General Information
***Included with your AltMill 4×8***
- SLB-EXT controller and emergency stop
- Partially pre-assembled rigid frame
- Inductive sensors for homing
- Sturdy metal legs with the ability to add 4ft wide shelving underneath
***Not included with your AltMill 4×8***
Check out our recommended products tabs for an ideal set up, but note the following ARE NOT included with your order:
- Computer or laptop
- Spindle
- End mills or bits
- T-tracks
- Waste board (e.g. MDF 4ft x 8ft sheet)
- Set of metric Allen keys, standard bits or drill for assembly
The AltMill 4×8 does not come with an ATC System or Spindle Kit. They must be purchased separately.
Machine Dimensions and Cutting Areas
| Size | Machine Dimensions | Cutting Area |
| 4×8 | 1676 x 2896 x 975 mm (66 x 114 x 38.4″) |
1265 x 2460 x 210 mm (49.8 x 104 x 8.3″) |
See here for the table leg drawings: AltMill Table Leg Dimensions
Carton Sizes & Weights
For the 4×8 machine:
- Main Package – 965 x 280 x 305mm – 34kg, (38 x 11 x 12″ – 76 lbs)
- Rails Packages x4 – 1728 x 280 x 305mm – 37kg (68 x 11 x 12″- 80 lbs)
Power Requirements
2 Outlets required, 1x 120 VAC for the Altmill, 1x 120 VAC or 220 VAC single phase for the optional spindle
Altmill Control Board
- 100/130 VAC – 10A to the control box, Type B NEMA 5-15P plug.
Spindle Options (Not Included)
- 1.5kW spindle kit, 100-130 VAC, 15A, Type B NEMA 5-15P plug
- 2.2kW spindle Kit, 220-240 VAC single phase, 20A, NEMA 6-15P plug
If you live in a country with 220V/240V power you must use a transformer to convert to 110V/120V.
- To solely run the machine, you need a rating above 500W
- To run the machine and spindle, you need a rating of 2000W
I would like to source my own spindle, what should I be aware of?
- For spindles 2.2KW or above, you will need to install extra 220VAC wiring
- The AltMill comes with an 80mm spindle mount, we do not have larger diameter mounts at the moment
- The VFDs that may work with our controller are: Huanyang v1, Huanyang P2A, Yalang YL620, H-100, and GS20, however they are not plug-and-play — read this article for further information
Specifications
Max cutting speed: Approx. 25,000 mm/min (1,000 IPM) in Y-axis; 16,000mm/min (590 IPM) in X-axis; 6,000mm/min (236 IPM) in Z-axis
Repeatability: ±0.05 mm (±0.002″)
Motion System: Rack and pinion using precision gearbox reduction on Y-axis; 16mm precision ball screw on X-axis; 12mm precision ball screw on Z-axis
Linear Motion: 15mm profiled linear guide rails and bearing blocks on all axes
Drive Motors: High-Torque NEMA 23 Closed-Loop Stepper Motors. 3NM torque on Y-axis; 2NM torque on X and Z axes.
Control System: SLB-Ext 32-bit controller with grblHAL firmware
Power Requirements: 120VAC, Single Phase, 4A (Spindle power requirements listed separately)
Weight: Approximately 400lbs as assembled, not including weight of add-ons such as spindles
Spindle Mount: Supports 80mm spindles and routers
Frame Construction: Rigid frame and linear motion design using HGR15 linear guides and ball screws on all axis mounted to a custom-designed, machined aluminum extrusion; with sturdy metal legs with the ability to add 4ft wide shelving underneath for sheet goods
Electronics: 32-bit SLB-Ext controller running grblHAL firmware, with signal outputs to integrated driver stepper motors. Read more about this here.
Operating temperature: Expect reliable operation between 5-30°C shop temperature (can be colder or hotter outside) as long as you give your machine time to acclimate to its environment to avoid cold-running or building up moisture on the electronics. Using these methods some users have reported running in as low as -20°C though wireless mice or keyboards reportedly become unreliable. Generally though if you’re comfortable your machine will be comfortable.
