Meissa CNC Meissa 4

About the Machine

The Meissa 4 is a DIY 3D-printed router in the Meissa CNC family, sold as build plans and files. It has a belt-driven frame with NEMA 17 steppers and a working area of 355 x 520 mm (14 x 20.5 in). It runs GRBL on an Arduino Uno and takes a compact router that you supply yourself (not included). Because the frame is 3D-printed and belt-driven, it is a light-duty hobby machine, so plan on shallow, conservative passes.

Cut Settings on this Machine

Every cut starts with one formula: Feed Rate = Spindle Speed (RPM) x Chip Load x Number of Cutting Edges (flutes). Chip load is the thickness of material each cutting edge removes in one revolution of the bit. This number comes from the manufacturer of the bit, which publishes a chip-load chart for each bit diameter and material. Look up your exact bit and material, start from the middle of the published range, and you have the third number in the formula. The chart below shows the recommended spindle speed for each material and bit type.

The Meissa 4 is a belt-driven, 3D-printed router that takes a compact router you supply yourself, so treat it as a light-duty hobby machine and start conservative. As a general rule, a truly rigid, powerful machine can cut as deep as the bit is wide in a single pass, but that takes real spindle torque, a drive train and clamps that hold firm, a frame that will not flex, and enough mass to soak up vibration. A light 3D-printed frame on belt drive does not have that, so keep passes shallow. Push too deep and the bit deflects and chatters, leaving scalloped edges, or it rubs instead of cutting and burns the material. The fastest way to dial in a cut is to see what has already worked for other people.

Worked example for feed rate: 1/8in (3.175mm) two-flute solid carbide end mill in hard wood. The chart says 16,000 RPM. Meissa CNC does not state a spindle RPM for the Meissa 4, so check the plate on your own tool and use its actual top speed in place of 16,000 if it is lower. With the bit maker's 0.025mm per tooth (0.0010 in): 16,000 x 0.025 x 2 = 800 mm/min (31 in/min) feed. For depth per pass, start shallow and check Community Cut Settings in Easel for what works on this machine. If the cut sounds strained, reduce the depth, not the feed. Slowing the feed below the chip load makes the bit rub instead of cut.

Community Cut Settings shows the spindle speed, feed rate, and depth per pass other makers actually run for your machine, material, and bit.