Is the Longmill MK2 CNC Router Right for You? Expert Breakdown

[@ifiwooddesigns]

This is the video that got me interested in CNCs as well as the Longmill. Him standing on it sold me as a robust unit and not just an inexpensive machine. The MK2 is amazing. Just bought his router beginner bits and have learned tons about VCarve and designing jobs. He is one of the very few who walk you step by step and doesn’t leave out or edit any steps.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ifiwooddesigns, so glad you liked this video brother! I was wondering if you could do me a favor, if you can use my link when you buy your longmill. It gives me a little pocket change. Thanks! Here's the link, if you decide to use it: sienci.com/product/longmill-mk2/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT

[@marcdoiron6301]

Agreed 100%

[@ralphtate9159]

Garrett, just ordered my mk2 today (10/23/2023). I went through your site so you get the credit! Really appreciate and enjoy all your videos.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ralph, congrats on ordering your longmill brother! Awesome, thank you for considering me with your purchase, I appreciate it! I'm looking forward to you getting it in hand and seeing what you create!

[@raytristani]

Man I loved watching this video. Not just the CNC stuff, but your shared experiences and stories. As a vet myself, it was really meaningful for me. I’m a software architect by day and a classical/acoustic guitar maker by night, digging into the CNC world for the first time. Don’t have a longmill, just a sainsmart 3018 prover with a Y extension, and learning a lot. Your videos are such an inspiration and revelation of the possibilities. Thank you so very much.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ramon, glad you liked this one my friend. Keep working hard and reaching towards the life that you want and you will get there my friend. Thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself brother!

[@crystlerichards3527]

i love watching every one of your videos thank you so mouth for all the information i am learning so much from you i having got a cnc yet thank you

[@raytristani]

Well I upgraded to a Shapeoko 4 XL since. How I love it!!!

[@marcdoiron6301]

Thanks Garrett. Thanks for this very extensive review and it really cleared me up on the aspects of this fantastic machine. I was going to buy the Sienci labs 30 x 30 until I saw this and have decided to buy the 48 x 30. Thanks for the clear explanation as well as the tips and tricks. When I purchase I will use the link below so you can have a burger on me! Cheers!! Marc :)

[@IDCWoodcraft]

marcdoiron6301, right on brother! Congrats on your new machine and thank you for using the link. I do appreciate it.

[@marcdoiron6301]

My pleasure Garrett, thanks for your amazing work and super vidéos. I'm am retiring after 35 years working in sound for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Montreal, Canada. I am an avid woodworker and have been for many years. Videos with content this rich are far and few between. You are a true mentor!! Have a good one.

[@normanstreeter5206]

Garrett, I thank you. This "pep talk" was exactly what I needed.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Normansteeter, you are so welcome my friend.

[@ronbernstein2889]

Garrett I just ordered the MK2 to upgrade from my entry level Alien Fox CNC. I cannot wait to get it and dig into larger projects. Thanks for this video. It helped a lot.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ronbernstein2889, You're welcome! The MK2 is a great choice for larger projects, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy woodworking with your new CNC machine!

[@michaeldiaz5760]

I have to tell you I love the way you connect projects with real life stories that helps connect me with something that helps me come up with ideas with my own life journeys

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Michael, well thank you brother! CNC means so much more than just making projects, it is creating memories and heirloom pieces that people will cherish for a lifetime.

[@tripledstickers]

So far you have given me the best information. Looks like I'm in the right direction.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Triple, glad to have you here my friend.

[@charlestreadway6491]

I really enjoy your videos. I started the CAD Drafting program at ITT Tech, unfortunately, the school closed 3/4 of the way through my degree program so I did not get to finish. I'm hoping someday in the near future to get a CNC so I can continue with what I learned at ITT. So when I watch your videos, I know exactly what you're talking about when you say X Y Z. Before I retired, I was a heavy Equipment Diesel Truck mechanic. Thank You so much for the videos.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Charles, keep working hard and learning everything you can brother! I am excited for you to jump into CNC.

[@roy.h.barrett]

Very in depth and concise. I continue to appreciate and enjoy your content, Garrett. Thanks a million!!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Roy, you are so welcome brother! Glad you enjoyed this video.

