Howdy all! Just started digging into building my own CNC router in preparation for a future CNC plasma cutter. I stumbled across the JGRO plans, and I must say they are wonderful for a beginner. Thanks a bunch!

My question revolves around the possibility of having the gantry uprights on the outside of the y axis guide pipes...has anyone done this? I modeled this and the original up in Autocad (see pics). Can anyone give any pointers in problems I might have.

I plan on using the hobbycnc.com 3 axis kit with 200oz-in steppers

Any help is greatly appreicated...

You might want to try supporting the pipe, because you'll get a lot of flex with it unsupported. Look at these machines.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15139

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14331

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15270

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1356

Thanks a bunch for the links. In the JGRO design, does the 1" gas pipe flex that much on the y axis? I was planning on using the same 1" pipe on the x axis to increase the stiffness on that axis.

another question...how much does the fully assembled JGRO router weight (roughly).

Thanks again...

The BIG advantage to extending the Y axis outside of the x axis--you don't loose the space occupied by the motors, gearing, etc on your work surface. You'll still loose that floor space in the overall footprint. System2 isn't a pipe design - but you can see an approach to supporting the y axis there too. (Photo gallery) Hope that helps some - cheers Jim