welding steel base or just getting aluminium extrusion

[Clive S]

I have to say this, are you serious about building this cad model !! for a first build !!. because this style of gantry is going to be very difficult unless you have a lot of experience and good tooling to make it. I would take a step back and think what you are taking on.

Please don't be offended.

[reefy86]

I have to say this, are you serious about building this cad model !! for a first build !!. because this style of gantry is going to be very difficult unless you have a lot of experience and good tooling to make it. I would take a step back and think what you are taking on.

Please don't be offended.

No worries Clive if i get offended by someone being honest that easy then there is no way i can succeed lol. it is a big job but this is not something i am expecting to put together easy so i am preparing my self as i go along, i Don't have the necessary equipment like alot of you guys do so this is where i am putting alot of money into having the aluminium plates machined for me from nice guys who have the equipment to do it which i have had a few nice people offer their services :). i have not seen anyone do this but i don't see why it wont work but using the epoxy resin method that i shown will help have the 4 rails all lined up as long as i make room for adjustments on the gantry side plates and bearing plates then it should help getting the gantry square easier. Also i know there is the sandwich problem when having the z axis like i have but the way i have done it is so the 2 front rails and the front z axis support plate doesn't have to be connected to the rest of the z axis yet as long as its still on the same level as the 2 back rails hence the epoxy idea. now as long as i make room for adjustments and as long as i am careful and everything is aligned and straight as i can get it i will be relying on the aluminium plate edges to be machined flat so i can use those edges to help square up the z rails. Pretty much its going to cost me a lot of money just for these extra ideas where as you guys would get it done next to nothing because you have the skills and the equipment to do it :)

[Clive S]

Ok, well you are braver than me. Have a read through this thread I think it is the only one with a Z axis like you are proposing http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/9369-...ain-MK4/page22

The tolerances have to be spot on when using Hi win rails as they will bind up.

Good luck with the build I am looking forward to it.

[reefy86]

Ok, well you are braver than me. Have a read through this thread I think it is the only one with a Z axis like you are proposing http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/9369-...ain-MK4/page22

The tolerances have to be spot on when using Hi win rails as they will bind up.

Good luck with the build I am looking forward to it.

thanks mate will keep everyone up to date, just need to finalise frame design so i can order the steel and crack on with it.