[@dennisbracci9212]

Awesome video. Glad i found you. I did not know a cnc machine was so affordable. You are a great teacher. When you got on top of that machine and it moved i was impressed. Thank you for all your help.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

dennisbracci9212, you are so welcome my friend! Welcome to the wonderful world of CNC!

[@AllenHorn0507]

OK… Not only did I like and subscribe but I have made you my new mentor lol thank you for such an amazing video! 😊

[@IDCWoodcraft]

AllenHorn0507, Thank you so much for the support and kind words! I'm glad you found the video helpful..

[@ALIENMACHINES]

Thank you for this, I have been looking at a multitude of routers from people who talk too fast and I trust your judgement because of your experience, really good in depth video and I was also surprised that there is a laser add on which is the best of both worlds. This machine is great and sturdy too.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ALIENMACHINES, you're so welcome brother I''m glad it was helpful! I'm looking forward to you getting your machine and seeing what you create!

[@charlesyourch6056]

1:18:35 Garret, I know you are not sponsored by Longmill. I began this evening knowing I need to expand into router CNC. It seems way easier than my Longer 10w laser has been. At least what I have learned from that will help with my Longmill. I will likely purchase a 30X30 tomorrow. I hope I get envious and upgrade with the larger version soon after. I am just as you describe, currently adrift in a world I never expected to be. I am on long term disability due to a brain injury, and having spent 30 years at my past employer, I have lost a family of thousands of friends. With the communities you have created through this work, I am sure I will find continued purpose and joyful work experiences through CNC. Thank you Sir, I appreciate your message as well as continued support. All the best, Chuck

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Chuck, thank you for sharing a bit about yourself. I am humbled by your journey into CNC and I am excited for you to take the leap into CNC. I was wondering if you could do me a favor, if you can use my link when you buy your longmill. It gives me a little pocket change. Thanks! Here's the link, if you decide to use it: sienci.com/product/longmill-mk2/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT

[@St.CorneliustheCenturion]

Thanks for another great video. I can’t wait until my house and garage are rebuilt so I can get my CNC router and get started learning and creating.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thomas, you are so welcome my friend. I am so excited for you to get everything set up so you can start cutting!

[@alyremanuel6427]

Hi Garrett, just purchased the Longmill 48x30 MK2 last night, used your link for the purchase. Your the one that convince me to go with the Longmill after I looked at all that was available it's the one that makes sense. Been retired for 2 years now and it's time to add CNC to my woodworking hobby. Thanks for all your videos and great advice, will definitely be purchasing some bits from IDC. My table is all built and I've been playing with Fusion 360 for awhile since I'm a Mac user. Thanks from New Brunswick, Canada.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Alyremanuel6427, congrats on ordering your machine brother! And thank you for considering me with your purchase and using my link, I appreciate it! As for the videos, you're so welcome! I'm glad to be a part of your CNC journey and hopefully make things a little easier along the way. I'm looking forward to you getting your longmill in hand and seeing what you create!

[@chrisrebeyka5283]

Such a great video, thank you so much! Just got the email today that my MK2 shipped so I am very excited to get it setup and start having fun. Your videos are an ongoing resource for my new hobby. Can't wait to dive into Vcarve Pro.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Chris, glad it was helpful! Right on, I'm looking forward to you getting your machine and seeing what you create!

[@daleeisenberger8360]

high garrett i finaly got my longmill after 2 years of watching your vidieos im still working on the table to mount it .thank you for the inspireation you gave me cant wait to start making some realy cool stuff im sure ill be in contact with you for alot of help thank you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

daleeisenberger, congrats on getting your new Longmill brother! I am excited to see what you create.

[@BrandonToy]

Oh man….I just bought my Longmill Mk2 based on your video series, but forgot there was a link and went straight to the site. I emailed Seinci and let them know in case they can credit you. By the way, I really like your message at the end of the video. I too am prior service. Army, OIF III.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

BrandonToy, congrats on your Longmill brother and thanks for wanting to support me by using my link. I appreciate it. Thank you for your service!

