The WorkBee CNC milling machine is a unit that has found numerous applications in various industries in many countries around the world.

The device allows for accurate cutting of foam, wood, plastic, and aluminum! WorkBee is an ideal unit for both beginners who plan to do smaller jobs in a home garage and for small and medium-sized companies planning to expand their business.

Design based on V-SLOT and C-BEAM profiles and components from OpenBuilds USA.

Depending on the operating parameters, material and cutters, the device achieves an accuracy of 0.2 mm * or less.

The kit will allow you to produce technical parts, toys, signs, and many other products. You can do anything you can imagine!

* Applies to version V2.1

DESCRIPTION OF V2.0 and V2.1

The WorkBee milling machine has been available for sale for over 5 years. Until the end of 2019, it was available in the V1.0, V2.0 version, and from the end of 2019, the device is available in the latest version, V2.1.

• V2.1 WorkBee version (latest version), 100% screw drive

  The V2.1 version is the most advanced model of the WorkBee milling machine, which is the result of 5 years of experience and customers opinions and suggestions regarding this model. The accuracy of the structure, depending on the material, operating parameters, and quality of the cutter, is 0.2 mm on average. The most important change in relation to the V2.0 version is change in the design that made it possible to use a screw drive for each axis, even at the size of 1500x1500mm!

  The use of a screw drive makes the operation of the unit failure-free, accurate and the precision of work achieves a satisfactory result.

  WorkBee V2.1 milling machine available in sizes from 500x500 mm to 1500x1500 mm!

  Application: The device can be used in all milling work

• V2.0 WorkBee version - a toothed belt drive

  The V2.0 version is available in the size 1500x1000mm

  This design is characterized by a lower price than the V2.1 version, however, the X and Y axis drive works thanks to use of toothed belts. The toothed belt used to drive the axis causes the axis movement to be fast (up to 4000mm / min), however, the accuracy of the unit significantly decreases (up to 1mm) and may not work with harder materials.

  Design disadvantages:

  - Accuracy drop even to 1mm (depending on the material, cutters, and program), the need to control and tension the belts, frequent rubbing of the belts (not covered by the warranty as a consumable part)

  Benefits:

  - The higher speed of the axis using the belt drive

  Recommended use:

  - Work in soft materials, work such as drilling holes in the material

AVAILABLE SIZES OF THE WORKBEE CNC MILLING MACHINE

• WorkBee V2.1

  • 500x500 mm / Working area: 300x270 mm / X / Y / Z axis drive: ACME screw
  • 750x750 mm / Working area: 550x520 mm / X / Y / Z axis drive: ACME screw
  • 750x1000 mm / Working area: 550x770 mm / X / Y / Z axis drive: ACME screw
  • 1000x1000 mm / Working area: 800x770 mm / X / Y / Z axis drive: ACME screw
  • 1000x1500 mm / Working area: 800x1270 mm / X / Y / Z axis drive: ACME screw
  • 1500x1500 mm / Working area: 1300x1270 mm / X / Y / Z axis drive: ACME screw

  Z axis driven by ACME screw, the possibility of processing material with a height of max. 47/49 mm

• WorkBee V2.0

  • 1000x1500 mm / Working area: 824x1280 mm / X axis drive: ACME screw - Y axis drive: Toothed belt

  Z axis driven by ACME screw, the possibility of processing material with a height of max. 47/49 mm

A version for self-assembly or ready to work.

Our company is one of the few that provides the WorkBee CNC unit in two versions.

• READY TO WORK UNIT

  By choosing this option (an option to choose at the price), our company takes care of the complete assembly of the unit, calibration, testing after assembly, retrofitting with additional accessories (to be selected at the price) and shipping.

  By purchasing a ready-to-work unit, you can pick it up in person after its assembly and take a free training in which we will show you how to operate the device, show the basics of milling, unit control using OpenBuilds Control software. We will also get you familiar with the basics of designing in Fusion360.

