FoxAlien Vasto CNC - Detailed Review

[@largadeugnt]

That's what I call a review! Amazing details and precise info! Thank you for your sharing your time and knowledge.

[@johandahlstrom5347]

Since I have a Vasto I am biased. It really does perform over my expectations. A really good review!

[@foxalien_official]

Thanks for sharing! Great video as always! We can't wait to see you test what is the limit of this machine!

[@jigsey.]

Very impressive piece of kit... I've a 6040.. I only used the 800w that came with it so far... I've a 2.2kw spindle I've not used it due to no wire...but after seeing what your 400w can do, I realise the 800w is quite capable too

[@zaviardavis7851]

Another spectacular video James!! 👏🏽 🙌🏾 👍🏾

[@robjtko]

This was a great, informative video. Thank you for your time and knowledge!!

[@colemine7008]

great review, look forward to see what you do with it.

[@fossfix]

Well done James another great informative video. Still getting to grips with the 4040-xe but what a upgrade it would make 👍

[@RichardRecupero]

So two years after this video was posted I’ve decided to buy one the price hasn’t changed, but nothing on the market is really come out to me like the system is evolving

[@levlev-jp7dh]

Hello. I was thinking in buying one of this FoxAlien Vasto CNC. Do you think is possible to use a 80mm 2.2KW Spindle in this cnc? I know the supplied clamp/holder is only 65mm which is perfect for 1.5KW round spindle. Would be possible to use a Square 2.2KW Spindle? Do you know what is the distance between holes that held in place spindle clamp, 4 on each side? Thanks.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

The machine will run a 2.2kw spindle, I know others who have done this. I don't have the measurements to hand but I believe it's 70mm on width between the centres and 50mm on the height

[@tigertran01]

Have you seen a OneFinity? How would you compare the FA vs OF?

[@compassprecision]

Great review. Very informative video.

[@vk2let]

Looks like an awesome machine.

[@genek1341]

any update putting a different spindle on this Vasto ?

[@ammerudgrenda]

Yes please. We are all waiting.

[@yournextmoveinc.4078]

I just purchased a fox alien ; is it possible to put a SD card of my cad project within my controller to run?

[@richardsandford1607]

Great video! Thanks for sharing…

[@fizzyade]

James, I've just purchased this and the boxes arrived yesterday, but due to current space constraints (Christmas!) I haven't yet unpacked it. I'm wondering about the extrusions with MDF "spoil board", is the spoil board removable from those extrusions? I ask because you have bought up the downward flex of Z, and while that can be resolved with cross bracing easily, I'm wondering about another method which will make the bed ultimately strong while adding mass to the the bed & unit as a whole. If the MDF can be removed, then it would be possible to get lengths of granite to replace the MDF slats, since this "built in" spoil board isn't really spoil board and you would place the real spoil board on top, the granite wouldn't pose an issue here since it's only purpose would be to provide a flat and unmovable surface. The second option could also be to completely remove those slats and replace with a large granite slab. however I think slats is a better option. It may not work in practice, but it is something that has strung to mind as we have a machine that is used as part of PCB production line and it has a granite construction as it has a head on it that moves so quick it appears to be in one place and then another, you don't really register it moving, it's like it teleports! They used granite because the machine needs to be massively rigid and deal with the loads that are placed on it, it has linear motors which is how it's able to move with such speed, force and precision.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Yes those MDF slats can be removed. They are just held in from underneath with little screws 👍

[@fizzyade]

Cheers @@JamesDeanDesigns I think some experimentation is in order, I need to watch the video again to see which box they're in! Been watching your videos for quite a while now, love the detail you go into.

[@quietdropsedit]

Hi James, great review! But don't you think the x-axis ball screw that is not properly protected and covered cannot be damaged by the accumulation of sawdust and milling waste? Cheers

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thank you. The ball screw blocks are usually well contained and full of grease so its actually quite difficult for stuff to get in there and cause damage. I get the concern as it does visually look open but I havent found it to be an issue, especially if you clean down your machine after each job

[@evillvi77]

Have you tried milling corian or starboard? If so, how did it do?