[@shirocp]

You nailed the investment portion of the video! I bought a very small 24x24 cnc machine and the minute friends and family saw my signs, everyone was asking to make signs that require me to “tile” off my small blueprint. So, now I’m here trying to see which flavor to get: Strawberry, Vanilla or Chocolate? I’m definitely leaning towards the 30x48 MK2. Thanks for the feedback and this video!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Shiro, very true my friend. I am so happy to hear this video helped you and congrats on wanting to jump into CNC with a bigger machine.

[@ourhome4453]

Awesome video! I wish l had seen this before I purchased the Foxalien 4040xe. Your videos are very informative. Thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ourhome, you are so welcome my friend.

[@millerd6842]

Great info. Been looking for information like this for sometime, thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

millerd6842, you are so welcome my friend.

[@DMor-qj1ie]

Garrett, thanks for the video and the message.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

D. Mor, you are so welcome!

[@williamcovell6324]

🌵WOW! 😱 Almost an hour and a half 😁. That's more than 2 ☕☕. I won't be able to sleep for a week. I just finished 👏🤗 assembling my MK2 but didn't want to fire it up until I watched this video 🤗. Later, I'll drop you a note 🎶 about my success. Outstanding presentation, as usual. 🌵

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Right on William, fire that bad boy up and let me know how she rips!

[@goodwinml]

I absolutely love your videos. I have learned a bunch from you. I am 63, Worked 37 years active USAF and as contractor for USAF. I retired Dec 2017' I bought a Shapeoko 3 XXL Black Friday 2019. Bought a 2nd S3 Standard used Dec 2021. I LOVE my S3's BUT Tramming is a pain in the ass! Especially Tramming Front to back (Y). What does the Longmill have for making a TRAM to not be a pain in the butt?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Mike, I'm happy that this one helped you out brother. Tramming is a bit tough on this machine too. One thing I brought up to Longmill that they are working hard with, is a dedicated tramming system. But that might be a ways out.

[@goodwinml]

I think this one item for tramming would make an awesome advertisement campaign if they came out with an x and y adjustable tram plate. Thumb screws with lock nuts or something! No one has a machine with great tramming adjustments! Keep up the great videos!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@goodwinml I agree. No one has a good way to trim a machine. I say build a machine that doesn't need tramming in the first place! But of course, I am working on that...shhhh

[@messiahcacique1]

You will get your coffee and burger 😀 So no doubt about what CNC to get, what brand to get. I will get mine through here. Thank you so much.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

messiahcacique1 , thanks for the support brother! I am excited for you to pick up your machine.

[@stephenmarshall9229]

Just starting out with this. Thanks for sharing this valuable info..

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Stephen, welcome to the wonderful world of CNC brother! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@leroyrobaldo4004]

Garratt I just spent the last hour and a half with you and loved it. Now I do have a question for you. I'm and 82 year old woodworker (I have cut wood and fingers) but am not a computer person. I do mostly cutting boards, small boxes jewelry and such, wine bottle holders and small wood products. I would love to do inserts in my merchandise, the brain is not as well as it was but I will not sit in front of the TV and let it fade away so do you think at my age I could learn what I need on the Long mill and if so which size should I order. Thank you Roy

[@IDCWoodcraft]

leroyrobaldo4004, Hi Roy! It’s inspiring to hear about your dedication to woodworking. You can definitely learn to use the Long Mill at your age; it's all about taking your time and enjoying the process. I recommend starting with the 30x30 size, as it's versatile enough for your projects while still easy to manage. Happy woodworking!

[@Paulhawkins-cy3gl]

Great video and yes I ordered My MK2

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Paul, congrats brother! Welcome to the wonderful world of CNC!

[@therambler3833]

Hello Garret Im buying a long mill mk2 48x30 i also got auto zero plate dust shoes dust cover for lead screw a makita router and some bits and more . Is this kit im buying good is there anything else i need beside my waist boards . Thanks for the video they are very educational

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Rambler, you should be ready to go with that setup brother! Dont forget about a shop vacuum and a good table.

