1250 x 1250 cnc router (from scratch)

[D.C.]

Jazz on those piccys you posted doesn't it make more sense to put the 4th axis level slightly lower than the table instead of several inches above the table?

That way you can fit the same diameter stock in there without needing several more inches of z-axis travel.

PS this design looks like it is meant to do almost exactly what I'm designing my machine for (the 4th axis and the ability to fix pieces vertically for doing dovetails etc) Have you actually built one like this and does it work ok?

[JAZZCNC]

Jazz on those piccys you posted doesn't it make more sense to put the 4th axis level slightly lower than the table instead of several inches above the table?

That way you can fit the same diameter stock in there without needing several more inches of z-axis travel.

Not sure how you work that out because putting it lower will mean more Z axis extension required so longer Z travel required.? Also the longer Z extension will increase chance of chatter so keeping it to shortest requirement would be preferable.

But in any case like I said this was just a rough knock up model to give the person some visual idea of what I meant and in reality then it could go any height you like.

Regards actually building the machine then Yes and NO.?? . . . Yes I've built a few where they extend for end clamping option but not built 4th axis option on any yet.
My machine extends like this and have cut many tall or awkward parts using the end for clamping but I don't have the 4th axis bit but it wouldn't be very difficult to throw something together.
To be honest I'd probably use a converted rotary table to give higher resolution or high reduction gearbox.?