The Workbee is a robust CNC router platform. Originally designed by Ooznest in the UK, this platform is revolutionary in that it has capability for both belt and screw drive methods. Belt drive has fallen by the wayside, since screw drive is more accurate and robust.   Screw drive can be implemented in all sizes up to 1000x1000mm, which is the largest lead screw available. Sizes up to 1500×1500 are possible, but above 1000m not recommended on any axis due to lack of rigidity. It is made entirely of extruded aluminum sections with good strength and rigidity. A sturdy base with front and back full width legs provides stability, and C-Beam extrusions form the axis tracks. The V-groove profile provides very good rigidity with little weight. The kits include all mechanical parts needed for the machine, including standard NEMA 23 motors. Travel is somewhat less than the overall length to allow for width of the carriage, etc.

The Y-Axis rides on a pair of 14 wheel carriages on the c-beam extrusions. Each carriage has an inner stiffener plate to further reinforce the carriage. The Y – Gantry plates are machined aluminum, (not plastic as on some versions) and connected to each other with a c-beam extrusion that forms the track for the X-Axis. The wide wheel spacing provides maximum strength and stiffness, while allowing the carriages to move freely. There are 2 Y-Axis NEMA 23 motors, one for each side of the Y-Axis. Each gantry plate has a motor mount for a belt drive located within the c-beam inner pocket. For screw drive, the motors are mounted on the integral plates on the back of the c-beams, with the screw drive also running inside the c-beam pocket and protected from debris.

The X-Z axis carriage rolls over the c-beam extrusion connecting the side gantry plates, with a similar screw drive system. This beam is very strong. There are 4 sets of double v-wheels that roll on top of the track for strength, and three sets of double wheels on the bottom of the X-Axis carriage. The wheels connect a pair of gantry plates front and back of the track extrusions for added strength and stiffness. The rear gantry plate mounts the stepper drive motor for the X-Axis belt drive, while for screw drive the motor mounts on the end of the axis on one of the Y gantry plates. The front gantry plate mounts the 6 vertical v-wheels for the Z-Axis traveller.

The Z-Axis C-Beam extrusion is 250mm in length, with a travel of a little over 80mm. The Z axis is supported by 6 widely spaced v-wheels. The Z-Axis actuator is lead screw driven by a top mounted stepper motor. NEMA 23 motors are used throughout give additional torque for heavier spindle motors. A 71mm heavy router mount is an option to use a Bosch Colt or a Dewalt Router.  A 65mm router mount is also available to mount Makita routers and some DC spindles

An MDF spoil board is mounted in the bottom of the frame. (Not included). The spoil board is bolted to the frame around the perimeter to enhance strength and rigidity.  The kit can be configured either with a high spoil board (40mm higher, not recommended) which gives additional rigidity to the Z axis but drastically reduces Z axis travel, or a low spoil board which gives additional travel for thicker workpieces. The kit includes all parts for either configuration.  3D Tech has posted a simple modification to the kits which has a very low spoilboard mounting which gives an additional 20mm of potential Z travel.

Generic kits are just as good quality as the OB kits, but are quite a bit cheaper.  They do not include wiring kits, while the OB kit includes a full wiring kit for motors and homing switches, and OB branded parts like wheels, etc..  The OB wiring kit is set up to connect to the Black Box controller, it is possible to use with other controllers.  A full Electronics package with OB Black Box controller, power unit with Powercase, full wiring kit, motors, and homing switches is available for the generic kits.