Epoxy granite or mineral casting

[John McNamara]

Hi All

This is my first post at MYCNCUK

This is an old thread but I hope the information helps, I have made a machine using Epoxy. It has a cast base and also two cast carriage ends. And these have a low friction cast in bearing surface on round shaft.

The machine is loosely based on the Worden grinder, however no sheet metal is used. It is very solid I can just lift it. There is very
little vibration.

As far as the epoxy mix is concerned I just used fine screened quartz gravel from a garden supply and washed sand. And Yes I used a little steel reinforcement. It is not hard to do and you do not have to use advanced calculus and have a chemistry degree to get a good result. Most resin suppliers are familiar with casting with epoxy aggregates.

I apologise for just posting a link here but I did the write up about two years ago here: New technology in Model Engineers Workshop | Model Engineer

It is a fairly lengthy post. there are many photos.

The machine has been in constant use ever since, I use it to grind lathe tools, the finish is almost mirror with a diamond wheel. No chatter.

Since then I made a CNC router with a mate for a community project A "Mens Shed" Located at Bright Central Victoria Australia.
Most of it is laser cut 5mm steel.

If anyone is interested it can be found here:
Laser Cut Frame CNC Router New build

Next up is a new router for me this time. I will post directly when I start it. It will also be based on laser cut parts.

Regards
John