[@therambler3833]

@@IDCWoodcraft im afaraid to use it now im having trouble with homing with the software i use candle on my smaller one

[@goodgoat3096]

What I would like to see in any review of cnc routers is accuracy tests, yet no reviews seem to ever include them. A simple test route with a few rectangles and circles to confirm the specified accuracy numbers would be nice. Another measurement that I would like to see is flex of the X & Y axis with known weights added to the centers of the structure. The use of angles is clever and cost effective although I am not a fan of delrin V wheels .This review, while very informative, stressed my attention span and I wish it had been done in two videos.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Goat. Good point. Although I already have a video on the machine accuracy. As far as doing 2-part videos, unfortunately I do not do that. I find responce is much better with one part, regardless of the length. But thank you for suggesting

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@LazloNQ I had to chuckle. You make an interesting point. I don't know if you've heard of Wayne Dyer, but something he said once struck me. He said many people look for something to complain about

[@mr.p9882]

@@IDCWoodcraft Right...there is NO perfect satisfaction on youtube....every youtuber I watch has people who complain about something. rather than finding a way to make it better for themselves, they seem to want to strike out against the one who provides the content.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@mr.p9882 I actually find that as a good thing when people are complaining. There's a rule in business and social media. That rule is if you don't have haters, you not doing the right thing. When I get people who complain and b****, it makes me smile.

[@RolandZapata-t9o]

i have recently discovered your videos, which are very informative and detailed. My question as I am considering which CNC to buy, is there a table of other manufacturers, i.e., X Carve Pro and Longmill side by side feature comparison? Thank you in advance.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Roland, im so happy to hear you are enjoying these videos brother! As for the list, I dont have anything like that. Companies change their lineup so frequently it would be hard to keep pace!

[@davehahn23]

This was a great video, very informative. QQ, can the CNC with Gsender control the variable speed on the Mikita router or does that have to be manually done on the router itself?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

David, I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this video brother. For the Makita router, the speed and power has to be controlled manually. You can buy and wire in an addon kit to allow you to turn on the router automatically or upgrade to a spindle at a later time!

[@Fine_art_aerial]

I watched a bunch of your videos and thinking about buying this or cnc4newbie 1045.. Have you ever cut aluminum on it?? Longmills website says "light aluminum/brass".. I know its probably a stupid question but do you have any idea what "Light aluminum" is lol?? Thanks brother!! Great videos btw!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Genos, I chuckled at the "light aluminum" reference too. They were meaning that the Longmill isn't a 100% dedicated machine to cutting metals but it can definitely be done on it from time to time.

[@terryswenning9510]

Great video. When you were talking about backlash nuts. How difficult are those to replace? Thank you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Terry, they aren't too bad to replace if needed!

[@terryswenning9510]

A while back, I took your advice to replace the threaded screw on the backlash. My MK1 is fully assembled. I didn't think I had to tear it down to place the items. Sienci labs recommend after approximately 2000 hours.

[@lafarms]

Impressive that there is no flex at the 40:40 as you stand on the gantry. If you were to shift your weight and stand on the top of the router would there be torsional flex? What I am asking is referring to the two bearing blocks in the Z axis supporting the router. Excellent video, thank you. David

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Iafarms, there would be a degree of torsional flex in that area but the router mounting for this machine is very rigid for its application!

[@iwannaapple7190]

I've got rack and pinion on my desktop cnc. I like it. A bit scary though when I started using it. I like it cause it has just enough power when it needs to and when I make a mistake it doesn't have enough to break something. When it starts going 500 ipm I hold my breath it won't fly off the table.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

iwannaapple7190, very true my friend. Going that fast you have to be safe in the shop!

[@iwannaapple7190]

@@IDCWoodcraft thankfully it only does it when its going from point to point and cutting air in between cuts.

[@williamhanna5224]

Awesome video Great work !

[@IDCWoodcraft]

William, thank you very much brother!

[@williamhanna5224]

Yes I felt for you with the death of the child. Many in my family were fire fighters ambulance driver my uncle Art was fire chief when I was a young boy in Newark NY. A good friend and I were cruising one night in his 65 mustang we spotted a fire lighting the sky he said that's my uncles place his uncle was a well know Mason cement Mason we were 2 miles away we got there the place was pretty well engulfed. We rushed up as close as possible wasnt much the fireman could do to save the house . Smith said there's kids in the back we ran around to the side where kids were and they were screaming we tried to are through the wall which could have caused flash back but couldn't get through the wall. 4 and 5 year old girl and boy died. We had to go to the mogue to identify them . They were chared so bad . Never forget that night it was terrible I was 18 .

