As the weeks have continued to pass, the tariff situation continues to unfold. We have continued to follow the situation closely to assess the impact on our company, customers, and community in general. Trump had initially planned to impose a 25% tariff on all goods moving between Canada and the US on Feb 4th. However, this was postponed to March 4th. On March 6th, Trump imposed exemptions on tariffs for products that fall under the USMCA trade agreements.
How does that impact current customers?
If you have placed an order already, prior to March 4, 2025 at 3PM, we will continue to uphold our promise to provide DDP or DAP incoterms for American customers (basically this means “delivery duty paid”, which means that the shipment will enter the US with us paying any duties and tariffs). We have continued to provide this as the default option since June 2, 2022. You can learn more about this in our previous article.
The main reason we can provide this is because most of our products, including the AltMill and LongMill are certified under the USMCA. For a full list of USMCA-certified items, please see this list.
Customers in Canada and other parts of the world will not be impacted by the trade war.
As of this moment, tariffs on goods that fall under USMCA will be exempt from US-Canada tariffs until at least April 2, 2025. This means that many machines shipping US-bound will cross without tariffs.
Additionally, we have not seen any changes to the de-minimis. Orders under $800USD may still be imported from Canada to the US without duties and taxes due to the De Minimis Value threshold.
As of this moment, although it is possible the trade disputes will be over, it is not clear what the outcome will be. For the time being, new customers purchasing March 4, 2025 at 3PM may be required to pay tariffs if they are imposed. However, we are currently assessing the impact of potentially offering a subsidy to the tariff if they are imposed to reduce the impact to the customer. If that is the case, we will provide support for all customers to navigate through the tariff situation and provide proper customs documentation and filings for import to US. Latest updates will be provided here.
If a tariff is imposed and you are required to pay for it, duties and taxes will be assessed at the border and you will receive a customs invoice prior to delivery. If you need help navigating, please feel free to contact us.
How this impacts the wider hobby CNC industry
We expect that tariffs that have been in place previously and new ones that are currently being imposed will hurt the accessibility and pricing of nearly all items in the North American hobby CNC industry. The tariffs imposed by the US have had an impact due to Section 301 for Chinese goods years prior to this trade war in 2025 which imposed tariffs ranging from 10-25%. This current trade war imposes additional tariffs on Chinese goods coming into the US of 20% currently.
It is no secret that significant volumes of materials and parts come from China and other areas overseas. US and Canada oftentimes lack the technology or capacity to make components at an affordable cost of high quality. We have oftentimes tried to work with Canadian and US manufacturers, only to find out that a significant portion of their manufacturing is already done overseas. Additionally, for certain products, such as aluminum parts, China provides a rebate for exports, which makes it significantly (around 60% less expensive) to produce certain parts overseas, which makes it an attractive option over producing domestically.
From my last visit to China, and in response to the tariffs, manipulating customs values for Chinese to USA imports is almost universally rampant. Discussions with some other CNC manufacturers in the US also noted that they are using different loopholes to get around higher taxes and tariffs. I expect that many companies will look for new ways to mitigate the impact of tariffs and taxes, which may soften the blow of costs passed down to the consumer. However, these factors still greatly impact most US CNC producers.
New sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the US are also expected to impact costs for CNC machines in the US, especially since most CNC machines are made from steel and aluminum. For context, the US imported 3.2 million tons of aluminum from Canada alone last year, compared to around 785,000 tons produced domestically in the US, or approximately one-quarter of the total amount imported from Canada. Even if the trade war doesn’t last that long, job cuts in the industry in preparation for the tariffs is expected to cause ripple effects in the industry regardless, which may increase prices for materials in the short term as well.
New tariffs imposed in 2025 affect Canadian producers as well. While current exemptions for USMCA-qualified products provide a short break from this, a full imposition of tariffs will mean that the cost for US customers to import their CNC machines from Canada will jump. Based on Canadian imposed tariffs, Canadian customers importing CNC machines from the US may also find their costs to increase as well.
