Joe's 1000x600x200 steel and aluminium router started

[devmonkey]

Progress update!

I got back to the project after a break of a few months to work on other things. I ended up pouring epoxy to bring the X rails into plane, then set the master rail straight using a taut wire, microscope and some software as described here:
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/12966...r-level/page27

I now have both rails mounted and the gantry moves very smoothly.


Next step is to fabricate the motor brackets and mount the ballscrews and steppers. I've ordered belts and pulleys and am waiting on these so in the meantime I started to fabricate a stand for the machine. Since the machine is itself a rigid structure this stand only serves to anchor it to the floor at a decent working height, hence the lack of bracing. All 4 legs will be bolted to the concrete floor then the machine will sit ontop on leveling bolts, finally the machine frame will be clamped hard to the stand so that it doesn't throw itself across the room (voice of experience...).

Cut and welded yesterday, painting in silver hammerite today. The more I use it the more I love this little MMA stick welder. welded the 3mm box section mitres at only 45amps! Almost as good as a MIG without any complications.