7' X 4' Combi

[Jonathan]

Hi Jazz did you make your slots, if so how or did you buy the plate somewhere if so where

He used aluminium flat bar, so the strips span the width of the bed with a small gap (12mm ish?) between each strip so you can put a bolt through and use nuts/T-nuts or whatever underneath the bed. Can also skim the strips several times without problems. I went for a single sheet to better contain flood coolant and I'm going to add strips on top to make T-slots.

If i were to go for a solid plate that size at 20mm thick i would be looking for someone else to drill and tap all the holes as I wouldnt look forward to that

50p per hole ;)?

Drilling them is easy if you use the router with a carbide drill - it's tapping that's the tedious bit.

[Ricardoco]

He used aluminium flat bar, so the strips span the width of the bed with a small gap (12mm ish?) between each strip so you can put a bolt through and use nuts/T-nuts or whatever underneath the bed. Can also skim the strips several times without problems.

@ Jazz..(or Jonathan if you Know) Flat bar say 2" wide ontop of what and fixed how??

I suspect when doing the holes i will get one of those tapping attachments if i go for the single plate.

I can streach to a plate 2000 x 1220 x 10mm at a push for under £600 but will that do the job....


Rick

[Jonathan]

@ Jazz..(or Jonathan if you Know) Flat bar say 2" wide ontop of what and fixed how??

Jazz has said previously on this forum:

bed made from 40x16 strips spaced 10mm apart to create Tslots.

But I recall him advising that greater than 16mm thick would have been better, simply for the extra strength and I guess you can surface it more times.

[JAZZCNC]

But I recall him advising that greater than 16mm thick would have been better, simply for the extra strength and I guess you can surface it more times.

Yes thats correct but more for Strength than surfacing, I've only had to surface mine 1 time and that was only 0.3mm ish.?

[Ricardoco]

Ok a little more progress today.


Now that all the alignment has been completed the Left and Right gantry supports have now been seperated.

Rick

[GEOFFREY]

Welding looks good, but the garage looks nearly full!!! G.

[Ricardoco]

Welding looks good, but the garage looks nearly full!!! G.

Thanks G, Luckily its a three car garage and thats, just 1 third, there is an in progress 1932 V8 HotRod taking another third, and a Half spray booth taking up half the other third but luckily they are 21' deep so there is more space than first appears..

Rick