Hello all,

I'm in the process of designing my first CNC router table. Please bare with me as I don't have an engineering background, so if what I ask comes across as 'simple' in anyway I'm sorry.

I'm currently looking at the 'PDJinc.' router table as a rough design guide (can be seen on the website), but there are a few changes that i would like to make in order for it to suit my budget and fulfill functional requirements.

Nothings been finalised yet, but I am hoping to build the machine roughly 6'x4'ish. The machine designed by PDJ uses linear rails and bearing blocks. These are hellishly expensive and for this reason i cannot justify using them. So the next plan is to look at using round rods and bushings. But I have read that they must be supported over a long length to avoid any deflection.

If I increase the thickness of the rod to say 1" could I stop any deflection or would it definitely have to be supported? Not sure if any other members have experienced problems with this at all?

If I did have to include supports along the rod, how do i come about them? Is it something i would have to put together myself or do any of you know a manufacturer that produces precision rods with supports?

Again, apologies if this all sounds rather amateurish, but expect more questions like this. Much more.

Cheers
Rob

P.S. Will only be cutting wood.