[@logansheaf]

Nice video! Do you know if this machine is capable of cutting HDPE board?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

logansheaf, it sure is brother! I can cut through HDPE like butter. For HDPE, you'll want to use an 0-flute to prevent melting of the material. Below I provided links to the ones I carry on the IDC site if you want to take a look brother. Here's a link to the 1/4" 0-flute → www.idcwoodcraft.com/OF-14 Here's a link to the 1/8" 0-flute → www.idcwoodcraft.com/OF-18 And here's a link to the set → www.idcwoodcraft.com/OF-SET-48 I'm looking forward to seeing what you create!

[@michaelbruner3555]

Hi Garrett, I've too been waiting for a video on the MK2 (I split it up into 3 sessions). Since I am a retired two hobby guy (summer it is gardening and winter is woodworking with one month either side for transition), I tend to need a refresh on setting up and maintenance each year. Will you be doing a 'Part 2' where you actually set it up for the first time and what would be considered regular maintenance? There is a lot out there for the MK1 and Bob's machine (your previous machines). There is nothing yet for the MK2 (unless I'm blind). Comparing from the other machines, setting up and maintenance looks very different due to how the MK2 is built. Thank You!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Michael, glad you liked this video my friend. That is on my list of To-Dos for this bad machine. Let me break it in with some serious projects before I go ahead and make that video first.

[@michaelbruner3555]

@@IDCWoodcraft Got a deal! Have fun!

[@joeyoung7123]

Hi Garrett, how much adjustment/maintenance do the lead screws require? TIA. Joe

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Joe, they don't require that much maintenance. Depending on how much you use your machine will determine how fast components will require adjustment. If you are using your machine 1-2 hours a day, every day of the week, its best to check the lead screw system once a month.

[@Fine_art_aerial]

Ive watched a crapload of your videos about the Longmill and think i might pull the trigger soon.. Thought in one of your videos you had a discount code or link or something but cant seem to find it.. I do see the link above but when i click it does nothing.. Could you please point me in the direction of which video that was?? Thank you sir! Fantastic videos btw!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Genos, I dont have a discount code right now but I do have this link you can use: sienci.com/product/longmill-mk2/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT If you could do me a favor and use that link when you purchase your Longmill, it would be appreciated. It gives me a bit of pocket change when you use it.

[@Fine_art_aerial]

@@IDCWoodcraft Will do thanks!!

[@Fine_art_aerial]

@@IDCWoodcraft Just purchased and used your link.. Thanks for all your awesome videos!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@Fine_art_aerial yay!! You are going to live getting into this! And I want to see pictures! Can you do me a favor and provide your email so I can confirm they give me credit?

[@Fine_art_aerial]

@@IDCWoodcraft Hey Garrett! Sent you a email with my email.. Did not want to post it in public forum.. Thanks again brother!!

[@atienne_navarre]

The starter kit link is broken. 😪

[@IDCWoodcraft]

atienne_navarre, Oh no, I apologize for the inconvenience! Here is a new link brother: idcwoodcraft.com/products/the-only-truly-complete-cnc-router-bit-starter-set-w-free-projects?variant=45536534888735

[@normanstreeter5206]

Hi Garrett. I truly am interested in a Longmill, and have even been in touch with Scienci Labs. However I'm a bit stuck. My desktop computer is in an entirely different part of my house, and currently run my small CNC (which is a NextWave Shark), and the GCode for the CNC is transferred by means of a Pendant. Is there any way I can employ a Longmill, using a pendant for the GCode?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

NormanStreeter, your best bet for that one brother is to reach out to Sienci on that question regarding a pendant. It might be a good idea to get a dedicated laptop just for the Longmill!

[@FrancineMaurice]

I need help with my machine. For what ever reason, all my project are cutting in very small size. I don't understand why. I used EASEL but apparently it's not the problem. Maybe I don't undertand everything since my primery language is french.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Francine, try changing your postprocessor in Easel from grbl(mm) to grbl(in).

[@ccreddell]

Does the longmill CNC have the ability to use a touch probe in order to copy existing objects? I'm a guitar maker who is considering getting into CNC (actually, I've really wanted to for some time) and there are different guitar a nd bass neck profiles that I love and would like to recreate.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ccreddell, it doesn't have that functionality yet my friend. That would be a cool idea though! Ill reach out to Longmill and see when that will be added.