[@jamesking7868]

hi James. have you installed the higher power spindle? if so will you do a review/setup video/ provide details of what you got a who from...? I purchased the vasto and want to upgrade the spindle but its difficult to choose a 65mm spindle without going water cooled... As far as I can tell its not going to be easy to make a bracket to fit 80mm spindles. Best regards (another) James

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Sadly it's all sitting there in a box but just not had the time. It's a Vevor 1.5kw spindle and is only a 65mm diameter so shouldn't need a new holder. Yes a water cooled is generally better buy I was happy with the air cooled version. I will be making a video once I get round to it

[@jamesking7868]

@@JamesDeanDesigns Hi James. I finished my 1.5Kw water cooled upgrade. Had some issues, wrong plug supplied with the spindle. Seller supplied a gx18-4 connector instead of the required h17-4. VFD setup took a little research but I am very happy with the results, especially the extra rigidity in the spindle and much lower noise- a very worthwhile upgrade. I took apart the original 400W spindle and its not very rigid. The case is quite thin and the only thin holding the entire spindle together is two long bolts which clamp the top and bottom of the spindle to the case. The bearings are very small and have a fair amount of play in them.

[@MP-mu1kw]

Hi James, once again many thanks for showing how sturdy the frame is with negligible backlash on all the axis and it perfoms quite well cutting aluminium also. I am trying to figure out what type of Nema 23 motors this machine has been fitted with. This is mainly to get and idea of its specs with regards to how much torque they can deliver and the minimum holding current required. Do the motors have any part numbers that I maybe able to cross reference?

[@Scherbakov]

@JamesDeanDesigns Hello! Thanks for the good machine reviews! What is the minimum distance that a sharp tool can be moved? At 9:47 you show no play during return. Could you also show with a micrometer the smallest possible pitch? What limitations are there in this? Minimum software restriction step? The engine has a turn-on-turn per engine step. At what distance does a tool shift using a worm gear and one step of the motor? I can't find this kind of information in more detail. How thin can you engrave? What about accuracy on cheaper machines? Very interesting. Thank you!ng. Thank you!

[@transientaardvark6231]

So ... i'm pretty impressed by this and by the looks of it so are you. But I was also impressed by the new 3020 pro max. Would you say that this machine is in every way better than the 3020 pro max ? And despite this being an impossible question to answer, would you say this one is worth the 5 times the price ? I would say my main hesitation looking at this one is that the shape of the bed limits the size of work piece. Something like Simone Giertz's CNCelia (which i think is about twice the price of this) has a nice big bed, but I can't tell whether it is also good for metal.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

The 3020 is a good machine for the price but these are in different leagues but that is also reflected in the price. The Vasto is a great machine, it doesn't have the biggest off beds but that is also because the larger you go, the harder it is tip stop deflection and similar things on the axis

[@chuckyfox9284]

I need to machine 20mm deep Aluminium. Do you think this could handle that?

[@thanassisandrinopoulos5449]

Thank you for all the very useful information you provide. I have been watching your channel for the past two years. This machine seems to come very close to my requirements without spending a fortune. I am an amateur knifemaker and am looking for a cnc machine able to cut knife blade profiles (stainless steel approx. 4mm thick) and wooden handles. I have been contemplating a machine from CNC-STEP in Germany (models Z400T, Z750T and Z1000T which just differ in sizes) but their specs seem similar to the Vasto's, just at nearly 3 times the price. In your opinion, assuming I upgrade the spindle on the Vasto as you suggest, would I be able to cut stainless steel blade profiles (say 1 or 2 per month) or would I be too ambitious? Again, thank you for your excellent work. I have learnt an enormous amount from this.

[@sues293]

You said you were going to upgrade the spindle...what is the biggest and best that can go on this. Can you please do a vid on this subject ...love you❤️

[@smokeyloen8126]

just got a Vasto and got it assembled with your help on your you tube channel and thanks.I do have a problem on the router motor sounds like something inside loose, and on the up movement on the router it will bottom out before the kill switch shuts off, but the micro switch manually works ( will shut it down when move with my finger). Any help will be grateful. Thanks again for your you tube information.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

The micro switch you can either try to adjust or glue an small piece of plastic to bridge the gap. As for the spindle, I would be tempted to message FoxAlien and ask them how to proceed. Chances are they will ship you a new one out. Have you started the spindle up yet?

