So you haven’t bitten the bullet yet, but you’re curious about the AltMill?
We got you – check out our FAQ below for prospective customers, addressing questions such as spindle sourcing, work area dimensions, and add-ons.
Which add-ons are compatible?
- AutoZero Touch Plate
- Standard Touch Plate
- Vortex Rotary Axis
- T-Track Set (for 4×4)
- Threaded Insert Packs
What are the power requirements?
We recommend allocating two 15A 110V/120V circuits — one for the spindle and dust collection system, the other for the machine and a computer.
- The AltMill consumes 500W and runs off a 48V 10A power supply
- The 1.5KW Spindle Kit consumes 1500-1600W at max load
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
Please be aware that our customer support team cannot provide troubleshooting on other companies’ spindles and VFDs.
What motors are on the AltMill, and can they be adapted for the LongMill?
- The AltMill uses closed-loop steppers with external motor drivers plugged into the SLB-EXT controller
- The LongMill MK2 uses open-loop steppers with integrated drivers directly soldered on the SLB controller
- Because of these major differences, you would need to purchase the SLB-EXT controller and closed-loop steppers (as well as fasteners and hardware) to make this modification
Please be aware that our customer support team may not be able to provide troubleshooting and best practices on this modification.
What is the difference between closed and open loop motors?
The short answer: closed loop motors have a feedback system to ensure more accurate movement, whereas open loop motors do not.
A closed loop motor can check if it actually moves a specified amount, and if does not, it can self-correct by drawing more power. If the motor is unable to spin due to excess resistance, it will issue an alarm.
An open loop motor will move as specified, as long it is in normal conditions without unexpected resistances or disturbances. So it is more likely that the motor could lose steps.
More information can be found in this article.
If I am buying an AltMill, do I need to also buy the control board?
No, the SLB-EXT comes with the AltMill.
Are the SLB and SLB-EXT control boards interchangeable?
No. The SLB is for the LongMill and the SLB-EXT is for the AltMill.
The SLB-EXT comes with specialized electronics and programming to allow for the use of a 48V power supply and external driver support, suited to the AltMill.
What is the accuracy of the AltMill?
The accuracy is +/- 0.05mm to 0.1mm.
What computer should I get?
The controller can be connected to:
- gControl Panel Computer
- Windows 10+, Mac and Linux, as 64-bit mini PCs, laptops, desktops
See here for full system requirements.
Has my AltMill shipped?
- Check if your order is shipping soon on our Order Status Page, we update this at least once a week
- We will also send out an automated email when your machine is assigned a tracking number, meaning it’ll ship very soon!
- The shipping and delivery times for the AltMill may vary depending on current demand, availability of parts, and our production rate
Can the AltMill 4×4 fit a 4’x8’ sheet?
Yes! The work area of the AltMill is approximately 49”x49”. You can feed the sheet from behind so that the machine can cut a portion of it at a time.
What is the size difference between the 2×4 and 4×4?
- 2×4 has a working area of 25″ by 49″
- 4×4 has a working area of 49″ by 49″
- Both machines have a maximum Z travel height of 5.5″
Will there be a bundle deal for the AltMill, like the MK2.5 Beginners Kit?
Currently (as of February 2025) there are no plans for a bundle deal.
Will there be a way to upgrade from a 2×4 to a 4×4?
We intend to release a size upgrade kit a few months after the release of the AltMill 2×4, so we recommend picking the size you’re comfortable with, up front, for now.
Do you have a trade-in program to upgrade from the LongMill to AltMill?
No, currently we do not have any system that could allow you to trade-in one machine for the other, and do not intend to in the future.