The silver lining is that we need to be more creative in bringing manufacturing back to Canada to control costs. Over time we hope that the cost of production and our production ability in North America develop. We also hope that some of the technology we develop can be used for creating this future as well.
What’s next?
We are hoping that the trade war will end before April 2nd when Canada, Mexico, and US will revisit the exemptions on USMCA products. We are continuing to monitor the news and plan on how to navigate these tariffs to minimize the impact to us and our customers. For further updates, please see our blog.
Hey there! Disclaimer: This is a guest blog article, the views and opinions expressed in this guest post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Sienci Labs.
Creating a flawless V-carve inlay may seem intimidating, but this step-by-step guide will simplify the process, even for beginners. With no overcomplications and no need for CNC expertise, you’ll be crafting detailed inlays in no time.
If you want to watch the full video on youtube click here.
Understanding V-Carve Inlays vs. Straight Flute Inlays
Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand how V-carve inlays differ from traditional straight flute inlays.
Straight Flute Inlays involve pocketing material with a straight bit and inserting another piece of wood into the pocket. However, they limit fine detail work due to the bit’s diameter.
V-Carve Inlays, on the other hand, use a V-bit that cuts at varying depths and angles, allowing for intricate designs. The angled cuts form a tight bond between the male and female parts of the inlay, providing a seamless and professional finish.
What You’ll Need: Tools & Materials
Materials:
Female Material: Light colored hardwood for the base (1.7” thick)
Male Material: Dark colored hardwood for the insert (0.6” thick)
We’re using the maple and walnut inlay kit from CICWorkshop. These premade endgrain boards are the perfect size and ready to use without the extra prep work. Link: https://cicworkshop.com/collections/inlay-kits/products/inlay-top-bottom
Tip: Due to the direction of the wood, endgrain has the best texture for V-Carve inlays.
Bit Selection:
3/16” Upcut Bit: For clearing the bulk of material before adding final details. Link: https://cicworkshop.com/collections/bits/products/3-16x-3-4-upcut-1-4-shank-uc2875
30 Degree V-Bit: To finish carving the image with accuracy and precision. Link: https://cicworkshop.com/collections/bits/products/30-deg-v-groove-3-flute-1-4-shank-vsc30
Make sure to use the same bit on both sides of your inlay to ensure both pieces fit together securely
Recommended CNC Machine:
We are using the Altmill CNC, it’s reliable and cost-effective. Affiliate Link: https://www.sienci.com/?ref=zte3ztn
Digital File:
Design your own or Use this free digital file from CICworkshop.com Link: https://cicworkshop.com/collections/digital-files/products/deer-inlay-digital-file
Step 1: Program the Female Inlay Piece
Set your design in the CNC software (e.g., an 18×12-inch scene or any custom design).
Apply a flat depth of 0.25 inches for the V-carve.
CNC Settings:
Feed Rate: 80 inches per minute
Plunge Rate: 50 inches per minute
Add a Clearance Toolpath: Use the 3/16-inch up-cut bit for faster material clearing.
Step 2: Program the Male Inlay Piece
Mirror the Design: To ensure a perfect fit when assembled.
Key Parameters:
Glue Gap: 0.02 inches (provides tolerance for minor errors and prevents hollow sounds).
Plug Depth: 0.23 inches (pocket depth minus glue gap).
Surface Gap: 0.1 inches (prevents glue from sticking to the base, making sanding easier).
CNC Settings for Male Inlay:
Use the same bits and settings as the female inlay to ensure consistency.
Step 3: CNC Cutting Process
Once your design is programmed it’s time to start carving your Inlay:
Carving the Female Inlay:
Secure the base material to the CNC table using clamps.
Start with the 3/16-inch up-cut bit for clearing material.
Recalibrate the Z-zero point before switching to the 30-degree V-bit for detail work.
