Newbie here. I have lurked the threads for awhile now and read all about your cool projects. First impression? "I'm not worthy". :)

I'm a mechanical engineer by training but I've found woodworking. Please tell me if I'm nuts:
I'd like to build a router table similar to the JGRO or Solsylva 25 x 35 table as a starter, then graduate to a bigger machine. The intent of the big machine is to cut out boat hull panels from 4 x 8 sheets of marine ply. In this application, accuracy is secondary to speed and economy. I expect that .010 - .015" tolerance would be precise enough. Also, I think that 75 ipm is the slowest practical cut rate for 3/8" ply. Back of the napkin calculations suggest that a panel could be cut up in about 8-10 minutes.

I've thorougly examined MadVac's pages (oneoceankayaks.com/madvac/madvac_index.htm) and find that although his masterfully crafted machine is precisely the one I want, it's not necessarily the one I need, and truthfully, a guy's gotta know his limitations and it's unlikely that I'll be able to recreate what he built with my skills and in this lifetime. That said, I'm also not prepared to spend $30k+ for a turnkey system.

So, I'm wondering if anyone out there has built a somewhat quicker and dirtier version of a 4 x 8 gantry router? Any suggestions?

Maybe I should also consider a midrange 24 x 36 router table that will be accurate enough for precision work, and keep 'em both - because it's unlikely that I'll need to do both big and accurate.

Thanks in advance - and thanks for making this such an awesome board.

http://www.inshorepowerboats.com/cnc%20stuff/CNCROUTER.htm

There's a thread on it's construction here somewhere.

Ahh -- another boat builder! I'll second Gerry's ref to the inshoreboats - its a solid looking machine - and he builds boats!
Doug (Isfoils) was building a similar machine as I recall - used a lota concrete to stabilize - so consider that too. Seems he has slipped from the site - but checks in occasionaly.
I'm planning on a 4x8 machine similar to the inshore boat style - might stand against the wall however.
All this when I get back - gotta build some interior panels for a nav sta refurb - and it seems like the way to go. Your resolution to 0.01 ought to be close enuf - fairing and fitting with resin?
BTW - welcome aboard! (and you're not nuts...but start smaller and expand) :cheers: Jim

The inshoreboats style looks like just the ticket. The idea of concrete ballast has a lot of merit. I'll do a search for Isfoils machine - thanks!

I fully intend to build a JGRO machine first, but I'd like to plan a little ahead so that the motors/controls are reusable on the bigger machine.