3 Axis CNC router

[Tenson]

Thanks Jazz, I was not thinking so much about the specific build as the geometry. You could put those two sections in a kind of '=' alignment or the 'L' shape used here. The first is probably better to resist front to back force but the second will perhaps have a better mix of up/down and front/back strength. If I built mine again I'd use large and thick steel section with end plates to affix.

I've also been thinking about best placement of the X axis (sideways) rails. I mean say (for sake of simplicity) you had a square gantry section. You could put rails on the top and bottom so they are opposing but then you need to create the Z axis as a kind of box to wrap around the gantry. The joints in that 'box' will be a point of weakness. On the other hand you could place the rails on the front face of the gantry and the Z axis plate can attach directly. Which is better? If you have great rails and bearings with zero play I imagine the second option, but no rails are perfect.

This will help explain what I mean, I hope.


This would make building CNC machines easier! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pevgkx69j8o