Well here goes... Aluminium frame router design

[CharlieRam]

Well ive started the redesign so no turning back now :-) and tbh I think I will mostly be machining metals more than plastics and wood so I may as well make it right. I have changed the z axis but that may well of mucked up my plans for the 4th axis as the spindle plate and rails come down now!
I will try and get the plan finished and post it up so you can all tell me why it wont work again!
Thanks for the help and advice
Charlie

[CharlieRam]

Here goes, My 4th design with base, The base is made mainly with aluminium 2" x 2" 1/8th thickness with some 1 3/4 bar inserted at the bolting points (not added in yet) I will also have adjustable feet, do you think it will be strong enough or does it need beefing up.
Also my redesigned gantry again! :-) there will be a 15mm plate across the back for the X stepper and pulleys to attach to but I thought I would post my plans before I start adding in all the details such as bolt holes etc.
As before, feedback good or bad appreciated.

Thinking more about the frame, I don't like it so maybe I will have to learn welding. My dad used to do it years ago and he's retired now so maybe I can get him onboard.
Where is the best (read cheapest!) place to get cut to length steel including mitre cuts or would I be better ordering full lengths and investing in one of these:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-...aw-240v/60839#
Its £100 but says it will cut steel, ally, wood and whatever.

[CharlieRam]

Another question, Do all these plates need to be 20mm, If I make them 15mm will it affect the machining ability substantially? I'm on a cost/weight cutting exercise!

[JAZZCNC]

Another question, Do all these plates need to be 20mm, If I make them 15mm will it affect the machining ability substantially? I'm on a cost/weight cutting exercise!

Well first I'd dump the gantry back plate as it adds nothing but weight with very little strength gain and unless perfectly machine and setup could cause you all sorts of trouble with bearings to binding up.!
350mm rear plate and bearing plates etc could be 15mm but wouldn't change the front plate.

Don't go chasing weight it will be your friend when cutting and if you need really high speeds with high velocity changes then put the correct motors on it and you won't have any trouble.

[CharlieRam]

Well first I'd dump the gantry back plate as it adds nothing but weight with very little strength gain and unless perfectly machine and setup could cause you all sorts of trouble with bearings to binding up.!
350mm rear plate and bearing plates etc could be 15mm but wouldn't change the front plate.

Don't go chasing weight it will be your friend when cutting and if you need really high speeds with high velocity changes then put the correct motors on it and you won't have any trouble.

Actually that back plate is connected to the ball nut so without it my Y axis will go no where!