[@FenrirVampire]

Hi! Excuse me, what are the main differences between this model and the masuter pro?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Vasto has linear rails on every axis, is also ball screw driven and has more powerful stepper motors. Essentially it's a more ridged and stronger machine

[@FrustratedBaboon]

Did he say WTF is capable of? What the FOX is capable of? LMAO.

[@philackrill4213]

Hi James. Not related directly to this video but I am using a FoxAlien 4040 XE and Carveco maker. You did a video where you edited the nodes on somebodies design so it could be carved. I really need to see that video again to help me with my project. Could you please post a link to it. Thanks in advance.

[@alial-qattan2246]

I have the Masuter machine upgraded with 300w spindle, But I did not find any significant difference between the power of the previous and current spindle to be honest, except that the machine has vibrations and some imbalance during carving and cutting process, although I have adjusted the screws and their tightness. Will I notice any improvements in this new machine from Fox Allien or is it just a new version. Thanks

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

You should have noticed a significant improvement going from the standard spindle upto the 300w, if not then something may be wrong. The spindle on this is not a big jump from the 300w spindle, but the main difference is the rest of the machine. Overall the Vasto is far superior to the masuter

[@ggholliday23]

James, first off thanks so much for this video. I have been in the market for a CNC for a while and this review helped me decide on the Vasto. It showed up this week and thanks to your build video I was able to get it assembled in no time. My question is, what is the best software to use with this machine, both for control and design? UGS vs Candle, and VCarve vs Easel vs Fusion360. Thanks

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Excellent. I really hope you enjoy it. Software is a very personal thing and what works for one person may not work for another. I use Carveco Maker and UGS. I explain why in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/e36samqImMdjmLM

[@layers5255]

For a second I thought you said "Want to see what the fuck's Alien Vasto is capable of?" XD

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

😆 joys of my accent

[@layers5255]

@@JamesDeanDesigns It's all good. I'm doing research into what it'd take to make my own CNC business. The machine is only the start, as it turns out >w

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

@@layers5255 yes. I mean its the most important part but then there is software, materials before you even get off the ground

[@anonitachi6966]

Hey man, would you be able to do a detailed vid on Masuter Pro and what it can do? Can it do 3d reliefs, for example?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Just because you asked nicely I quickly made this one 😆 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX26moyYitOGl7c

[@jakew1ll]

Do you have a link for the spindle upgrade you are looking to move to?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

www.vevor.co.uk/spindle-motor-c_10130/1-5kw-er11-air-cooled-spindle-motor-matching-1-5kw-inverter-drive-vfd-cnc-p_010306834877

[@dougw3531]

​@@JamesDeanDesigns Link no longer works. URL works if you change the domain to the new one vevor is using. I'd love to type it in, but YT deletes the comment.

[@davidhuynh393]

Hi James can you please do a comparison between FoxAlien Vastro and Geminstu 4030 pro. I am looking for cnc mill capable of milling Aluminium and laser engraving Thx Dave

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

The Vasto is better than the ProverXL but equally it's double the cost so it's not really a fair comparison if I did one. If you can afford the Vasto then then I'd go with that, but if your budget doesn't go that far then the ProverXL is still a great machine

[@davidhuynh393]

@@JamesDeanDesigns thx James that helps answer my question if FoxAlien is a better product. Yes I recognise cost and size but looking at “budget” solution that can mill aluminum and laser engrave . Makersdream eve one or Carbide 3d nomad can mill aluminum but no laser engraver and cost a lot more

[@benoit7699]

What do you prefere : Genmitsu or foxalien ?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Both is the honest answer. They are both good companies and the quality of the machines are equal. I love doing laser work on my 4040xe and the ProverXL in my workhorse. The FoxAlien Vasto is by far the best machine but it is also more expensive so you have to weigh it up

[@MichaelJohnson-nt6ps]

