great stuff to work with

[trubleshtr]

Hi all, I thought I would post a few picks of the cnc machine I am currently building from aluminum profile Although I am not using 80/20 by brand name, I am using the same "t-" slot profile of a competiter, it's so easy to use, If you can put lego together you can use this stuff to build fast accurate frames.
I build automated assembly lines (or cells) with this stuff at work, and will gladly awswer any questions I can in using aluminum profiles.

[Ito-Brazil]

Nice! I was thinking in build my machine with this. I quoted on a allum shop , but heare in Brazil it´s so expensive... Maybe my second one!

[trubleshtr]

Thanks, I am fortunate to work in a place where I can use end pieces for personal use!!!. I know some people will say it is expensive, but if you are considering any kind of production, or selling stuff made from your cnc machine, it will pay for itself quickley. And it looks shiney too

[ddgman2001]

First question. How do you trim the ends dead square?

[trubleshtr]

I use a chop saw with a non-ferrous blade ( =no kerf) so i don't get "kick back"
I use a square to set the vice jaws to the blade.

[Deviant]

How flat have you found the edges to be over X distance? I was debating on using this for a cnc mill frame. I wanted to mount linear ways to t-slots with a long t-nut.

I was just concerned on how flat/square it would be. Also have you had any problems with flex?

Thanks for the info above.

[DEAN]

Very cool that they also have a line of linear motion rails. Neat stuff. I think I will make my new workstations out of this stuff.

[trubleshtr]

I dont have the catalouge in front of me for the specs, but the coating that is on the strut is flat to within .040" , you can however skim the surfaces that you want to be "true" on a mill. My linear slides are bolted throught the profile itself, I am not done with the build yet, so far there seems to be no flex, I am however going to put more supports across the x and y axis to solve any flex during moments of inertia ,ie when i crash it into the work piece

[trubleshtr]

This is how I mounted the linear rails.

[freak_brain]

call 80/20 or go online and ask for their catalog. It has all the formulas in the front for calculating flex and also gives the specs for straightness. It's also free!! The example they give in their catalog is this....If you are using part number 1515 (1.5 X1.5, hence the 1515 part number) and it is suspended at each end of a 30" long piece and you put 50lbs in the center it will flex .011". the formula is like this

length of span to the 3rd power * the weight in the center / 48 * 10,200,000 * the moment of enertia

this formula is for all the weight hanging from one point in the center of the span.

The moment of inertia if different for different width pieces. You can go to www.8020.net to get the moment of inertia for the pieces you are using.

They say that it will be flat to .004 per inch of width but the thicker extrusions stay flat.

They make good stuff and if your patient you can get it all at their garage sale on eBay at

http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Gara...Q3amesstQQtZkm

also you can contact them at

info@8020.net

Take care
Allen James

[timewarp]

Trubleshtr, where are you getting your extrusions from in Canada?? Online catalog?

[Arnie]

Good on you Trubleshtr! Keep telling us about your machine as you go. I wish I saw that before I started. My second machine will be like that only smaller.