DON’T FORGET: Each bit is different length so remember to set your Z-zero after switching bits. X and Y zeros remain the same because the material stays in the same spot.
Carving the Male Inlay:
Secure the insert material to the CNC table.
Use the 3/16-inch up-cut bit for clearing.
Follow up with the 30-degree V-bit for detailed engraving. (Remember, reset your Z-Zero)
Cut the male inlay and carefully remove any tabs.
Step 4: Assembly and Gluing
Check for Debris: Ensure no large wood chunks are left in the pockets to achieve a proper glue-up. Use a stainless steel steel brush and/or compressed air to remove any debris.
Dry Fit: Test the fit before applying glue. A 0.1-inch surface gap should be visible, which will compress when pressed.
Apply Glue:
Use a high-quality wood glue like Titebond II or III.
A silicone brush works well for spreading glue evenly in all crevices.
Ensure every detail has glue coverage to avoid weak spots. Tip you can insert the male piece and remove it to ensure all contact point are covered in glue.
Pressing the Inlay:
Use an inlay press for even pressure. You can make your own press with this file from CIC Workshop
Alternatively, a piece of plywood with weights or C-clamps will work.
Step 5: Surfacing and Finishing
Surfacing the Top:
Use the 3/16-inch up-cut bit to surface the top, removing the 0.1-inch surface gap.
The CNC should follow a simple rectangular toolpath for uniform surfacing.
Sanding and Edging:
Sand the surface for smoothness.
Add desired edges or chamfers for a refined look.
Finishing:
Dip the board in mineral oil to enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
Apply additional finishes as desired for durability and aesthetics.
Step 6: Final Reveal and Resources
The digital file for the deer scene used in this guide is available for free at cicworkshop.com. Download it and follow the steps outlined here to create your own stunning V-carve inlays.
With the right tools, materials, and this straightforward guide, crafting detailed and professional V-carve inlays is entirely achievable.
Remember:If you ain’t cutting it close, you ain’t cutting it right.
Hey everyone, here are March 2025 Production Updates.
Hiring
We currently have quite a few new job postings. Check out our Indeed postings here. Can’t find a specific job opening but want to share your interest in working at Sienci Labs, please check out our general application.
Office Expansion
When we first moved from our roughly 8000sq/ft location to our current 15,000sq/ft location, it felt like expanding into that space would take forever. Well, perhaps we spoke too soon. With the incoming shipments for increasing batch sizes for the AltMill, plus with the anticipated 4×8 ft AltMills and Sm-AltMills, we’re running out of room to build everything.
With about 40-50 pallets coming in the next few weeks, we’ve also started off-site warehousing, which means that some of our materials will be held in storage a few minutes away, ready to go when we need them.
We’re currently in discussion with our landlord about expanding our space by another approximately 9000 sq/ft, including part of the downstairs area of our neighbour and the upstairs portion of our current unit. Once we’ve taken possession of the space, we’ll most likely start building out the new space in the summer.
AltMill
AltMill shipments have been going out intermittently depending on the availability of SLB and SLB-EXT cases and case end plates. We have run out of those parts, and although we were expecting them to arrive already, they have been delayed in shipping. We have another batch expressed to us expected to come near the end of Feb, which means that we should be able to pick up shipping without much delay.
A large number of shipments have come in as we prepare for AltMill MK2 to ship. We are pre-packing and pre-assembling so that we can start shipping AltMills quickly once all of the remaining parts arrive in March.
STL files for stepper motor covers are available to download for free from our Resources. A link to download can be found at the bottom of the page. These covers were designed for the AltMill MK2 to help protect the wiring of the closed-loop stepper motors. They come included by default with AltMill MK2, but MK1 owners can print and install them if they want.
We are also making progress on 4×8 AltMill design, with Ben showing us a first look at the rack and pinion design he’s been working on.
I also happened to come across a few Sm-AltMills under construction in the back shop. Not exactly sure what the plans are for those but it’s exciting to see some come to shape.
