1220 × 2440 build

[malcolm01]

if you look at my c beam picture, I joined 3 bits of aluminium together, this is ridiculously rigid but very heavy! if I could do this again id use light weight aluminium profile instead! I have no doubt it would be still as rigid, keeping the weight down would be a good idea because the gantry is cumbersome and requires a lot of power to heave it about, the x axis struggles while the y axis flies
I'm not so sure keeping it so low wouldn't ending up causing you problems down the line. also when I'm making a new base for my machine I plan to make the underside suitable for sheet storage, my workshop is small and the machine swamps the place so sheets lying around are a real pain

[HullMark]

If you was building a plasma machine I'd say that's perfect. But if you want a serious router then it needs lot more work.

The Bottom Pic looks very much like Merchant Dice machine and just ask anyone about how well MD machine performs..

Your gantry design is week and far too weedy for decent router this size.

These were some earlier drawings I was playing with, when I mentioned earlier on in the thread about and L shape gantry, this was what I meant. Looks heavy. I realised though by sweeping back the gantry I can save a bit of room in the overall length of the machine.

It's just the weight of it all too is a logistal nightmare when you start using bigger steel.

Im going to make some time in the week to go see my guy and see what he says about just how much fabrication he wants to take on, show him some pictures.


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[malcolm01]

do you just use sketchup or do you use cad ?

[HullMark]

do you just use sketchup or do you use cad ?

I haven't used AutoCAD for years, and even that was limited to simple furniture made in a caravan factory with someone I knew. Just started using sketch up more recently. I'm going to the local college on Monday to see the lecturer for this city and guilds course which hopefully will help me hone my skills.

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[HullMark]

If you was building a plasma machine I'd say that's perfect. But if you want a serious router then it needs lot more work.

The Bottom Pic looks very much like Merchant Dice machine and just ask anyone about how well MD machine performs..

Your gantry design is week and far too weedy for decent router this size.

What would you recommend instead Dean? I keep thinking about the logistics of it, I don't have a forklift at home haha

http://www.ukcnc.info/forums/showthr...-November-2014

I was impressed by this one but haven't (can't) work out how much it'd cost.

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[JAZZCNC]

What would you recommend instead Dean? I keep thinking about the logistics of it, I don't have a forklift at home haha

Well all can say is build it stronger or should say Stiffer. If your limited with logistics then build it sections so can be easily moved. It will add another level of complexity because still need to maintain accuracy which is harder to do with more pieces.
Going to say this again because cannot stress enough. Your Gantry design is WEAK and if you build this it will show in the quality of finish.

The Gantry and Z axis are key areas. Malcolm as already mentioned to his pain that Z axis is key area and soon shows any weakness in the cut.
I don't agree that is Gantry is over built and changing to lighter Section profile wouldn't give any better performance really and could potentially cause other issues with resonance when cutting deep or hard materials.
Better having strong gantry that is little heavier than light gantry that will flex when cutting hard. If higher feeds are required then better to size the screws or motors to suit rather than under build.

Under building because of Logistics or weight is just going to compromise the machine performance. Better to think smarter and design around any restrictions.

[malcolm01]

I recon my gantry weighs at least 100kg, surely reducing that alittle with a lighter profile aluminium wouldn't hurt??

[Clive S]

The Bottom Pic looks very much like Merchant Dice machine and just ask anyone about how well MD machine performs..

Funny that I have to go and sort a MD machine on Monday. I actually think the MD machine is better

[HullMark]

And how are the motors driving the x axis?

[Neale]

That's one of the details that you might miss! Looks like rotating ballnuts fixed to the gantry sides, with fixed ballscrews up each side.