Upgrade Conversion Kit from WorkBee to QueenBee PRO
The Bulk-Man 3D QueenBee PRO CNC Machine is a linear rail upgrade based off the very popular WorkBee CNC Machine. This machine is available as a complete mechanical kit with all parts required for the build. |
Which option is best for you?
There are 3 different options to choose from depending on if you already have a WorkBee, and what version you have. The Upgrade Kit (Excl Stepper Motors) is for an existing WorkBee to QueenBee PRO.
“WB V2.2 - QueenBee” = Upgrade Kit for WorkBee V2.2 to QueenBee PRO“WB V2 - QueenBee” = Upgrade Kit for WorkBee V2 to QueenBee PRO“WB V1 - QueenBee” = Upgrade Kit for WorkBee V1 to QueenBee PRO
The Upgrade Kit comes in three types;
Upgrade for WorkBee V1 (pre Nov-2019). If your WorkBee has the shorter lead screw lengths that finish flush with the end plate then this upgrade is required. This upgrade includes the QueenBee PRO features, longer lead screw lengths and lead screw tensioning system.
Upgrade for WorkBee V2 (Nov-2019 – Mar-2020). If your WorkBee has the upgraded longer lead screw lengths that protrude out the end plates and the tensioning system, however does not have thrust bearings then this is the upgrade required. This upgrade includes the QueenBee PRO features and new thrust bearings for the lead screw tensioning system. This upgrade does not include new lead screws. (This option is best for Non Bulk-Man 3D V2 machines).
Upgrade for WorkBee V2.2 (Mar-2020 onwards).If your WorkBee has the upgraded longer lead screw lengths that protrude out the end plates, and the Tingle Tensioning System that includes the thrust bearings on the outside of the end plates then this is the upgrade required. This upgrade includes only the QueenBee PRO features. This upgrade does not include new lead screws or new thrust bearings.
Please Note:
- If you do NOT have an existing WorkBee CNC Machine, then this QueenBee Mechanical Kit comes with all the parts to assemble the QueenBee PRO you require.
- The package includes 2x V-Slot-2040 Linear Rails, available in silver or black.Please choose the right color according to your original WorkBee CNC.
- If you have a belt-drive WorkBee machine please contact us as you require additional hardware.
-------------------- QueenBee PRO Brief Introduction ---------------------
Bulk-Man 3D is the largest wholesaler of Open Source CNC parts worldwide. By producing or sourcing parts directly from the factory, we eliminate the “middle man”, and in doing so, we can provide the best wholesale price direct to the public!
The age old issue of flex in the X-Z axis on the WorkBee CNC was a common topic when considering upgrades for the machine. The main solution individuals came to was replacing the V-Wheels with Linear Rails to increase overall rigidity and accuracy as well as reduce chatter when working on metals.
After many CNC owners and members of the community approached us requesting a high quality linear rail solution for their machine at an affordable price, our technicians worked hard researching different options available and ways we can improve on existing designs. The result of the project is the QueenBee PRO CNC Machine.
By eliminating the middle man we are able to provide the end user with the linear rail machine they want and at the best wholesale price available.
------------------------------ Machine Capability ----------------------------
The QueenBee PRO is not only a machine capable of cutting through a wide diversity of materials. The QueenBee PRO CNC excels at Cutting and 3D Carving through plastics, foam, softwood, hardwood and even soft metal such as aluminium and brass.
Compatible Material for Cutting/Milling/Engraving: Aluminium / Hard Wood / Soft Wood / Oak / Plexi Glass / Delrin / HDPE / Foam and so on.
By using different Drill Bits & Milling Cutters: The QueenBee PRO can create intricate 3D carvings like wood artware, inlays, adverting logo, plaques, furniture, amazing art works and so much more. All the widely used applications can be achived here!
Workable Dimensions(mm): | |||
Frame Size | X-Axis | Y-Axis | Z-Axis |
500x500mm | 340mm Approx | 255mm Approx | 140mm Approx |
500x750mm | 340mm Approx | 505mm Approx | 140mm Approx |
750x750mm | 590mm Approx | 505mm Approx | 140mm Approx |
750x1000mm | 590mm Approx | 755mm Approx | 140mm Approx |
1000x1000mm | 840mm Approx | 755mm Approx | 140mm Approx |
1000x1500mm | 840mm Approx | 1255mm Approx | 140mm Approx |
1500x1500mm | 1340mm Approx | 1255mm Approx | 140mm Approx |
-------------------------- ‘QueenBee PRO’ Features ------------------------
The QueenBee PRO has some very impressive features that have been introduced. Some examples include:
Upgraded Plate Set Design for all axis. The new plates havemany key features including; |
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High Quality Precision Linear Rails for the entire motion of the axis. | Upgraded Specialised Nut Block Spacer. | Reduces almost all X-Z Axis ‘flex’ with strengthen linear rails and additional bracing. |
--------------------------------------- ‘PRO’ features ------------------------------------
The original QueenBee design was a good foundation for the Bulk-Man 3D linear rail upgrade, however it had some limiting features that were overlooked. After feedback we received from individuals upgrading their machines to linear rail, some features of the original design were identified as problems and we worked on creating solutions in order to make the QueenBee PRO an even more reliable and rigid design.
Some upgrades to the original design include:
● Standoffs for the ACME nut blocks.
