Opinions/Advice on my 800 x600 design

[davegrennan]

Hi moving on from my first MDF fixed gantry build, I'm building again. Really upgrading. I'm learning a lot about some of the limitations of my MDF build an this time I want to build a moving gantry machine so I cut larger workpieces. I plan to use 15mm plate aluminium throughout. I think that should be strong enough? I already have a chinese 2.2kw spindle which I just love. Also plan to use SBR20 fully supported rails and RM1605 ballscrews. This is a big financial investment for me so I really want to get this right. Here's some pics; I'd be grateful for your opinions.


If you look close at pic2 you will see that I'm planning to be able to adjust the height and parallelism of the gantry. I think this could be useful in the future if I need to accomodate larger items under the gantry. Do you thing this would have significant impact on rigidity? Maybe I should use 6 bolts instead of 3?

I already have nema23s and the electronics from my old MDF machine. I've read some good stuff on chinese ballscrews and they seem viable. If they're anything like the spindle, they'll be a winner. Even if they dont last, they dont cost too much anyway and I might go with the pricey ones then.

Finally for those who use sketchup here's s link to the design and parts layout.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B17...SFU/view?pli=1
Happy Cutting

Dave.