handibot Forum

Handibot for Sale (1 reply)

jack49 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:51:55 -0400

I have a handibot for sale in Orlando. Very well maintained, clean and ready to go... Asking $500.00 Call 407-257-7538 and leave a message or text.

Handibot USB connection problem. Solutions? (no replies)

jonsnoww — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:26:53 -0500

Hello fellow handibot users, I'm encountering a frustrating problem with my handibot not being recognized by my computer when connected via USB. Despite trying different cables rsists. If any of you have faced a similar challenge and successfully resolved it, I would greatly appreciate your insights and any troubleshooting steps you can share. Your assistance would be invaluable. Thank you!

Vac cover for Handibot (no replies)

HandiDad — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 09:26:42 -0400

Hello,

I just made a replacement cover for my Handibot.

I have a few extra for sale. They are 1/8" clear polycarbonate.

It's repurposed plastic. It has some scratches.

I'm also interested in trading files perhaps.

Thanks,

MArk

Handibot Bridge z-axis and x-axis limit switches locations (no replies)

sadnessensues — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 22:31:54 -0400

Hello! I have a Handibot Bridge that I am trying to get set up. I can see that the y-axis has a limit switch, but I cannot find the z-axis or x-axis limit switches no matter how hard I try to look. Where could they be, and could it be possible that I am missing them entirely? When doing auto homing, the z-axis always never stops so I can't get much farther than that.

Can no longer connect to Handibot! (no replies)

Steveibe — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:53:48 -0400

Fabmo no longer can find my HandiBot and the address I had used to connect no longer works? Does anyone out there know what I can do?
Is there anyone out there anymore?

Handibot as Table Router (1 reply)

KCB22 — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 01:45:13 -0400

I know that I asked this question previously, but for the life of me I can't figure out where the answer is.

I'm looking to flip my Handibot upside down and use it as a table router. What coding do I need to put in to manually turn the router on and off?

USB to Ethernet Adapter or Conversion to GRBL Anyone (1 reply)

geofredo — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:56:01 -0400

Hello there,

I was curious if anyone has found a reliable source of the difficult-to-find usb to ethernet adapter needed to convert a wireless handibot into a more secure-connection wired option?

Alternatively, does anyone have a part list for what is needed to convert the handibot to be able to run GRBL? Perhaps this would be a better longer term decision due to open source community support, etc. This youtube video has some of the info needed but figured I'd inquire on here first before attempting a diy solution: [www.youtube.com]

Forgotten Password for WiFi Connection (1 reply)

Paige — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 10:55:23 -0500

Hello,

I have recently rediscovered my Handibot after not using it for 5 or more years, so I am trying to set it up and use it again, but I cannot connect to the machine. I can see the option of fabmo_ed19 as a WiFi option but it then asks for a password that, for the life of me, I cannot remember.

I was wondering if anyone knew how I can either recover this password or set up a new one?

Thank You,

Paige

Is purchasing a used Handibot worthwhile (1 reply)

MichaelCo — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:41:45 -0400

Over the years, I had been thinking of purchasing a HandiBot, but never pulled the trigger. I have a wood floor project, which involves doing inlay work of an existing wood floor. Seemed like a good fit for the Handibot. I have questions in to a seller about the condition of the Handibot, and whether it includes software. Are there other questions I should have? Is it a dead end buying a Handibot which has been discontinued, or is there enough support from the user community that this is not a problem?

Are there other products that I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance

re-use HandiBot step motors? (no replies)

Steveibe — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:56:32 -0500

Does anyone out there with more knowledge than I know if it is feasible to use components from a HandiBot to build a table CNC or would it make more sense to start over with new parts?
Thanks, Steve

Intel Edison Re-Flash Files? (no replies)

Bas Hwang — Sun, 08 May 2022 05:25:19 -0400

Hi everyone, Handibot newbie here. I inherited a second hand Handibot from a school that didn't want it. It is driven by an Intel Edison.