[@ccreddell]

@@IDCWoodcraft Yeah, that would be cool, and as far as I am aware not that hard to implement. Ive pretty much sold myself on the Longmill, and I think that would edge me over....:-)

[@mr.p9882]

I have the MK2 3030...I had terrific problems getting it working, and that was with Sienci support. I begged them over and over to just replace the machine, but they wouldn't. No return either. If I had it to do over again, I would NOT buy a Longmill. That all said, it is now working and is very accurate, and works great. It pains me to say that!!! I have been so disappointed with this machine. hat I have NOT done is to try an intricate 3d carving and see how it will work. So far I have only done some signs, which have alomst turned out perfect..ALMOST...EVERY time I do my hogging out with the 1/4" bit, then come back and clean up with a 1/8" bit it cuts about 15 thousandths deeper than the rest of the cutting. I compensate by putting blue tape underneath the auto probe, then if it doesn't cut deep enough, I remove some tape, retouch off on Z and run another pass. There were so many other problems I could take paragraphs to talk about it. But for now, it works.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Mr P, have you tried to not use the auto z touch plate and zero the bit off the piece of wood instead with every bit change? Might help you narrow down your problems.

[@mr.p9882]

@@IDCWoodcraft I have...the 1/8" or 1/16" ALWAYS cuts like that!!! Also, seems to me that pressure on the wood can be slightly different bit to bit but I have done it...also used a piece of paper .004" thick...

[@b-radg916]

@@mr.p9882I’m considering buying one of these … could you elaborate on the issues you’ve had?

[@joeojeda3342]

I can’t find the link to purchase

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Joe, here's the link my friend →bit.ly/3JQx3BB

[@craig12272]

Does g sender have Mac options

[@IDCWoodcraft]

craig12272, I recommend reaching out to longmill directly on this one my friend. They should be able to give you a little better guidance than I can on this one. Here's the link to their contact page →sienci.com/contact-us/?ref=idcwoodcraft

[@craig12272]

@@IDCWoodcraft thank you I might just go pick up a windows based computer.

[@jgia1562]

Very informative what i'm trying to understand is ...this is a informercial why didnt LongMill send you pieces of the actual aluminium stock so you could have it to show the profiles to us the perspective buyers.....I'm just saying.....sketches are nice....kinda

[@IDCWoodcraft]

J Gia, I'm not too sure brother. I purchased the machine myself. That would be a good idea though!

[@jgia1562]

@@IDCWoodcraft I'm going to buy a CNC just narrowing down the candidates right now and the Longmill is in the running. I have a Kitchen cab job on the horizon and it may be useful to be able to have it all on file for future reference of the client .....that said I have a hard time believing a trim router will last through the duration of the job,,,,and I am a Makita fan ,so do they make a housing for a larger router? I know they make spindles So in your experience , What is the life expectancy of a trim router? Thanks for any info and the great tutorials....Cheers!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@jgia1562 That's a great question. I don't have an answer because my trim routers have not worn out on my CNC. Two years running.

[@b-radg916]

@@jgia1562I don’t know the life expectancy, but I’ve run a couple year old Makita router on my machine and it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it for the last seven months (including a 27? hour 3D carve, running about 12 hours each of two days, then 3 or so the third day). Unless I find a better spindle option, I’ll buy the Makita for my next machine.

[@b-radg916]

@@jgia1562By the way, the Makita got called into service because the Carbide 3D router that we bought with the (used) machine burned out after a couple months.

[@tripledstickers]

He was loosing the battle, thank god he found you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

triple, thank you brother.

[@lesmorris6388]

Coooooool😎

[@IDCWoodcraft]

lesmorris6388, Thanks! I'm glad you think so!

[@ramijali6964]

Sir help me when I upload surfacing program it's working one line and suddenly stopped and showing grbl 1.1h for help longmill mk2 what happened please

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ramijali6964, It sounds like there may be a communication issue between your machine and the controller. Check all connections and make sure the firmware is up to date. Sometimes adjusting the baud rate settings can also help with communication errors. Good luck troubleshooting!

