Router Build number 2

**charlieuk** · 28-02-2018

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?

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**JAZZCNC** · 28-02-2018

Something like this you mean.!

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**charlieuk** · 28-02-2018

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** · 28-02-2018

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 28-02-2018

Originally Posted by JAZZCNC

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** · 01-03-2018

Originally Posted by JAZZCNC

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** · 01-03-2018

thinking this is already starting to look untidy

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**JAZZCNC** · 02-03-2018

Originally Posted by charlieuk

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.?

**charlieuk** · 02-03-2018

Originally Posted by JAZZCNC

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.?

Thanks dean it does look very clean with the screws under the table, I do worry that it will over complicate the build a little but perhaps its worth it, I was going to use 100x100 for my cross members in the middle of the as I have all the stuff I got for free you use something like 50 x 50 so the screws stay hidden.

Its looking like im going to build building almost exactly the same as your phone in the end except for the raised rails, bed and whatever changes to the screws and motors to get the speeds for a more metal dedicated machine but like they say imitation is the greatest compliment and why try and re invent the wheel when you have so much experience and knowledge that you share.

**charlieuk** · 02-03-2018

so going with this sort of placement I could just about get 40mm cross members above the screws unless the bk block is made smaller.

I also loose quite a lot of length with the 100mm box section on the end so wondering if there was a way I could get some of this length back? I was wondering about cutting some of the back of the box section away so the belts and pulleys are inside the box section?