Strange X axis design

[Zeroaxe]

Hi Boyan,

Thanks for your reply. What I meant by expensive for the ribs, is that it looks like a cheap CNC (for a reason I suppose). But to upscale it to the size I plan on, would turn it into a NOT cheap CNC. Also, as mentioned here, MDF is not the best option.

I plan on building mine more sturdy. Steel Square tubing etc. I would want to use it for a while you know? I also have some steppers and a spindle etc which I bought over a year ago! Closer to the time, I shall look for more inspiration here.

So to sum it up.... what would be wrong with this design for the axis like in the photo? (let's assume more sturdy and reliable materials are used)

Thanks (for everyone that gave input here!!! )

[Boyan Silyavski]

Depends what exactly you would like to achieve. Ideally 80x80x3 steel tubing is best as per my view of things. It will allow to keep things simple and avoid diagonal braces. take a look at my first build in signature, somewhere is the file in Sketchup format. Honestly i doubt a better table with weight to price to strength ratio exists. Then you could further better it if you would like by making the bed on bolts so you could move it up and down. This is not my way of thinking, i prefer a better, longer and stronger Z axis. In the fiirst build there is an excellent example of cheap and properly made Z. As you read you will see that at the beginning i also was not aware of many things.

About the gantry, it could be simple 2x 80x80x3 welded together if the machine is not very very big, or could be like the gantry from my second build. Could be also like many make it from 2x aluminum profiles that form L, which may be easier for you to do at home. And last scenario is sb to cut it from aluminum plate and form a square.

There are many possibilities but what i said are the main successful ones. Also sometimes is not worth reinventing the wheel. Read the builds and stick to the elements you like.