It started off working somewhat but after attempts at firmware updates, it now completely does not work.

I'd like to re-flash the Intel Edison. Where can I obtain the full re-flash package for the Edison?

The link provided on the Handibot site does not work.

Thanks in advance!

Bas

Parts? (1 reply)

Steveibe — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:10:51 -0400

I thought I read when HandiBot threw in the towel that some parts would still be available, the HandiBot Store is now a dead link. Does anyone know where I can purchase blocks?
The number on them is SME15SBSSFC. I've searched online but can't find anything that matches that number. Thanks, I hope!, Steve

Need Fireup app (2 replies)

Steveibe — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 15:57:13 -0400

I inadvertently deleted the Fireup app on my Handibot. The Handibot docs link no longer works? If someone could tell me where I might find what I need please share. Thanks, Steve

Handibot Bridge edition for sale DC area (1 reply)

Daniel Block — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 07:51:52 -0500

Hi All,

I have a working Handibot Bridge edition conversion that I'm selling. I'm located in the DC metro area, and would strongly prefer local pickup. I have the original parts from the original Handibot as well (so you can convert back if need be). I also have the following additional parts:

Laser Sight
Auto Zero Plate
Quick Tool Change Collar
Additional Dewalt Router
Upgraded Dewalt Router Collars for 1/8 and 1/4 shanks
Large material Jig (which is probably unneeded)

I probably have a few other parts as well, which you can have. I've also upgraded the Wifi on the Handibot using a travel router, so it doesn't experience the same issues as the original with wifi connection. I have also just tested it this weekend, and it works great still.

If you are interested, you can reply here, or email me directly. My email address is my firstname + last name (one word) at gmail.com.

I'm asking $2500, but I’m open to offers

Thanks,

Dan

Handibot 2.0 Adventure WIFI not working (no replies)

Brady5737 — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 11:49:15 -0500

Hi,

I am working on a handibot 2.0 adventure edition, and when I try to start a cut from wifi the router spins up and then immediately shuts down and disconnects me from it's wifi. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

Thanks,

-Brady

Update with no internet connection (1 reply)

Kaei78 — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 04:29:48 -0400

Hi,

I am Karsten and hope to find some help here.

I would like to update my Handibot which runs currently a "dev" software.
"Dev" is being show in the screen right next to the Update Fabmo and Update Firmware button.
So I guess this is the current software Version. Screens look different from Pdf for Update to 1.6.

What I tried so far is:
1. Clicked the bothof the update buttons and selected the "fabmo-engine_linux_edison_v1.7.2.fmp" file.
After more than 10 minutes of waiting nothing happend.
Version still showing "dev".

Problem is that the system is so unstable. Once I enter the screen for manually moving the machine I can´t close it. Needs a full restart.
Now the machine is totally blocked and not reacting at all.

1. Is there a way to update machine without internet, with a USB Stick where the *.fmp file is on?
2. How can I see if the update is happening? Is there a progress bar, some kind of indication?

BR Karsten

How do I home the V2 Bridge? (no replies)

bruhhelpme — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 20:34:47 -0400

I recently got to use a V2 Bridge but the z zero plate is missing. Is it supposed to have one and where does it go?

V-Carve Access (1 reply)

KCB22 — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 13:53:15 -0400

Handibot Team,

I just upgraded my computer and am looking to install V-Carve on my new machine. However, the link which I historically used to access V-Carve 9.0 no longer works. Is there a new link which can be used? I previously used [www.shopbottools.com]

Thanks in advance!

New Owner of a Used Handibot with a few Questions / Issues (1 reply)

Blyn3D — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 09:13:49 -0400

Hello All,

I just recently purchased a used HandiBot that is an Adventure Addition I believe, it has an Edison board in it.

I have attached an image of my current project, I am trying to get the HandiBot to operate on top of a Legacy Orminmental Mill. So far so good I think. The stepper motor I am using is probably a lot underpowered, but I do not know how lager of a stepper the Handibot can drive, any ideas?

The second issue tripping me up is that increasingly the Handibot will stop working in the middle of a long carve, as in over twenty minutes. The toolpath the Handibot is failing on currently is a simple leveling pocket in prep for a more complex 2.5D carve. Sometimes the control tablet shows the Handibot thinks it completed the carve, other times the coordinates are totally off in regard to where it actually stalled out. Obviously, I had to, and I am still, adjusting the X-axis setting of the Handibot, but I do not know how that would affect the Handibot's ability to complete a task.

When I first got it going it was able to carve the test carve installed on the Handibot, carve your own path. Anybody else ever have an issue like this?

Finally, I've heard talk that the future Handibots will ship with something other than an Edison board. Any picks if my issues continue as to a replacement for the Edison?
I have seen a youtube on someone doing a simple swap that changed it to LinuxCNC, which I have no experience with but I do elaborate carvings that can take many hours to complete so reliability is important to me.

Any insight would be great and thanks in advance for your time,

Tim

Windows 11 (no replies)

Wazza — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 01:13:19 -0400

Are there any indications re how Fabmo will behave in the upcoming Windows 11?

Microsoft Edge (no replies)

Wazza — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 05:10:40 -0500

I have replaced my 10 year old laptop with a new one. I was running Google Chrome as recommended by this site, but now I ask if the new Microsoft Edge is OK to use with Fabmo.
Has anyone had any experience with Edge and Fabmo?
Cheers,

Handibot Kickstarter Edition Value (no replies)

HoJo — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:07:25 -0500

Hi All,

What is a an expected value for a Handibot kickstarter with just the original setup with no extra be value?
I'm looking on internet and what to know what can I bargin for since it will need some upgrades to get the best use of this CNC.

Thanks
HoJo

Vertical Mill (2 replies)

Bmilanowski — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 18:28:40 -0500

Is there a way to run the router and move it without programming the cut? Use the Handibot as though it was a vertical milling machine?

Handibot for sale (no replies)

rasbldrs — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 06:21:25 -0500

Handibot for sale in NJ hardly used just about every option let me know thanks Bob

DumDum (no replies)

Wazza — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:08:48 -0400

Given that "X" is an unknown and spurt is a drip under pressure, I am an expert.
Who else would take a 1/8" compression bit and make a hole in his Quickbit puck?
Luckily the puck still works so when I can find some aluminium of the right thickness (not as thick as I am) I will repair it. That hole is not the type I like to look at. No, no, no. I know what you're thinking. Get your mind above your navel. Think doughnut.

Handibot Kickstarter Edition + Bits - For Sale $800 or best offer (no replies)

Britton — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 20:55:57 -0400

This Handibot Kickstarter Edition was used very lightly at time of purchase, and then collected dust for years. Last March I brought back to perfect working order with the upgrade to VcarvePro 7 ShopBot Edition and it fired right up. Since then it has not been used at all.

Also included is a brand new set of bits:

(2) 1/4" Up Flutes
1/16" Taper Ballnose Upcut
1/8" Flute
(2) 1/2" 90° V
1/2" 90° Straight V

Photo is not actual tool but represents the exact model. I am located in the San Francisco Bay Area for no-contact pickup, or I can ship to you. Contact me at holland.britton@gmail.com.

Running Fabmo in Docker (3 replies)

tagd — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:40:13 -0500

Hi Everyone,

More than 2 years ago, I posted about how poorly my Handibot was performing on the network. It's an Intel Edison based Adventure Edition 2.0, and even with an external antenna, it could never stay connected to my Wifi. I have a limited amount of garage/workspace that I don't want to fill with sawdust, so I prefer to put the Handibot on the back patio during long cuts. I won't go back into those details here, suffice to say I shelved the tool while searching for a reliable solution, and this weekend I finally cracked the code and got the Fabmo build from the github repository running in a docker container on a Raspberry Pi.

Below are my notes on how I got it working. Leveraging the completely unorganized, outdated, gap-ridden, bizarrely formatted sprinkling of documentation about Handibot was nearly impossible - the G2 v30x boards never had published data sheets or any kind of pinout diagram, and in general the stack of 3 custom boards makes for a guess-fest when trying to determine which things are important. If these breadcrumbs help even one other person (or a future self that has lost my build notes) it will have been worth it:

- Make sure G2 has been upgraded to latest firmware. This was tested with 1.7.2.
- Firmware updates were not possible with docker build, reinstall edison and flash up using :81 interface first

Docker Problems to Overcome:

1. Docker Build must be done on a Pi with no NodeJS or NPM installed.
- The dependencies are ancient and its a rabbit hole of problems to upgrade. Just SerialPort is 16 major revisions behind
- Remove any NodeJS install before starting
- Overall I recommend just getting a dedicated SD card to do this with.

2. BOSSA is missing
- It's actually a sub-project on git, so download it and add it to the directory
- [github.com]
- The docker build will exit with a Make error if this is missing

3. Network manager has no code for linux generic
- Since we're not trying to replicate the Wireless AP mode, most of this is
irrelevant, however it will still try to run during startup and break
the process
- The generic network_manager can be copied from the root to:
/fabmo/network/linux/generic/index.js
- The online check should be edited to just return True:
GenericNetworkManager.prototype.isOnline=function(callback) {
setImmediate(callback, null, true);
}
- The dependency on log should be changed to require('../../../log')

4. Machine starts in "ALARM" state sometimes
- Not sure why this is the case
- While its in alarm, it refuses to do anything else which breaks the initial setup
- I resolved this by running clearAlarm from g2.js right after connect in the machine.js code but removed it later.

5. Docker must run privileged to access the serial port, must have 80 passed through for normal http access.
- Did not test with alternate external ports but it would probably work.

6. No apps are included by default.
- Apps are FMA files that are really Zip files with content in the root.
- Downloading a repository as a zip from github puts the content in a directory which won't work.
- If needed, download, extract, re-zip without the containing directory.
- Upload from inside Fabmo and be patient - it takes a while.
- Recommended minimum: Fire-Up, Macro Installer, Hole Cutter

Instructions:
1. Get a clean Pi and apt-get update/upgrade before proceeding. Tested on a Pi 2 and a Pi 3.
2. Clone [github.com] into /fabmo
3. Clone [github.com] into /fabmo/BOSSA
4. Fix the network manager stuff. (pre-req step 3)
5. Build the docker image: docker build -t fabmo /fabmo
6. Connect the G2 board with a USB2 A>B cable to a USB port on the Pi.
6. Make sure you can see /dev/ttyAMA0 from the Pi while the G2 is connected (this is the USB serial port used)
7. Start the container: docker run -it -v /dev:/dev -p 80:80 -p 81:81 --privileged fabmo /bin/bash
8. Inside the container start the app: npm run dev
9. Install apps in the instance using FMA files (pre-req step 6)
10. Commit the changes to a new image - docker commit fabmo-apps

This was good enough to send the tool a few cuts and it stayed connected thanks to the better connectivity of the outboard Pi!

I'm looking for a good place on the tool to hijack some DC 5v for the Raspberry pi so that I don't need a separate power cable, so if anyone can point me to a place where I can pull that (it's up to 2.5a for a Pi 3) it would be a big help. If anyone wants to collaborate on this I think it would revitalize some of the older tools that might be hanging around out there.

Laser Add on. (no replies)

Wazza — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 06:21:19 -0400

With the latest release of Vectric suites there comes the option of a laser module.
In light of this, I would be interested to see ideas on attaching a laser to the Handibot. I don't think that the use of HDPE in the Handibot build would pose problems, as none of it is inside the cutting envelope.
Cheers,
Wazza

Handibot + Bits For Sale - Barely Used - $1,200 (no replies)

Britton — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 13:42:28 -0400

This Handibot Kickstarter Edition was used very lightly at time of purchase, and then collected dust for years. Last March I brought back to perfect working order with the upgrade to VcarvePro 7 ShopBot Edition and it fired right up. Since then it has not been used at all.

Also included is a brand new set of bits:

(2) 1/4" Up Flutes
1/16" Taper Ballnose Upcut
1/8" Flute
(2) 1/2" 90° V
1/2" 90° Straight V

Photos available to interested parties. I am located in the San Francisco Bay Area for pickup, or I can ship to you. Contact me at holland.britton@gmail.com.

Handibot 3 - is a Lowcost DIY International machine possible? (9 replies)

AndrewG — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 05:51:06 -0500

A discussion started here, that touched on a number of issues in the world of Handibot.

Brian shared a lot of the history of Handibots evolution and why rather than the $1k machine originally envisaged, it is now an almost $5k machine.

My personal agenda as an engineer turned furniture maker who uses CNC services but want to get a first machine into my workshop, is that Handibot is the closest thing to the solution I want but is:

A.Too expensive - my target would be $2k - $2.5k (yes the Kickstarter/intro price...but I'm not an early adopter!)
B. Not International - I'm UK based, so don't want to be reliant on
C. An evolutionary dead end - I accused this forum of being dead, but a few good people have cleared that up!)
so

As Handibot is Open Source, I wanted to see if I could build my own.
- The evidence is inconclusive that anyone has actually achieved this ( a guy was selling plates on UK Ebay after an attempt ,see end of thread here
- A Swedish guy has some Youtube videos up suggesting he is trying here

All the part models and BOM are available here and build guidance here
BUT you quickly run into problems, for example:

The Stepper/leadscrew are proprietary and not available. 3D printing market has made Nema17 steppes with leadscrew available but not Nema23 with quality bearing and 0.5" pitch leadscrew, so a redesign would need to address this

So why persevere? Well I believe the original brief for the Handibot was spot on:

- A reliable workshop machine needs to use proper profile linear rails to give rigidity and low maintenance. Open Builds have done some great things and currently the Workbee represents probably the best entry level CNC router at $1.5-3k. But all those skate wheels need careful adjustment and maintenance. Now linear rails have dropped in price a lot and increasingly designs on Open Builds mount profiled Rails on their VSlot extrusions..the future is linear rails!

- Small is beautiful,Most of us in Europe and Asia just don't have the space and large workshops you Americans seem to have. Whilst larger format CNC router have their advantages that is a considerable commitment of space. Where Handibot pioneered, Shaper Origin follows and with great software and a European launch last month, it is tempting but misses a key advantage of CNC - it cannot work autonomously. I need that productivity advantage.

- The handibot has evolved as a design into a lovely package of CNC capability and the applications and additional jigs and fixtures have demonstarted how it can be used. Sadly small does not also mean cheap - the Handibot still has the same number of motors/rails/controllers as a much larger machine. Most hobby woodworking CNC routers come down to :
Frame= aluminium extrusion and plates
Linear motion = profile rails (or V slot in the past) plus ballscrews/leadscrews (or belts) plus stepper motors
Controller = Arduino and gbrl (or similar) plus PC or SBC like Rasberry P

Where the Handibot differs from the rest is the frame, where HDPE and Aluminium plates replace extrusions. Whilst in theory the Handibot design leverages CNC routing to make the plates, the complexity makes it an expensive process to get a one off set cut (I think, I am still exploring that)

Meanwhile, new designs throw up new concepts. Unsupported rails as seen on the cheap 3040 routers from ebay are terrible as they flex excessively. A new market entry Onefinity have revived the idea by supper sizing them. I like the low part count of the approach but fear the addition of a 'stiffy' accessory suggest they still have some rigidity issues). Another to watch.

So trying to share and summarize - but the question is simple. Could I build a version of Handibot DIY to get the benfits at a reasonable price?
The payoff for the community would be more European and Asian makers taking the format seriously and contributing to the community.