine to arrive.