First Build - Yet Another Alu Profile Router - 900 x 800

[CaptainBarnacles]

I've been looking at different gantry arrangements that I can build using the material that I already have.



From left to right they are:

A: 3 off 40x80
B: 2 off 80x80, 1 off 40x40
C: 2 off 80x80 with 40x40 or 40x80 bracing
D: 1 off 40x160, 1 off 40x80 'L' arrangement
E: 1 off 40x160, 1 off 40x80 'L' arrangement with lower linear rail front mounted
F: 1 off 40x160, 1 off 40x80 'L' arrangement with greater gantry clearance
G: 1 off 40x160, 1 off 40x80 'T' arrangement

My original arrangement was 2 off 80x80, one above the other without any bracing. On the feedback I've had so far I think that any of these new arrangements should outperform my original. I like A, B and C as they allow the ballscrew to sit in the gap but I know that strength and stiffness are more important. D offers good spacing between the two linear rails but I think that it may be a step too far as it limits the material thickness too much. E is my current favourite. The only thing I don't like is that the Z axis will protrude out further from the gantry but I think I can live with it.

Of these arrangements which do you think offers the best performance?

[JAZZCNC]

My original arrangement was 2 off 80x80, one above the other without any bracing. On the feedback I've had so far I think that any of these new arrangements should outperform my original.

Your orginal would been ok if the profiles where bolted together without the gap. The gap wasn't required so bolted together the profiles are stronger.

I like A, B and C as they allow the ballscrew to sit in the gap but I know that strength and stiffness are more important.

The gap would just fill up with crap and shorten the screws life. Like wise being exposed to chips is why I don't like open gantry's along with being weaker. The L shape gantry helps protect the screw as it's behind and is also stiffer.

E: 1 off 40x160, 1 off 40x80 'L' arrangement with lower linear rail front mounted

E is my current favourite. The only thing I don't like is that the Z axis will protrude out further from the gantry but I think I can live with it.

This would be my choice with the profiles you have.