[@ramijali6964]

@@IDCWoodcraft thank you

[@agomodern]

Bit link is not working.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

agomodern, thanks for letting me know brother I will fix that right away!

[@PiefacePete46]

Is MK2 pronounced "Emm Kay Two", or is it "Mark 2" abbreviated?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Mark 2, they abreviate it as MK2

[@javis9950]

42:22 well okay you said it.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Javis, good point my friend.

[@andrewvanstaden9944]

Can one add a spindle to this machine?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Andrew, you sure can brother! The control board has an input for a spindle ready to go.

[@b-radg916]

@@IDCWoodcraftI’ve had good luck with an older Makita router, what are your thoughts on spindles? Are there any you suggesting looking into? I’m leaning toward a Longmill MK2 48x30 (will use your code if I do).

[@robertbennett861]

Having problems getting my machine running smoothly, Finding support not to helpful. A week has gone by Jason has been helpful to me still no luck getting the machine running. just received a a new board for the control box, not a control box just the board. So I have to disassemble the box and reassemble. got it all together still not working. I think I'm at 7 days now trying to get my $4,000.00 machine to run. I called Sienci Labs Friday at 1 pm and messaged Jason I have had enough and wanted my money back. so far crickets! Monday I received an email I can not return it because I assembled it. so now I have a $4,000.00 unusable CNC Machine. No one will return my calls.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Robert, I am sorry to hear you are having troubles with your machine brother. I would recommend you keep working hard at it brother. CNC can be tough enough starting out but with technical issues on top, it is even harder. Consider keep trying to fix that bug brother, it will be well worth the effort once you get to cutting!

[@robertbennett861]

@@IDCWoodcraft Well 17 days and counting.

[@NickOz]

No disrespect, but i recommended a onefinity journeyman. Far superior .

[@jwar2163]

Please clarify as to why you think so. The Bearing system on the Onefinity CNC is the same style system used on Dewalt, Rigid, Makita, ETC. Compound miter saws sliding rail that is prone to dust fouling. There are already videos on KZbin showing axis jamming up on the Onefinity due to that inherent issue with Tubular Rail and Bearing very high maintenance. To each their own. Both machines will do what is required of them. Both machines will require maintenance as do all mechanical systems world wide. I am not a fan boy of any manufacture. I buy what will get the job done with the least amount of mechanical problems and that has a great manufactures backing of their equipment. I looked at Onefinity and gave it a pass. Due to the reviews and the dust fouling videos that I came across. I dealt with that with several manufactures compound miters and did not want to deal with that happening when a project is running on a CNC.

[@NickOz]

@@jwar2163 I'd tend to agree, however my statement is based on the number of people I know who have switched to the 1F citing issues with rigidity on the LM. Perhaps its also due to the number who've switched from XCarve as well. I've never had any issues with the 1F by adhering to basic maintenance and dust collection and my machine is running daily. You can literally stand on the xrail of the 1F - its a beast. (not that I recommend anyone doing that). But fair comment about each to his own.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

No disrespect taken Nick, there are plenty of machines out there! The onefinity is definetally one of those.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Jwar, that's a really good perspective my friend. You definitely don't want a high maintenance machine if you are looking for your CNC to perform critical jobs.

[@b-radg916]

@@NickOz’m just beginning my research on what machine to get to replace the Shapeoko 3 XXL that I lost access to, but Garrett standing on the 48” X gantry (at 40:40) is impressive, but when he’s on it while it’s moving in the Y direction makes me think that beast is pretty dang rigid! Do you have any links you could share showing rigidity problems with the Longmill? Thanks. P.S. the Shapeoko 3 XXL is a good machine, but it’s not rigid enough for my taste.

[@davidhall6452]

This guy such a salesman. You need to tell people if it’s paid review or not

[@IDCWoodcraft]

David, this machine was provided to me to review.

[@alfredlear4141]

I agree, not just an introduction into CNC but a first class example of salesmanship. Always helps when you believe in the product.

[@charlesyourch6056]

Watch more content and he is more clear that he does not have a financial connection to Longmill.

[@johnholman3978]

I tried very hard to wipe all the marks on the wall behind you off of my screen. I make me laugh.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

JohnHolman, have been meaning to paint that wall brother! Sorry about that my friend.