The original design spaced the nut blocks using the bolt and standard metric spacers. While this worked, the nut blocks were very easy to misalign and adverse movement of the nut blocks resulted in the feed rate being limited. The QueenBee PRO overcomes this issue by securing the nut blocks in place using a specialised spacer block. With our new specialised secure spacer block there is no unwanted movement in the nut blocks due to the extended standoff.
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● The X and Z Plate design allows for easy adjustments of the ACME Nut Blocks after installation. | ● Extrusion inserted inside the Y-Axis C-Beams making the axis stronger. |
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● Y-Axis End Plates have been re-designed toincrease the rigidity of Y-Axis, as well as correctly align the Lead Screw for the new HGR Rails. | ● Y-Axis Gantry Plates have been re-designed toinclude additional mounting positions to secure X-Axis and increase Y-to-X Axis rigidity. |
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● Extrusion secured to the back of the X-Axis toreduce flex and increase rigidity. | ● All plates are designed for the Bulk-Man 3DTingle Tensioning System. |
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● New and improved rigid spoilerboard design. | ● Heavy Duty Slide in T-Nuts |
● What are Linear Rails and Bearings?
Linear Rails consists of two parts, the rail and the bearing.
The Rail is a precision machined strengthened steel assembly that has twin parallel tracks to guide a bearing (also know as roller) along.
When combining the rail with the bearing you achieve low friction and high stiffness linear motion for loads ranging from 1kg to thousands of kilograms.
● Why use Linear Rails?
There are many applications for using linear rails including; industry, medical, science, defence, mining, construction, transportation. The benefit of linear rails over other types of linear guides are the rigidity, accuracy and load capacity. Linear rails are designed to withstand force applied from loads in all directions, unlike other guides that are only designed to withstand a load in one direction.
Linear bearings use recirculating balls held in place under tensions for movement. The high strength construction of the bearings make them superior to previous wheel motion in respect to load capacity, displacement accuracy and rigidity.
------------------------ About the ‘QueenBee’ name -----------------------
CNC Machine designs evolve through community modifications and version upgrades. The benefit of the nature of the OpenBuilds style CNC machines means that designs can always be upgraded and improved on.
First there was the Shapeoko by Carbide 3D, then ROUTY by OpenBuilds followed by the famous Ox CNC which was a V-Slot machine based on the Shapeoko. After some time Ooznest developed the WorkBee which was based on the foundation the Ox design laid. The WorkBee has since gone through several versions, with the most recent version using the Tingle Tension System introduced to the market by Bulk-Man 3D. Working to create a linear rail upgrade CNC3D created the QueenBee upgrade as a linear rail option designed to work with Bulk-Man 3D WorkBee CNC Machines. We made this linear rail upgrade the foundation of our own linear rail upgrade, however we have made several changes to the design to improve the machine.
There have been a few different ‘linear rail upgrade’ designs over the years to suit the WorkBee, Ox and Lead CNC Machines. A well known upgrade for the Bulk-Man 3D WorkBee CNC Machine was the QueenBee. The original QueenBee upgrade paved the way for the Bulk-Man 3D QueenBee PRO, and the name ‘QueenBee’ has become a common description for linear rail modified WorkBee machines.
As this machine is still an upgraded linear rail WorkBee design, the name ‘QueenBee’ seems fitting however with the changes and improvements made to the new and improved Bulk-Man 3D design, the name given to this WorkBee Upgrade is the QueenBee PRO.
------- The benefit of upgrading a WorkBee to a QueenBee PRO -------
The WorkBee is a very clever and strong design, it has been our recommended machine for many years and has served the CNC community well. However when the WorkBee was first designed, the frame size was 750mm along the longest axis. This worked very well when paired with a small router in a woodworking hobby application. The WorkBee design began to show some weaknesses when pushed beyond its original design as demand called for heavier spindles to be mounted to the machine, longer axis for enlarged workable areas, and capabilities of working with stronger materials such as aluminium.
The QueenBee PRO is the perfect solution to these weaknesses. The upgraded strengthen plates and extrusion layout paired with the precision linear rail system allow for heavier tools such as a 2.2kW and even a 4kW Spindle to be mounted to the machine. The increased rigidity of the linear rails on all axis reduces twisting of the axis and flex in the gantry observed on the WorkBee due to heavier tools being used.
The QueenBee PRO creates a smooth and precise finish when milling aluminium and other soft metals by reducing chatter. The common ‘lead in’ and ‘lead out’ trail observed with machines using V-Wheels operating at high feed rates has also been eliminated. Faster cut times and operating speeds are now possible.
---------------------------------- Notes ---------------------------------------
When upgrading an existing WorkBee to a QueenBee PRO design, the WorkBee will need to be almost completely disassembled.
Lubricant for the bearings is applied when they are manufactured however routine maintenance and re-lubricating is recommended, especially in high dust applications such as MDF.
---------------------------------- Credits --------------------------------------
Credit is owed to the the designers of previous machines that have paved the way for new designs that lead to our QueenBee PRO including, Carbide 3D, OpenBuilds LLC, Ooznest, CNC3D.
“V-Slot” and ” C-Beam” are registered trademarks of OpenBuilds LLC as released under the Creative Commons Licence “Attribution-ShareAlike”
All our components are designed to work and are fully compatible with the products produced by OpenBuilds.
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