RatRig Stronghold CNC Tips

I have been a very satisfied user of RatRig's self-built CNC machines for several years. I first had the Killerbee, but now I have the Stronghold One. Perfectly suited for my needs and purposes.
Several people have asked me questions on forums and so I started keeping a list of them, which eventually became a page with tips on my previous website.

I'm rebuilding this list, so you'll still find some empty spots.
The list has now become so long that it has been divided into chapters and will be updated as necessary.

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please let us know!

Your purchase at RatRig

What should you consider when purchasing from RatRig Stronghold One? What should you definitely order?
The Killerbee is unfortunately no longer sold, and I don't own the Stronghold Pro myself, so I can't give any specific tips about that.

To the CNC purchasing tips

Other purchases for your RatRig Stronghold

Things you can't order from RatRig itself, but you do need to build your Stronghold One or Pro. But actually this list applies to almost every self-build.
I didn't include tools here; that's enough for a separate list

Other Purchases

The assembly

A collection of the minimum tools you will need and may encounter when setting up your RatRig Stronghold One, Pro or Killerbee

To the mounting tips

BASt CNC articles

I wouldn't be BASt if I hadn't also developed some parts/upgrades myself.
Some specific for the RatRig Killerbee or Stronghold, some general use on any CNC machine.
Unfortunately only available yet in The Netherlands and Belgium.
More info? Let's talk.

To BASt Parts

Bits

An expensive bit will break just as easily as a cheap bit if used incorrectly. And we are still talking about a DIY CNC here, so we don't have to spend €100+ per bit. Yes, they are more precise and mutually more consistent, but if that is what you were looking for, you were not on this page. Good quality bits, for an affordable price.

To the bits

Controller settings

I have been using the OpenBuilds Blackbox X32 for a while now and I am very satisfied. See my config here. Use this only as inspiration or reference, as this has to be set separately for each machine.

To Google Drive

Feeds & Speeds

You only get something out of those bits if you use the right speeds. More content and depth on that here

Follows

Caption

Updates & Upgrades

I have been tinkering in many areas and several of my modifications and upgrades I have also posted on Instagram. I will try to record some more videos with explanations in the coming period

BASt Instagram

Good to know

  • I am a Beta tester for RatRig. I have made a number of upgrades and adjustments to my Killerbee that I found important and nice. I ended up writing an extensive document with feedback to include in their next version. Based on this I was eventually asked to test the Stronghold One and in fact I have the first Stronghold One outside of their test lab worldwide.
    We have now come a long way and I (and several others) am still closely involved in their developments.
  • My judgment may seem colored by this; I will therefore not pass judgment on other machines or brands.
  • All articles I mention here are those I use or have used myself and I do not recommend articles that I do not support.
  • All references are written on my own initiative and are my own opinion. RatRig also has no influence on what is stated here.
  • As always, use your own common sense when purchasing referenced items and my opinion is just one of many.
  • I have no influence on the handling of individual orders or issues that users experience with RatRig.

Questions, Additions, Suggestions? Lets Talk