Build Log: 3-4 Axis Mill/Router

[IanS1]

Fairly new here but I've finally got started on my design. The machine will be used for cutting ally, tool steels and other metals, it may do the odd bit of timber/MDF/plastics.

I'm hoping to get a working area of around X1200 - Y700 - Z250 so obviously it'll need to be strong.

The frame is 80 x 40 x 4 steel box section, I've not drawn the stand yet but it will be constructed of the same.

The gantry sides are 800 x 300 x 25mm Ecocast. They will be better supported than currently drawn, some good old viagra bits to be added . The crossbars are currently drawn 100 x 50mm. I'm hoping I might get away with some ally extrusion to try and keep the weight down but not if it's going to compromise the strength too much.

I'm hoping I can afford HIWIN RG Series linear guides @ 25mm for the Y and possibily 20mm for the XZ.

I've thought about having 2 linear guides per side of the Y axis, top and bottom. Overkill do you think?


Any thoughts on the design so far? I'm not the sensitive type so fire away.

Cheers
Ian