LongMill
We’ve had one short pause on shipping for the LongMills due to a shortage of inductive sensor cables extensions needed for the 48×30 variants of the machine. However, we’ve since switched to including inductive sensors with 5m cabling instead, which forgoes the need for the extension cable and overall improves the reliability by reducing another connection point.
As we mentioned above, we have slowed on shipping for LongMill slightly as we wait on more of the SLB enclosures to come in, but we expect that to be resolved by the time this blog post comes out.
gControl
The next 294 units have now shipped for Batch 2! We are now waiting for a new batch of 500 computers to arrive early to mid-March. We expect to clear the remaining queue once they arrive, and new orders are expected to ship within a few days once we have ready-to-go stock.
AutoSpin T1
We have now collected a small group of beta testers for the AutoSpin T1, which span users of LongMill, Shapeoko, and Onefinity, allowing us to confirm and test compatibility for many major hobby CNC machines.
Beta test units are expected to go to users in the next few weeks.
Hey guys, here’s our Feb 2025 Production Updates. I am currently on vacation so I will be writing this from out of the office.
AltMill
We have continued to ship out AltMill MK1s to the last of the customers in the queue and are expecting to finish in the next two weeks. Afterwards, any machines still in the queue will receive a MK2. At the time of writing, we currently have around 50 machines still left to ship in MK1.
This past month was highlighted by the launch of the AltMill MK2 and the new 2×4 foot variant. We are now expecting MK2 rails to arrive in mid-March, which will allow us to start shipping AltMill MK2 4×4 and 2×4 in late March. Given we have a reasonably large queue, we currently have approximately 300 machines to build in the queue, which means that customers ordering now may be waiting around 2-3 months for their machines if they order today.
Batch 4, which contains machines for MK2 contains 500 units, which is a mix of 2×4 and 4×4 AltMills.
AltMill MK2 2×4
We’ve recently hired a number of new team members for the packing team to help speed up the shipping for AltMills and other products and accessories. We’re also expecting a large influx of parts in Feb and March, which means we’ll also be starting to restructure and organize our space to allow for more storage space.
Batch 5, which we have started initial production planning will likely contain around 750 units, additionally to help alleviate lead times.
In other news, our engineering team has been working on a new rack and pinion system to potentially be used in 4×8 variants of the AltMill MK2. Although we don’t have a specific timeline for the development and release of this machine, we expect more news to come out near the end of the year.
LongMill
Most LongMills continue to ship out as usual. Due to a shortage of extension cables for the inductive sensors, we’ve now switched to offering inductive sensors from the AltMill with longer wiring as an alternative to be used on LongMill MK2.5 48×30 machines.
We are expecting to get new cables in the next 3 weeks, however, we are debating whether we should just offer the longer cable inductive sensors or keep the extensions in the kit.
gControl
We’ve now received our next 300 computers which are being packed and shipped right now. Since the production of the computers we’ve made some updates to the operating system to significantly improve the loading time for gSender. We do have instructions on how to do this on our resources, but we’ve decided that re-flashing all the computers would improve the customer experience and would be worth the extra work.
We are now sold out on our second batch of 300 computers. Due to high demand, we’ve ordered another 500 computers, which are now on the way. We are expecting them at the start of March, which is when the next batch will also ship.
Pallets of computers ready to be packed
The majority of the new batch from the 300 have now been shipped and we are continuing to pack and ship as we clear out the new stock.
Vortex Rotary Axis
We are still waiting on additional extrusions for the 48″ wide variant of the Vortex Rotary Axis due to customs inspections for the parts en route. We are expecting to receive these parts and resume shipping the Vortex Rotary axis in the next 2 weeks. 30″ variants are continuing to ship without delay.
AutoSpin T1
We are expecting the first batch of around 35 routers for testing to be completed in Feb 16. We will ship them to around 20 assigned beta testers and industry partners once they arrive. We’re currently working on testing with a wide variety of machines including Onefinities, Shapeokos, and more, to ensure compatibility.
