Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
Hi all,
i'm new to the forum so excuse me if this post is in a wrong place.
So here is my problem:
I'm looking for a decent material to use for my DIY CNC router cutting bed (working area of 800x480mm). I need it to resist moisture as my router is in a garage that gets really damp during winter, and my current bed (plywood + mdf on top) expands and contracts like crazy.. I do a lot of V carving so a flat bed is a must.
So at the moment I'm considering 20mm thick acrylic or 20mm HDPE sheet. I'm looking to spend up to £100 if possible. The entire bed size is 1100x620mm.
So what do you guys think I should do? I just need a material that will resist moisture and bending.
CHeers, Kamil
Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
There is a sign material called Foamex, I use a 19mm thick sheet, you can drill and cut it like MDF, but it's moisture resistant as it's plastic, it's nothing like perspex btw
Martin
Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
Thanks Maxakarudy,
Is it also a rigid material that won't deflect much while cutting?
Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mondrota
Thanks Maxakarudy,
Is it also a rigid material that won't deflect much while cutting?
You will need something that you can drill and tap into as well.
Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
Yep,
I have an industrial router, that's what most sacrificial beds are made of
Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
Ok, so I have 3 options now. I checked this foamex on ebay and it is much cheaper. I can drill holes and glue in t nuts at the bottom. I'm just a bit concerned about the rigidity of this material. It is a light foam material after all..
Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
19mm is very rigid, find a local sign company, they might have some to show you and could get you a sheet, Ebay is way too expensive
Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mondrota
Ok, so I have 3 options now. I checked this foamex on ebay and it is much cheaper. I can drill holes and glue in t nuts at the bottom. I'm just a bit concerned about the rigidity of this material. It is a light foam material after all..
How about Rigid PVC BLACK PLATE/SHEET 1520mm x 1300mm X 25mm THICK
ebay item number: 152320149415
Machineable, tappable, solid!
A bit big for your purpose though? Maybe he would cut it??
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Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
I have got a sheet of 10mm thick paxolin marked out ready to cut to size to fit my machine bed and drill with a matrix of holes 45mm apart (so that they coincide with the T-slots) the holes then have M6 brass inserts pulled into them with a smear of araldite as lubricant. I plan to use this as a permanent sacrificial bed. For the moment I am just making up jigs for each job, like this one
Attachment 20017
Rob
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Waterproof CNC Router Cutting bed
This is my router bed, 3mx2m in 19mm foamex, I cut a grid with 100mm centres for easy reference to keep things square, I cut a lot of sheet material 3-25mm, I prefer to screw things to the bed, in the slot 5mm deep, so there is liitle chance of movement of the panel and clamps are more bulky and can slip.
My machine has a vac bed, however I've learnt of the years it's not 100% reliable to stop movement of the panel, 1 screw up and it's all over, I cut quite a bit of aluminium sheet with mist coolant so don't use the the chip collection system, I do use it on dry materials like perspex & mdf.
BTW I conterbored it to the aluminium slats with Tec screws which are about 10mm from the cutting surface, then milled the bed flat
Attachment 20019
I have a piece of 19mm foamex 1000x500 I can get it delivered for £50 if you are interested
Martin