Quote Originally Posted by jono5axe View Post
Awesome thread, thanks, and thanks again.

Regarding the epoxy self leveling mounts for the linear rail, I would be very interested to learn about how the epoxy mounts stood up over time in respect to hardness?

I am a bit worried that it may not be hard enough to put up with the loads over an extended time (in a production shop router), as the bearing area under the linear rails is not huge. So my question is really hoping that you can tell me that it is all still good after the machine has been in service for a good while?

I am thinking about this in terms of (on my own coming build) whether to add additives to the epoxy to increase hardness, or alternatively, I may just use the epoxy for producing a level datum surface but then install a machined flat (i.e. 100mm x 10mm milled m/steel) on top of the hardened epoxy. I should mention that my build is planned as a production shop router at 2.5m x 2.5m bed, 30mm rails, 5kw spindle, gantry assembly approx 120kg.

Any feedback on the epoxy hardness issue would be very much appreciated.

Regards, Jono
No problem at all with the epoxy for the moment. Its hard enough. Similar machine but 2600x1300/ look my signature/ is working nicely in my garage at 50C in the summer.

But if you are to do ~1meter machine, better use aluminum bolted to the frame and pay a machine shop to surface it. you will avoid experiments and mess.

If i was to do it again i would have ordered cast aluminum plate say 20mm thick to 40mm wide from my aluminum supplier/ they cut to any size/ . Then using a straight edge and epoxy putty i would have fitted and shimmed it there. Then drill and bolt it to frame. Then fit Hiwin on top.

hence the straight edge is most important instrument for precise build.