El Beast - Initial design phase, comments and critique welcomed!

**1Jumper10** · 16-07-2017

I understand what you're saying but the rails don't have to be co-planar when you mount them on the sides. They just have to be parallel. The manufacturer's method of mounting two rails is set one where you want it, then use it as a guide to set the other. So in this case, you'd set your first rail then use your gantry connection to the other side to guide the second rail into position. Either way, you've got a fantastic machine going and I'm sure you will get it mounted to your liking. Enjoying watching it come together.

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**Desertboy** · 17-07-2017

Looking very good there, I considered a tooling plate bed for my machine but the cost is over £500 + the VAT lol so decided that 25mm sheet of mdf would be ok for now after all.

I love how tidy she looks I can't think of 1 CNC machne you can buy I've seen that looks even close to how tidy and professional yours looks.

**Ger21** · 18-07-2017

Originally Posted by 1Jumper10

I understand what you're saying but the rails don't have to be co-planar when you mount them on the sides. They just have to be parallel.

In this case, it's the same thing. If they are parallel, then they are coplaner.

**Zeeflyboy** · 19-07-2017

Another day, another part.

Today I bashed out the side mounting plates. I'll need to make some more shoulder screws as I have used a similar alignment strategy to the gantry slider plate to ensure alignment.

I also had my first whoopsy moment on this project - the lead out from the contour of the first part went crashing into the second part and I missed it on the simulation. Oh well, the small gouge will be a reminder that I'm a moron.

Good indication as to how much chunkier the new machine is - even the mounting plates make the X6's arms look skinny:

**RobC** · 19-07-2017

Every day I come by and check your post to see what you have done. Super job!

**Wolverine4u1** · 21-07-2017

Wow! Zeeflyboy...

What a assume and inspiring post you have .. That is one excellent machine you are building. I have a million questions as I want to build something like yours with my students but I will read more before I ask to many repeated questions. Ones that you already have commented on in your post. Do you have a set of drawings that I could look through?
OH sorry ... my rude .. My name is Dale and nice to meet you...
Thanks for a excellent read.. Dale
Thanks