Making a spoilboard and tramming the 4040-XE CNC from FoxAlien

In this episode we create a spoilboard for the 4040-XE, complete with all the holes for the threaded inserts. We also complete a short tramming exercise to improve our output. Parts and file links are all below.

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FoxAlien 4040-XE

FoxAlien 4040-XE with 20W laser

FoxAlien 20W laser

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[Brandon-DIYGUY]

I found one of these machines at an auction for 200 bucks and let me tell you, your videos have been a tremendous help. From putting it together, to making everything square, level, trammed up. (there was no instructions in box) Glad people like you take the time to help teach and upload files to make the process easier for others. WELL DONE. I have literally sent out links to everyone i see getting started, to your page

[idlegroot]

I noticed the FoxAlien you have, is missing the Home/E-Stop plate at the front of the unit. This is a key point if you want to achieve the 400x400mm movement required. I had to swap it to the back right corner for the spindle to move far enough forward to exceed 400mm in the Y direction. With the Rubber bumpers in the belt and then re-adjusting my bumper switch plates, I was able to get 405-X and 402-Y. But it took some Tuning. Thank you for this Video and the resources you provided. Very well done. I'll be cutting a new Spoil board, once I get the 1" clean-out bit in the mail.

[foxalien_official]

We love it. A video with lots of details.

[davidpillar]

Thanks for the video on making spoil board, Im going to try it now

[mongowildman]

I just bought a 4040-XE and have discovered this channel. Good info! Just waiting on delivery in a few days but this has been a wealth of information to get started.

[Treacle]

Great video
Followed it from start to finish.
Fantastic results 👏
Thank you

[crosswindjones]

Hi James, thanks for the very helpful and well thought out videos. Perhaps another video topic could be "How to Maximize the Useable Size of x-machine". I keep tinkering with the limit switches but cannot find the solution to use an actual 400x400 sheet. I can get to 385 but the last 15mm elude me. Maybe altering the switches removing the roller ball and just triggering on the microswitch? Perhaps the belt tensioners need to be 100% tight to the frame? I know you mentioned this in another video or FB in passing that you tweaked some combination of these but would love to know more. Thanks again!

[zoskalon]

Great video as always! I love how thorough and detailed you are! - Jakub

[paullee]

Do you have the tramming tool file? I don't think it is a part of the spoilboard file download. Also, what are the downsides to skipping the holes for the bolts? I don't plan on using clamps ever.

[TerrapinCreations]

I could only find 12mm mdf. Is there a way to edit and make it cut the holes deeper, like maybe 12.8mm ?

[onemarine]

Good morning. I'm a novice cnc user and want to know if I have to use the program that is on the memory stick that came with the Masuter 4040 I purchased or if I can use Easle. Apparently Candle is on the memory stick. Also, is there any other software needed to operate my new cnc machine. Today is July 20 and it's 7:15 a.m. Eastern time.

[WKA]

Great video, thanks. Also would be interested in more details about the enclosure you made, especially the extraction method which draws equally everywhere. Thank you.

[MayTheLightBeWithYou]

I would do exactly as you do to level the spoil board but then I would move the leveled piece to the bottom and when I need a new board I can unstick the top piece and glue/tape new one to the leveled board, that way I level the board just once and not each time I change it

[goshawk]

James, you talk about adjusting limit switches....do you have video on how to do this? On my 4040-xe when I home it, it starts at 3, 3mm vice true 0, 0 and only get 397mm of travel vice full 400mm

[hoodooguru]

Great video, thanks for the info. I just got my 4040-XE assembled today and I am going to build an enclosure, what material did you use for your enclosure? I am planning to use 2x2's and 2x4's and acrylic.

[chrisjohnstone]

James. I love your videos. Can you tell me the internal height of your enclosure for your 4040 XE machine. Thanks.

[goshawk]

Question regarding limit switch. How do you adjust them? I believe standard configuration for 4040-xe is that spindle is backed off by 3mm from 0, 0

[crypticjoker]

Have you had any problems running the 300watt spindle with easel? when i zero my Z using the probe my spindle will not turn on. But if i click ise last Zero it turns on and cuts fine.

[michaelamos]

Thanks for video, very use to me. If u have any tips or videos for beginners, that would be great.
Thank U

[htom]

Hey James, my spoil board is two piece and is a lot larger than the stop switches. How would I handle that