Hey everyone! Thanks for sharing your cribbage board projects made on the LongMill/AltMill.
Last Week’s Winners
We’re excited to announce that Dave Olson, David Elderkin, Dave Mauger, Michel Bellerive, Jeffrey Maxwell, and Eric Woodruff are the cribbage board contest winners. A prize is on its way!
We also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has participated in our Weekly Themed Contests. We’ve loved seeing your creativity! As things get busier on our end, we’ll be putting the contest on pause, but we hope to bring it back in the future.
We appreciate your support and can’t wait to see what you make next!
Hey there! Disclaimer: This is a guest blog article, the views and opinions expressed in this guest post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Sienci Labs.
Guest Blog by Ryan Drapela from Cutting It Close
Introduction
There’s a lot of chatter about Etsy being “dead.” High fees, fierce competition, and constant platform changes have left many woodworkers questioning whether it’s worth it. The truth is, Etsy is still a fantastic platform—if you understand how to use it to your advantage.
Whether you’re looking to make a little extra cash or build a thriving business, Etsy can work for you. Here’s how to make it happen.
Common Etsy Concerns (And Why They’re Not Dealbreakers)
Fees Feel High At around 15%, Etsy’s fees can seem steep. However, when you compare it to alternatives like paid ads, trade shows, or launching your own website, Etsy provides a cost-effective way to get traffic to your products. Think of it as paying for customers you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Too Much Competition It’s true that some niches on Etsy are highly saturated. But instead of fighting for scraps in crowded markets, consider “swimming where there are no sharks.” Look for underserved niches or create unique twists on popular products to stand out.
The Fear of Copycats Copycats are inevitable, but they can only replicate your designs—they can’t duplicate your expertise, customer service, or ability to stay ahead. By continuously improving your listings, offering stellar photos, and focusing on quality, you’ll always have the upper hand.
Strategies for Etsy Success
Find Your Focus Etsy favors shops that specialize in specific product lines. Instead of selling a mix of unrelated items, choose a niche that makes it easy for Etsy to categorize your shop and recommend it to the right buyers. A focused approach not only boosts visibility but also builds trust with customers.
Get Found To drive traffic, create multiple listings for the same product tailored to different occasions or audiences. For instance, a handcrafted walnut clipboard can be marketed as a teacher gift, spa accessory, or personalized office supply. Eye-catching photos are critical—spend time perfecting your product images to stand out in search results.
Convert Browsers into Buyers Once someone clicks, make it easy for them to say “yes.” Offer clear photos showing angles, sizes, and details. Use concise, descriptive text to remove doubts, and keep product options simple to avoid overwhelming potential customers.
Etsy as a Lead Funnel
Etsy isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a tool to build your brand. When businesses or organizations buy your products, reach out to explore future opportunities or referrals. By using Etsy as a stepping stone, you can grow your woodworking business beyond the platform.
Take the Guesswork Out of Etsy Success
Etsy is an incredible platform—if you know how to make it work for you. That’s where the Etsy Accelerator Program from CIC Academy comes in.
Get proven strategies to boost traffic, optimize your listings, and turn your shop into a lead generator for bigger opportunities—all in one place.
Start your free 7-day trial today and get the tools, guidance, and confidence to succeed on Etsy.
Etsy remains a powerful platform for woodworkers who know how to use it effectively. By niching down, optimizing your listings, and focusing on customer experience, you can create a successful shop and unlock new opportunities.
Don’t let Etsy’s challenges hold you back. With guidance from CIC Academy and the Etsy Accelerator Program, you can turn your shop into a thriving business in 2025 and beyond.
Happy Friday! Thanks for sharing your 2.5D/3D projects made on the LongMill/AltMill.
Last Week’s Winners
We are happy to announce that Kevin Mary Butt, Derek Scott, John Kinsman, Gerald Tooke, Carl Tierman, and Oz Oswald are the 2.5D/3D projects contest winners. Watch out for a prize!
