3 Axis CNC router

[Blackrat]

first option is quite difficult , my first build i did that ...

second option is way easier, especially if you use epoxy to level.

both my machines are steel welded . i guess using aluminum extruded will be easier for option 1

[njhussey]

The first option is, as Jazz says, like a cornflake packet with the ends removed, just think how stiff that is! If you move the rails nearer the face you'll reduce the flop. I've done this on my gantry and it seems plenty stiff to me. Second option puts the router further out from the face. Both will work...

[JAZZCNC]

The first option is, as Jazz says, like a cornflake packet with the ends removed, just think how stiff that is! If you move the rails nearer the face you'll reduce the flop. I've done this on my gantry and it seems plenty stiff to me. Second option puts the router further out from the face. Both will work...

Hold on here Lads this is Jo's thread so lets not hi-jack it hey.!! . . . . Suggest Start a new thread if required.!

Edit: Used your Quote Neil to high light point being last post on it not having a go at you mate. .

[JoeHarris]

I don't mind the highjack interesting to read... Although I think the cornflake packet is where I'm headed! Jazz when you build your L gantry machines which option do you use? I thought I had seen you use rails top and bottom?

[JAZZCNC]

I don't mind the highjack interesting to read... Although I think the cornflake packet is where I'm headed! Jazz when you build your L gantry machines which option do you use? I thought I had seen you use rails top and bottom?

Yes top and Bottom like this.



Or This without tall sides.

[Tenson]

Hi Jazz,

So your small design above doesn't have a back piece on the Z axis assembly, but has side panels to give strength to the joints?

Looking again at rail location, would one rail on the bottom and one on the front be a good combination? Like this machine:

[JAZZCNC]

Hi Jazz,

So your small design above doesn't have a back piece on the Z axis assembly, but has side panels to give strength to the joints?

Yes doesn't have back piece because it add's no strength just weight. The Panels you refer to are not for strength, thou they do slightly add some. It's purely a Cover to protect the whole Z axis assembly from dust and crap. It's very affective and neat.

The 90Deg joints are perfectly strong enough for any type of work upto and including machining aluminium.!

Regards rail location then it's a personal choice and also partly machine design related. Me personally I prefer to keep things stout and compact and gain maximum real estate. But if you need clearence for ballscrews etc at the front then putting rails on the front allows this and keeps it stiff. Each way has it's own Plus's & minus's. Both work equally well so take your pick.!!

[JoeHarris]

Bit of an update. I've bought some plate and started to make some of the aluminium parts. Tried out my new counter bores too which were an absolute joy to use

[JoeHarris]

Oh and the model has changed again too!

[Clive S]

Looking good Joe coming along nicely