  People choosing this option with shipping will receive a unit sent on a pallet, which they will be able to prepare and start working within several dozen minutes.

  Additionally, when purchasing a WorkBee milling machine as a ready-made unit, our company provides warranty services for the entire unit and technical consultancy.

  ATTENTION! When choosing this option, the delivery time may differ from the time indicated in the price! The delivery time is on average extended by 5-8 business days - in order to specify the exact delivery time, please contact us by phone or e-mail.

• DIY Version
  The device is delivered to you in parts. The person deciding to purchase this unit will receive from us all the necessary items to be assembled together with optional accessories (to be chosen at the price).
  The assembly of the machine is done by yourself. The submission instructions are available in English + instructional video materials in English will also be provided to you. Choosing this option can be an interesting experience for DIY enthusiasts and people who have time and experience in mechanical engineering.
  NOTE! When choosing this option, we are not responsible for the accuracy of the unit and provide general advice. We will not always be able to help solve the problem during a remote consultation. Assistance in the submission may involve additional costs.
  
  

CONTROL AND SOFTWARE - device control 
For the WorkBee unit I recommend two dedicated control boards (driver selection at price):

1. RECOMMENDED CONTROLLER: BlackBox Openbuilds 
   This is the latest driver from OpenBuilds USA. The controller supports 3 axes and has many additional options such as laser operation, plasma operation, limit switch operation and much more.
   More information on You will find the controller on our website: https://www.v-slot.pl/pl/p/BlackBox-OpenBuilds-sterownik-CNC/903
   
   
   
   
   
2. CNC xPro v4 Controller
   A driver that has been tested by hundreds of users around the world. This model was used in every offered unit until mid-2019 where it slowly gives way to the BlackBox controller. The controller also allows you to operate the laser, limit switches and has many other options.
   More information on You will find the controller on the website: https://www.v-slot.pl/sterownik-cnc-xpro-v4
   
   

When you buy a WorkBee milling machine together with a driver offered by us, we will provide you with software for controlling the unit - OpenBuilds Control.
The software is free, very intuitive and easy to use (available only in English). In addition, we offer you advice and assistance in the field of software operation. NOTE! The OpenBuilds Control software is responsible for the control of the milling machine and the execution of projects according to the specifications of the OpenBuilds Control software. previously prepared by the user projects saved as G-CODE. The model and the milling program must be made in-house! We recommend that you purchase Autodesk Fusion360 software for this purpose (also available in free version)!

A basic guide to the design process in Fusion 360 software and the milling process:

DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL OPTIONS (optional at price):

STEPPER MOTORS
The milling machine can be purchased without stepper motors or with motors that enable axis movement. You have the following options:

• NO ENGINES 
• STEP ENGINES NEMA 23 (12. 9kg/cm), recommended for work in foam, plastics, soft and hard wood and light work in aluminium
  
• STEP ENGINES NEMA 23 (23.9kg/cm),recommended for work in foam, plastics, soft and hard wood and light work in aluminium
  
  Spindle
  The unit can be purchased in 2 options:
• Without spindle (the router has a bracket for mounting another ~71 mm diameter spindle)
• With DeWalt D26200 spindle and sleeve for mounting 8 mm shank cutters

• Electronic speed control with speed hold up
• Excellent surface quality of the material being processed: wood, aluminium, plastic
• Exact depth setting mechanism
• Variable speed from 16 000 to 27 000 rpm
• Spindle lock mechanism for quick pick changes - one key
• Compatibility with many accessories
• Dual LED illumination increases the visibility of the work surface

ACCESSORIES:

Additional accessories may be required to make full use of the milling machine. At the price you can choose the following options:

•  No ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
• WITH ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
  
  Additional accessories include the following items :
  
  
  • 10 mm thick MDF board
  • Z axis position sensor
  • Z 6 pcs. of end pieces for X/Y/Z axis
  • Set of handles for mounting material on MDF board
  • Power supply
  • Additional light ring
  • Connecting cables
  • Cable guides
  • Profile plugs for covering cable parts