Simple Rigid Steel Desktop Router 900x600x200

[Lachlan]

Looking good. You are going down a tried and trusted route with this design so far so should be ok.

p.s. As I write this it is a cold, dark, rainy morning - jealous of your views and weather!

Thanks mate, I spent 12 months in England many years ago. The people were heaps of fun but I don't miss the constant drizzle and gloom.

I have 2 different ideas in mind. Can people please comment on which they think is better or if I have completely dropped the ball suggest a better design altogether.

Gantry Frame Design 1

Pros
Seems to be a more conventional design. Maybe better Braced then alternative
Cons
Heavier 23kg

• Spindle will be slightly in front of leading edge of front gantry y axis linear rail block. Could lengthen gantry from 250mm to 300mm to fix this or could reduce box section from 200x100x4 to 200x50x4 don't really like either option.
• More chance of warp due to more welding
• More complex to work with, holes and relief cuts needed to fit necessary components in back of gantry.

Gantry Frame Design 2

Pros

• simpler to build
• Spindle is within leading edge of linear guide maybe more stable (spindle not drawn just calculated)
• lighter (20kg) just frame as shown
• Easier to add componentry to back of gantry

Cons

• ? Maybe less rigid due to having no back bracing on the gantry.
• Fixing the 2 y axis linear guides to the back of the gantry will be more difficult

So which broad design do you think is better and why? Also is weight going to be a problem? Maybe another 30 ish kg to add to gantry with steppers, guides, z axis etc. Will 425oz steppers be too weak?
Thanks for any advice given!