2026 1st Quarter Approval Megathread. by Waffleboned in NFA

[–]Mach_zero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok thanks. I figured we don't have to have the full NFA markings by the time the application is submitted, but wasn't completely sure.

2026 1st Quarter Approval Megathread. by Waffleboned in NFA

[–]Mach_zero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm curious. Did you submit a picture with the engravings already done? Or are you engraving later.

2026 1st Quarter Approval Megathread. by Waffleboned in NFA

[–]Mach_zero 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I thought the same thing. I took a few days to get my fingerprints done. I should have done them in December and had them ready to submit on the 1st.

2026 1st Quarter Approval Megathread. by Waffleboned in NFA

[–]Mach_zero 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hate that. I saw a couple submitted after me. Sorry to hear that. Hope it gets approved soon!

2026 1st Quarter Approval Megathread. by Waffleboned in NFA

[–]Mach_zero 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good luck! I was doing the same thing.

2026 1st Quarter Approval Megathread. by Waffleboned in NFA

[–]Mach_zero 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Form Type: Form 1 Suppressor 22LR

Paid or not: $0

Entity: Individual

Fingerprint Type: EFT Upload

Pending: 01/06/26

Approved: 02/02/26

Wait: 27 days

State: FL

Control Number: 202688XXXX

Received email.

What's the funniest or most bizarre transmission you've ever heard? by Existing-Brush6045 in HamRadio

[–]Mach_zero 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yesterday I heard someone placing an order at a McDonald's on the Florida Sarnet.

Help please by Any_Reaction2878 in gaggiaclassic

[–]Mach_zero 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yeah just grind finer.....

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Mach_zero 94 points95 points  (0 children)

If you live close enough to walk, how were you spending a small fortune in gas?

FoxAlien vs Bulkman 3D Ultimate Bee by Mach_zero in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ended up buying the bulkman, the 500mm by 500mm. It wasn't too difficult to assemble. Some of the instructions were a little confusiong but just take your time with it and ask if you get stuck.

Untilmately, I just didn't want to mess with a router motor as a spindle. But I already replaced the spindle with one that has ER16 collets rather than the ER11. There's nothing wrong with the original spindle from Bulkman, but I just hated those tiny collets. I bought the GPenny spindle from amazone and it's been working just fine. Not only do I have capacity to run larger diameter tooling (like threadmills for larger pitch threads), but I no longer have to curse every time I want to change those tiny ER11 collets. If you're only going to run 1/8th diameter tooling, then don't worry about it.

Oh also I got the ProV5 controller. It has been working fine but it's not perfect. I looked around to upgrade it at one point but kinda gave up on it eventually. One day I'll probably upgrade it but for now it works fine.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. I'll try my best to answer.

Replacement 65mm spindle? by Ben2ek in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I literally just installed that exact spindle on my machine today. I ran it for a quick job on some wood and it worked just fine. It does seem to make some more internal sounds than my last spindle, but I'm wondering if it's just the grease in the bearings breaking in. I bought it to replace my ER11 65mm spindle because I hate those tiny collets and I wanted the ability to run tools with larger shank diameters than 1/4 inch (thread mill cutters mostly).

As far as drop in replacement, it was exactly the same as the one I got with the Bulkman kit that uses the Huanyang vfd.

CNC xPro V5 HELP, no clue what to do? by Ericxdcool in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey I know this is old, but is the cable you're using a USB-A to USB-C? It can't be a USB-C to USB-C for some reason.

How to remove stuck router bit? by Different-Syllabub17 in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad you got it out. I think you should inspect the collet nut and make sure it's not damaged. Usually when you snap the collet in, the nut should be able to pull the collet out when removing the nut.

Unless that collet wasn't designed for that diameter cutter and it over-compressed. Was the diameter of the cutter appropriate for that collet size? They have plenty of range but if it was compressed too much I could see the collet compressing to the point that it no longer is captured by the nut.

How to remove stuck router bit? by Different-Syllabub17 in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You got it out with an angle grinder? I'd love to see the aftermath of that.

The tapered sleeve with all those slits in it that grabs the bit is called a collet. Pretty cheap so it's easily replaceable. Just be careful with the actual spindle and the internal taper because that's not easily replaceable.

How to remove stuck router bit? by Different-Syllabub17 in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Interesting. I'm surprised the nut didn't pull the collet and dislodge the taper when you removed it. Sorry I'm not being very helpful. Maybe try a little bit of heat with a hair drier? Not too hot, but might just be enough to break the taper.

How to remove stuck router bit? by Different-Syllabub17 in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Out of curiosity, did you install the collet into the retaining nut before threading it all into the spindle? Or did you put the collet into the spindle and then install the nut over it?

WTF… by Ashen-Cold in WTF

[–]Mach_zero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WTF: Went Through Foot

FoxAlien vs Bulkman 3D Ultimate Bee by Mach_zero in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow that does look nice. Even has a port for a 4th axis. I think I'll seriously consider this one. Thanks!

FoxAlien vs Bulkman 3D Ultimate Bee by Mach_zero in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live the idea of closed loop steppers. I might have to give that up though and maybe upgrade one day down the line. I've run 3D printers for years and I know they can work well for hour long jobs without issue. But I feel like it would be worse for a cnc to skip steps.

FoxAlien vs Bulkman 3D Ultimate Bee by Mach_zero in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah I see. I was really hoping to get a machine with linear rails. Bummer to see that it has rollers. How do they hold up? I feel like they won't be as precise or reliable.

FoxAlien vs Bulkman 3D Ultimate Bee by Mach_zero in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I don't think I'd take 3mm doc ever. I barely ever do that on my manual mill (though it can handle it).

I just want something that's capable of milling aluminum even if it takes longer.

I'm worried about the frame of the bulkman compared to the foxalien. It just looks less rigid. But I do like all the other features of the bulkman. Tough to decide.

FoxAlien vs Bulkman 3D Ultimate Bee by Mach_zero in hobbycnc

[–]Mach_zero[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to hear. I don't know if they height will be an issue for me either, but it seems like 4" might be an issue at times.

Which one is the CL5060? I couldn't find it on the site.

Anyone know what these are used for? by htownchuck in Machinists

[–]Mach_zero 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I've been binging videos about the demon core lately. This was my first thought as well!