Hi, I am very interested in this machine but would like to know how you bought it. Looking on their website it says that it is unavailable in the UK. Did you import it directly from the States and if so any idea of what additional cost you had to pay would be great. Really like your videos and as I am a new person to CNC they are a valuable source of information. Keep up the good work!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Hi, FoxAlien sent this to me directly from their China warehouse. Stock changes and sadly when they run out of stock in the UK it usually takes a few months for it to come back in stock. I would consider messaging FoxAlien directly to see if they can advise

[@ClockDesignCo]

What is the max feedrate for this machine? I don't see the specs on the site

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

They rarely list them for various reasons which I won't get into but I got this upto 5000mm/min which is faster than I'd ever expect to machine with, but someone in the FoxAlien group said they went over 7000mm/min.

[@ClockDesignCo]

@@JamesDeanDesigns that's pretty amazing! How is that possible with the DM542 drivers!? I've used those before on the 5mm ball screws and couldn't get 5000mm/m without motor stall.

[@VastCNC]

Are you planning to circle back to the 3020 pro max soon?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Yes, currently filming a video using the 3020. Anything specific you have in mind?

[@VastCNC]

@@JamesDeanDesigns mostly aluminum performance, and compressed air for chip evacuation, or maybe mist assistance.

[@erok268]

I can't tell if it's the angle of the video but when using the indicator make sure it's parallel with the direction of movement your testing ideally right next to the screw or rail. I know the cosign error doesn't matter for this caliber of precision but it's just a pet peeve of mine.

[@bryanwarmuth6434]

can u put the 5th axis on it

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

No. You can possibly get a 4th axis working on it but not a 5th

[@gunlabchris]

What software do they use

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

They are GRBL based so any software that will process that

[@DigitalArtisan77]

Needs a 1/4" shank bit, seemed a bit of chatter

[@tbip2001]

sent you a message through your website mate :)

[@hordikastorm]

omg a real salesman what did they pay for that possitive review for the money you spent you get a better one

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

They promised me my own army of Manticore's, but they have not arrived yet which is a bit odd 🤔

[@ammerudgrenda]

Free English classes here on KZbin 😉

[@davidkettell5726]

At that price i would want to machine metal

[@transientaardvark6231]

did you watch up to about minute 16 ?

[@placitas52]

Your description of z axis makes it seem that there is almost 20 inches of working space. Not only is this not needed, but no way the z axis has that much travel on this desk top.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

No, my description clearly states there is 105mm of travel on the Z axis. When discussing the footprint of the machine I say the maximum height is almost 20 inches which is to the top of the z axis but at no point to do I say the Z axis can travel 20 inches

[@ammerudgrenda]

Please watch the video before asking unnecessary questions.

[@jeffcook3044]

To me these videos on the Fox Alien Vasto CNC are of nominal value due the fact the descriptions are all in mm and cm. FACT: All of the US still stubbornly remains on the decimal system and at my age I can waste my precious time listening to anything not in inches, feet and yards. At least this average KZbinr should do for increased value is the conversions if only for the convenience of the viewer thus making the review all inclusive. I now skip all JDD reviews.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Sorry you feel disappointed by me and my channel for the fact I use a measurement system you don't but you can just click on the link and it will tell you all the measurementsin both units. I'm very comfortable with being just an average KZbinr, my goal was never to be a KZbinr, just to help people and be positive through what can be a very challenging process for some. Bye Jeff!

[@DavZell]

I'm in the US and do my work in metric. I think you're a bit unreasonable to expect the rest of the world to mandatorily convert for you when the entire rest of the world uses metric. It would really benefit you to become more familiar with metric anyway, as almost anything you work with made in other countries (so almost anything you work with) most likely is using parts and distances measured in metric units.

[@retiredyoung6579]

Comments like this make me feel embarrassed being American. It shows how ignorant the backward most of us (NOT ALL OF US) are. The UK and almost all of its former colonies had abandoned the imperial system (NOT A DECIMAL SYSTEM) for a more logical metric system.

[@dougw3531]

At the kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4fVYYeulKyEftE 15:47 mark you mention clicking on a link to get 16% off the SpeTool Endmill, but I don't see a link.

[@dougw3531]

Well, it seems the SpeTool website doesn't list 1 flute aluminum endmills.