Router Build number 2

[JAZZCNC]

I wont need this machine to use particularly long tools but 120mm z travel minimum would be nice . Do you think this is doable with this design with the rails on the front plate ?

Yes If remember correctly the machine in pic below is 120mm and that is using short gantry sides. Most I've built allow 150-160mm. That is total travel so got to factor longest tool to get actually Max material thinkness.

Also if using the 120x80 setup you can gain little clearence and extra travel because bottom rail is on front not underside of profile.

[charlieuk]

cheers many thanks indeed sounds like it should work for my needs, ill get all the other details figured out and hopefully I can get to work!

[charlieuk]

so I went back to the start and stated fresh as I had made a few mistakes on the size

im still thinking of in cooperating a 4th axis to also machine aluminum.

im assuming running it down the length of the x to one side is the best option as it will be stiffer with the spindle not traveling across the gantry.

What I cant decide is is it better to have it inside the main frame or mounted outside given the main machine is going to be fairly heavy duty and was going to have raised rails. What I don't want is it to take loads of time to set the 4th up so I never end up using it but at the same time it would be good to keep the machine as compact as possible.

any one got any advise?

[JAZZCNC]

Something like this you mean.!

[charlieuk]

yes although with the raised rails on my frame it wont make it quite so easy/ neat otherwise it would be trying to have it setup on the inside of the main frame and x rails.

I do have enough width to have it going across with the y axis but not sure if its silly to do that because of the less rigidity the gantry will have in the center all be it probably not a huge amount.

[JAZZCNC]

yes although with the raised rails on my frame it wont make it quite so easy/ neat otherwise it would be trying to have it setup on the inside of the main frame and x rails.

I do have enough width to have it going across with the y axis but not sure if its silly to do that because of the less rigidity the gantry will have in the center all be it probably not a huge amount.

If you look close you'll see the Y axis doesn't drop below the gantry so even with raised sides it will pass over the rails.
Not sure what you mean by less rigidity.? This setup doesn't affect rigidity at all. While the gantry is wider the bearings are still located exactly at same place they would be if gantry ended at rails. Only thing it does is make machine wider. This is offset by the fact don't loose any cutting area and no messing around with setup.

[charlieuk]

If you look close you'll see the Y axis doesn't drop below the gantry so even with raised sides it will pass over the rails.
Not sure what you mean by less rigidity.? This setup doesn't affect rigidity at all. While the gantry is wider the bearings are still located exactly at same place they would be if gantry ended at rails. Only thing it does is make machine wider. This is offset by the fact don't loose any cutting area and no messing around with setup.

I ment if the 4th axis went across the machine rather than down the length. The way you have it down the length would be more ridged as the spindle would always be at one side of the gantry however maybe it would be more compact if it was the other way

[charlieuk]

Something like this you mean.!

Where do you have the screws for the x on this machine? just trying to think if I have the 4th on the side its going to be a little cluttered having the screw on the side and then the 4th beside and below it, not great for dust and chip protection ether. perhaps this means it would be better to be keeped inside the main frame

[charlieuk]

thinking this is already starting to look untidy

[JAZZCNC]

Where do you have the screws for the x on this machine? just trying to think if I have the 4th on the side its going to be a little cluttered having the screw on the side and then the 4th beside and below it, not great for dust and chip protection ether. perhaps this means it would be better to be keeped inside the main frame

Doesnt have any it's using the "Force".!! . . . . Nah they are under the bed connected to brace running between each side. Obviously this design wouldn't work for you with high sides. But your only talking 75-100mm difference so shouldn't be big deal in grand scheme.?