Operating humidity: Best results will occur from a balanced humidity, too high and you can expect the moisture to degrade or even short the electronics, cause higher dust buildup, and swell the MDF wasteboard whereas dry air can cause static charges to build up more easily, so a poorly grounded machine will experience electronic disruptions
Storage: All components have a wide operating temperature range such as -20 – 50°C for the stepper motors, -40 – 85°C for the control box, and -40 – 105 °C for the motor connectors. As long as the AltMill is kept stationary it can survive being stored at nearly any temperature as long as ambient humidity isn’t too high (causes degradation of electrical components and potential surface rusting of exposed steel components)
FAQs
What are the payment plans for the AltMill 4×8?
Full payment is required at time of purchase to get your order into the queue. We ship on a first-come, first-served basis. If you choose local pick-up, you are subjected to the queue order and cannot get your machine quicker.
Do you ship internationally?
We do not have distribution centers but we ship internationally from our office via UPS. Shipping costs vary from $300 to $500 in Canada and the US and up to a couple thousand for far reaching international locations. You are responsible for any taxes, duties and brokerage fees.
What materials can the AltMill 4×8 cut?
If you can name it, the AltMill pretty much has it covered:
- Woods: Softwoods, hardwoods, plywood and MDF
- Plastics: Acrylic, PVC, HDPE, Polycarbonate and ABS
- Composites: Carbon Fiber, Dibond and ACM
- Non-Ferrous Metals: Aluminum, brass and copper (with appropriate lubrication/misting and cutting strategies)
- Ferrous Metals: Carbon steel, alloy steel and cast iron (with appropriate lubrication/misting and cutting strategies)
- Foams: High-density sign foam and insulation foam
Can I upgrade my 2×4 or 4×4 AltMill to match the 4×8 AltMill?
Unfortunately, no. The 4×8 is the next step in the evolution of the AltMill brand, which means it incorporates newly engineered components unique to its design. It is under consideration but it will not be a priority for us to provide an upgrade path. First, given that so many additional new components are needed to go to a 4×8, the cost difference between the upgrade kit and the full kit will not be that significant. Additionally, there is a significant overhead cost to do version tracking and ensure compatibility between machine versions that will add to the cost of the kit. It’s likely that it will be more cost effective and reduce waste if customers sell their existing machines and order a full machine.
Are you going to make a 5x10ft AltMill?
Not until we get the 4x8ft machines out the door first. But if we get enough interest or demand, we may consider it.
How much assembly is involved and how long will assembly take?
The 4×8 is big, so it’s going to take some extra time. Grab a partner to make assembly easy, and it’ll take roughly one day to fully set up. It will come with all major subassemblies, pre-assembled and precision components are pre-aligned. Check the “Assembly Instructions & Help Resources” tab for more info.
What else will I need to get started using the machine?
Our recommended and must-have accessories listed above are definitely what you need, but the must have of must haves is an 80mm spindle (like our 1.5KW or 2.2KW ER20s (or from a competitor) and definitely a wasteboard like ¾” MDF.
Will the AltMill 4×8 work with an ATC?
Heck ya. Our ATC system will be fully compatible with the 4×8 and all other sized AltMills.
What are the power requirements of the AltMill 4×8?
All AltMills use a 110VAC, 48VDC 10A power supply, consuming up to 500 watts. The power supply comes with a North American Standard Type B NEMA 5-15P plug. Users will also need to account for power use from the spindle, which have separate specifications.
How big is the AltMill 4×8?
The footprint of the AltMill is approximately 114″ long x 66” wide, and over 66” tall (when including spindle height).
I’m not sure what to buy, an AltMill or a LongMill? Help!
Check out this video for a summary of why each does an amazing job and can get the jobs done that you need, but have some unique considerations.
Add-Ons
Find specifications about add-ons here: