Milo / Miley V2 – Frequently asked questions
Official mechanical build, RRF, electronics, and pre-flight steps: MiloV2-Manual.pdf in the Milo-V2.0 repository.
What is the difference between Milo V2 and Miley V2?
Both share the same Y and Z assembly. Milo uses a moving table in X; Miley keeps the X axis fixed and moves the work differently on that axis. See machine travel diagrams in the PDF Introduction. The same manual covers both, with Milo only / Miley only callouts where steps diverge.
What are the machine travels?
Y and Z travels are shared between Milo and Miley; X travel differs because Milo uses a moving table while Miley keeps the X axis fixed. All values in millimetres.
| Axis | Travel (mm) | Machine envelope / required clearance (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| X (Milo) | 348 | 1026 |
| X (Miley) | 308 | 658 |
| Y (both) | 210 | 660.4 |
| Z (both) | 120 | 698.2 |
Travel values for X are quoted minus endstop. Travel diagrams and full context are in the PDF Introduction. Always verify against your CAD configuration and any options (leadscrew vs ballscrew, table length, etc.).
Leadscrew or ballscrew?
Both Milo and Miley work with TR8×8 leadscrews or SFK0802 ballscrews. TR8×8 is the recommended default for desktop builds: with 8 mm pitch the motors do not need to spin as fast for practical feed rates. Ballscrews improve efficiency and backlash but their shorter lead forces much higher stepper RPM for the same speed, which can limit torque and acceleration unless you use servos or accept lighter cuts. See the Introduction in the PDF for the full discussion.
Where are the electronics documented?
The Milo V2 repository does not bundle electronics. Follow the Universal Electronics Box documentation for the enclosure BOM, printing, and wiring reference (PDF). Install RRF, assemble electronics, and pre-flight checks for V2 are in MiloV2-Manual.pdf after the mechanical sections.
What materials can I machine?
As with any desktop CNC, this depends on tooling, feeds and speeds, and how carefully the machine was assembled. The design targets aluminium and softer materials routinely; steel is possible with realistic expectations and conservative cuts.
What about the Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) V2?
Optional FMJ V2 plates appear in the Z-axis sections of the manual. Follow the FMJ (V2) chapter in MiloV2-Manual.pdf.
I found a mistake in the docs — how do I report it?
Open an issue or pull request on millenniummachines.github.io for site content, or on Milo-V2.0 for CAD / manual source.
For historical context on the MiniMill lineage, see the Milo 1.5 FAQ.