This Week’s Theme: Cribbage Board Projects
This week’s theme: “cribbage board projects”! Share your cribbage board creations made with your LongMill or AltMill for a chance to win free prizes!
It’s been a short 10 months since we first launched the AltMill.
We’ve learned a lot with our first batches of the AltMill and we’ve combined all those things into improvements to our latest version. We’re now excited to share our second iteration of the MK2, which bring improvements to the quality, ease of construction, and quality of life, as well as preparing for new iterations and development for the Sm-AltMill and 4×8 machines in the future.
The MK2 refers to the platform change, which means that any machine with the new design changes are part of the MK2 family, which means that the AltMill 2×4 is also a MK2 machine.
If you’re looking for more information about the AltMill MK2 2×4, please check out this other blog post.
AltMill MK2AltMill MK1
Production changes and challenges
AltMill lead times have continued to be long since the first launch of the machine. While our production rate has continued to increase over time, decreasing lead times have also coincided with increased demand, due to the growing public knowledge and interest of the AltMill. We are working on a number of things to decrease lead times and our goal is to eventually have units ready to ship in 1-2 weeks on average.
Batch sizes
To mitigate the risk of quality and technical issues in the shipping of our first batches, we’ve kept batch sizes relatively low, with Batch 1 being 50 units, Batch 2 being 200 units, and Batch 3 being 250 units. Batch 4, which we are currently in, is something of a split batch of 500 units. I am calling it a “split batch” because some components have been ordered and produced in a batch of 500 while some have been ordered in a batch of 250, based on cost, size, and our confidence in the part quality. Additionally, we’ve been working to diversify our supplier portfolio, so that we can split up parts from the same batch across two or more suppliers, allowing us to decrease lead times.
Supplier diversification
As our part complexity and quantity grow, we’ve worked to diversify our portfolio of producers and manufacturers. The first is to distribute work to decrease lead times. By using more than one manufacturer to produce the same component, we can ensure that if one manufacturer has issues or is delayed, we still have a second source for the products. Plus, if parts take a long time to make, having a smaller batch to produce can reduce the total production time.
Second, we’ve been working with different manufacturers to understand their strengths and distribute work based on their competencies. We found that some manufacturers may be proficient in extrusion production but not in machined components. Traditionally, it was easier to aggregate production to reduce the number of suppliers and logistical overhead, but at this point, we’re at the scale where it makes more sense to have manufacturers focus on their core competencies to have the best quality possible.
Production space changes
Since moving into our new space in north Waterloo in November 2023, our space has adapted significantly. We’ve implemented new racking and equipment to increase the storage capacity of our production area. However, as we increase our batch sizes, our demand for space will increase as well. At this moment, our team is working on expanding the production area with potentially taking over more of our current building, as well as looking into a second space for warehousing.
Design changes and challenges
When working on the first batch of AltMills, we encountered a number of problems, some we were expecting and some we weren’t. Much of MK2 development is to address and improve the overall manufacturability and ease of customer assembly.
Extrusion
As we found when we first developed extrusions for the LongMill MK2, we knew that ensuring the flatness and straightness of the new extrusions were going to be critical in ensuring the precision of the machine. With the AltMill, with larger rails and the addition of linear guides, tolerancing was going to be an even more important part of the process.
Having material furthest from the center of the axis of rotation or flex offers the most rigidity in a structure. This is why in the initial design, the inside of the rail did not have any cross bracing. This might be counter intuitive, but actually is the most optimal way to design the rail. However, what we learned was that having some sort of cross-bracing would improve the straightness of the rail in production. While there is a small tradeoff in weight and potential performance, these differences are negligible for the added benefit of having higher production yield.
The original design and the current design both use machined surfaces to ensure that even with some deviation in the straightness and flatness of the rail, the linear motion would still mount without binding, but we found that in extreme circumstances, the rail would be so bent that the center of the rail wouldn’t get machined at all. These rails would need to either be re-machined or scrapped.
