Product FAQ

FAQ

What is the difference between the 48in and the 30in versions?

These numbers describe the track length for the rotary axis. Customers should purchase the size that matches the working width of their LongMill.

What is the cutting volume?

Note that cutting volume will also depend on your table setup and you may have to modify your table setup to accommodate large pieces of material.

Which machines is the Rotary Axis compatible with? 

The Rotary Axis is designed to be compatible with all versions of the LongMill, with the exception of the LongMill MK1 12×12, due to the track width (however it can be modified to work).

We strongly recommend reading through our resources and documentation for more info about compatibility.

Although users may be able to integrate the Rotary into other hobby CNC machines, we will only guarantee compatibility and support for LongMill users at this time. For more information about machine clearance, CAD models will be published in the future in our resources.

How is the Rotary Axis driven?

In the current configuration, the Rotary Axis uses the X-axis and Z-axis to move along the rotational axis of the material, with the Y-axis drivers disconnected and reconnected to the Rotary Axis motor to provide rotational movement. This means that in this configuration, the system is not a full 4-axis machine, but more of a 2-axis + rotary system. Each kit will come with a switch to toggle 3-axis and rotary-axis modes.

Can I do simultaneous 4th axis machining with the Vortex?

In the future, we are planning to provide full simultaneous 4th-axis motion through the SuperLongBoard, expected to launch at the end of the year (at an added cost).

Does the Rotary Axis come with software?

We’ve implemented gSender to integrate the ability to control, set up, and home the Rotary Axis. Users will need to use or purchase CAM software that supports rotary carving. We recommend VCarve Desktop or VCarve Pro, as this is the software that we primarily use and do testing on.