Join 8020 lengthways??

[mikemaat]

Is it possible to join 8020 lengthways? Im looking for a 3x6" (3060) but the prices are unbearable. I can get 3x3 (3030) for a really good price and im wondering if there is any easy was to join two 3x3 beams lengthways. Or will this have a major negative effect on my build? The only weight on the beam is really going to be a router, but Im trying to copy the look and build of the shopbot machines. I picked up a shopbot table (just table, no gantry) for a steal of a deal, so Im trying to make it as close as I can to the shopbot design.

[eaglezsoar]

It looks like joining plate 4365 which is 3" wide by 6" long with 8 holes could be used on 2 sides of the 3030 but the plates are not inexpensive. The joint would be strong with 8 bolts per side but I cannot answer if it would be strong enough. You have come up against one of the negatives on using the extrusions, they are expensive. You should be able to find the 4365 joining plate at the 8020 main site.

[jalessi]

Mikemaat,

You could drill very small access holes (for a hex key wrench) through one of the extrusions and use button head screws on one with tee slot nuts on the other.

Jeff...

[TNUTZ]

Originally Posted by mikemaat Is it possible to join 8020 lengthways? Im looking for a 3x6" (3060) but the prices are unbearable. I can get 3x3 (3030) for a really good price and im wondering if there is any easy was to join two 3x3 beams lengthways. Or will this have a major negative effect on my build? The only weight on the beam is really going to be a router, but Im trying to copy the look and build of the shopbot machines. I picked up a shopbot table (just table, no gantry) for a steal of a deal, so Im trying to make it as close as I can to the shopbot design.

There is a realtively easy way to join the extrusions. You will need a milling machine however to make a few counterbores. I see that you are in Canada Mike. Check out these guys: Faztek T-Slotted Aluminum Solutions. They can definately help you out with your extrusion and hardware needs. Their products are 100% compatible with 80/20, and A LOT cheaper!
Good luck!