Another unexpected small benefit was the fact that the cross-brace increased the resonant frequency of the system itself so that the machine “rings” less.
Inside of the Y railInside of the X rail
Additionally, to aid with assembly, the Y-rails come with a small extruded “ledge” that helps keep the crossbeams supported and straight. This also improves the speed of assembly as the crossbeams can be held in place by the ledge while being bolted together, and the table does not need to be flipped twice during assembly to mount the table legs.
MK2 designMK1 design
Crossbeams also now mount using a custom tall-head screw, making it impossible to drop into the rail, and improving accessibility of the screw head for easier assembly.
Custom tall-head crossbeam screws
To add one more change to the Y-axis extrusion design is the integrated dust cover for the ball screw, instead of the stainless steel covers used on the MK1, which serve the same purpose, but reduce the assembly time and total part count. The addition of the ledge for the drag chain also helps keep it aligned during use. This recessed area also exists on the X-axis rail to help align the drag chain as well.
MK2 dust coverMK1 dust cover
A last subtle difference in the MK2 extrusions is the consistent use of a more fine bead blasted and anodized finish on all extrusions including the crossbeams. This is more costly than the unanodized crossbeams used in the MK1 AltMill, but greatly enhances overall polish of the machine – even if these parts get hidden by the wasteboard.
Machining
One aspect of the manufacturing that proved to be a larger headache than expected was with the threading of the extrusion, notably, the M4s used with the linear guides and end tapping with the crossbeams. With the manufacturing of the LongMill MK2, we ended up developing a system to tap the extrusions in-house, especially since we had also started cutting rails for each of the various sizes for the LongMill as well. However, given the larger number of tapped holes, we had to bring the tapping out of house.
We found that some of the tapped holes had weak threads, causing them to strip during the assembly of the linear guides or when installing the crossbeams.
We’ve improved the quality control and documentation so that our manufacturers are able to catch poor threading, however, we recognize that ensuring proper threading would always be a part of the manufacturing process, so we are working towards bringing the machining and tapping in-house as well. As a redundancy, threaded sections of all rails have been strategically thickened for reducing the likelihood of strip-out when over-torqued.
Wire management
One of the common criticisms of the AltMill was its lack of well-thought-out wire management. This means that users would end up with a pile of wires at the SLB. Since all of the motor cables are the same length, depending on how far the motor is from the controller, the user would end up with varying amounts of excess cable. Additionally having bundles of long cables going to each corner of the machine can be unwieldy and prone to assembly error.
The MK2 implements new wiring that comes with pre-determined lengths and is pre-bundled for each axis. We’ve decided that although the packaging and supply chain may be a little more complicated on our end, ultimately, the improved tidiness and ease and speed of assembly would be worth it. This means that each cable is labelled and comes to an exact length to reach the controller. This also makes it easier to catch errors in assembly as wiring plugged into the wrong location would also be more apparent due to different wire lengths.
Additionally, each cable harness now includes an integrated limit switch cable, meaning less individual cables to route during assembly, as well as an easier time to identify where each limit switch plugs in.
Limit switches now connect to the integrated wire harness using a small locking connector. This makes installation of the switches and wiring a bit easier, as well as allows for easy replacement of limit switches if needed.
New ‘pigtail’ inductive sensors
This work is also done in conjunction with adjustments to the front and back motor plates used on the Y-axis to utilize the inside of the extrusion to hide and protect the wiring. Additionally, we’ve made some changes to the SLB-EXT controller case to make wire management easier and cleaner.*
Y-axis end plate allowing for wires to be passed through the inside of the extrusion to the rear of the machine
Please note that changes to the SLB-EXT are expected to come near the middle of the AltMill MK2 batch. Both controllers are the same and are cross-compatible with each other.
