The Lead Machine is a robust CNC router platform.   Designed by OpenBuilds, this platform is revolutionary in that it  is made entirely from stock OB parts, there are no custom plate sets in this machine.  This keeps the construction simple and robust. 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 8 wheel carriages on the c-beam extrusions. Each carriage has an inner stiffener plate to further reinforce the carriage. The Y – Gantry plates are  stock OB parts, with a unique feature – the vertical supports for the X axis are not custom plate,s but 20x80mm v-slot extrusions.  Not only is this stronger than a flat plate, but it also allows for vertical adjustment of the X/Z axis position.  The axis can be lowered for increased stiffness, or raised to allow machining of thicker materials.

The wide wheel spacing provides maximum strength and stiffness, while allowing the carriages to move freely. The  4 pairs of wheels on each axis plate are usually sufficient, but an additional 2 pairs can be added to each gantry plate set if desired for additional stiffness.  Also, the Z axis is supported by 4 wheels, two more can be added for improved robustness.   The additional wheel kits with all mounting hardware are available as an option.

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 screw drive system. This beam is very strong. There are 2 sets of double v-wheels that roll on top of the track for strength, and two 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 end gantry plate mounts the stepper drive motor for the screw drive. The front gantry plate mounts the 4 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 100mm. The Z axis is supported by 4 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 with kits). The spoil board is bolted to the frame around the perimeter to enhance strength an rigidity.  The kit can be enhanced by adding an additional support rail for the spoil board, one is included, a second is available as an upgrade.