Attached are 4 pictures of the frame of my router.
The first picture shows the basic frame. I decided to have it as a low level frame to make it more portable ensuring that the rails and gantry are removable thereby allowing the basic frame to be stored when not in use.
I have been concerned about transmitted vibration and have therefore contemplated putting it on a solid table or alternatively extending the legs of the basic frame. If I take the latter option, I could attach proper feet. I have yet to decide.
As you see, the basic frame is merely a box with four posts on each corner. Those posts will take the X rail supports.
After a while, I realized that the frame had very little torsional strength. Furthermore, angle iron can flex in its own right and is less rigid than box section profile. I decided to strengthen the basic frame by introducing triangulation onto each corner and infilling the shape with particle board which is glued into place. I have taken the bracing one stage further and have glued particle board around the outside. The basic frame now is a lot stronger, has much reduced torsional flex and is still quite light. The strenghening process was quite cheap as all it took was a bit of particle board and 8 pieces of 20*20*3mm angle iron and a few bolts.
You will see in the second picture that I have placed the 'x' rail supports onto the vertical posts.
You may recall that this machine is modular. All I need to do to change it from a 800*1200 to a 2400*1200 is create more rigid posts and increase the 'x' rail (and support) in length from 800 (+ 250 mm overhead) to 2400 ( + 250mm overhead) and extend the accompanying timing belt.
With the basic frame and triangular strengthening, I have left sufficient room to accommodate a turntable.
The working height of the machine will be achieved by placing a series of bars across the top of the frame and bolting each bar onto the top of the basic frame. Those bars will then be about 250mm below the top of the vertical posts which will alllow enough room for the gantry and router assemble and still enable 6in z axis travel.
The vertical posts are 40*40*4 square section. The frame is a mixture of 50*25*2mm rectangular section and 40*40*3 angle iron.
All pieces have been bolted together with enlarged holes to allow adjustment. Welding will happen (maybe!! - I'll see if I need to first). Instead of welding, I could always use epoxy glue and bolts.
Andy |