Motor covers
On the AltMill MK1, motor cables exit from the rear of the motor and curve backwards towards where the cables are routed from. In some instances, this could cause connectors to fall out, or individual cables to break in extreme cases. Early on, right after launching, the individual cable crimps were changed to prevent these individual cables from breaking or coming out, but it was still possible to have connectors become come loose from their socket.
On the AltMill MK2, molded plastic motor covers are used at all four motors to: -Mechanically secure motor connectors from coming loose -Provide strain relief for each cable harness and redirect this towards its cable routing path -Provide protection of the motor and connectors without impeding any heat dissipation of the motor.
Molded plastic motor cover
Backwards compatibility to AltMill MK1
It’s important to state here that the updates and changes made to the AltMill are primarily for ease of manufacturing and assembly. If you already have a AltMill MK1, it’s unlikely you’ll need or want to change or upgrade your machine to a MK2. Many if not most components are still cross compatible, which means that some replacement parts that will be available for the MK2 will also work with the MK1.
If I have an AltMill MK1, can I update it to the MK2?
If you already have an AltMill MK1, most of the parts are backwards compatible with the MK2. However, most of the updates made are to improve the assembly and manufacturability of the machine, so if your machine has already been assembled, there is little to no practical advantage to updating your machine from a AltMill MK1 to a MK2.
We will not have parts immediately available for purchase, but we are working stocking and uploading parts that can be used between the two machines.
Additionally, if you already have a MK1 on order and would like to change your order to a MK2, please contact us. Please note that changing your order from a MK1 to a MK2 may delay the shipping of your order, plus have a price difference, as we will complete shipping of AltMill MK1 before AltMill MK2.
Electronics and software remain the same and will continue to be updated in line with the MK2. Resources and instructions, and tutorials will still continue to be relevant to both versions of the machine.
If I have an AltMill 2×4, can I update it to a 4×4?
Theoretically yes. To update it to a 4×4 size, you’ll need to replace the Y-axis rails, ball screws, motor harnesses and add an additional 2 crossbeams. It is our plan to have, as we currently do for the LongMill, parts available for purchase in our store for modifications and changes. However, the cost of the conversion on an individual basis may be high, and we don’t have a specific timeline or roadmap for a dedicated kit or instructions, so we strongly recommend ordering and committing to the size that you plan to use for the long term.
Pricing
Base price for AltMill 4×4 goes from $3990CAD to $4290CAD or $2950USD to $3160USD, ($300CAD difference or $210USD difference).
Base price for AltMill 2×4 to be $3890CAD or $2790USD.
Pricing for spindles and other accessories remains the same.
We are adjusting pricing for the AltMill to reflect some of the changes and improvements we’re making to the MK2 and better reflect our current costs for production.
The AltMill 4×4 MK2 and AltMill 2×4 will be available to order with updated pricing on Jan 29th, 2025 11AM EST. On Jan 29th, only the AltMill MK2 versions will be available for order.
Please note that this is expected pricing but pricing may change.
Hey everyone! Thanks for sharing your inlay projects made on the LongMill/AltMill.
Last Week’s Winners
We are happy to announce that Andrew Kissling, Sasha Vojvodin, Corey Winter, Jim Powers, Sean Hagerty, and Mike O’Neal are the inlay projects contest winners. A prize is on its way!
This Week’s Theme: 2.5D/3D Projects
This week’s theme is “2.5D or 3D projects”! Post your nature reliefs, multi-sided carvings, guitars, flags, or any projects incorporating a 2.5D or 3D technique using the LongMill/AltMill to win some free stuff!
Happy Friday! Thanks for sharing your multi-part projects made on the LongMill/AltMill.
Last Week’s Winners
We are happy to announce that Keven Larouche, Dave Rao, Mike McNulty, Andrew Scott, Keith Eatwell, and Josh Mensah are the mult-part projects contest winners. Watch out for a prize!
This Week’s Theme: Inlay Projects
This week’s theme is inlay projects! Share your LongMill/AltMill inlays with us for a chance to win fantastic prizes!
