Ok, so I am building a router, but from plans. I have lots of ideas, but don't think I could, just yet, come up with my own design, but some day I would like to.

So, one thing I have read a lot about is trying to keep the weight of the router hanging from the gantry somewhat centered on the x axis bearings.

All of the builds I have seen all have the gantry rails in a vertical arrangement with the z axis rails hanging from one side and then the router hanging in front of them. Now I realize the gantry sides and x axis bearings are offset to try and compensate for this, and it seems that it is inherently an easier to build design, but has anyone ever thought of trying a design like this...

Have the gantry rails horizontal from each other with two supports and the router and z axis riding in between, and also having the router centered between the the z axis rails instead of in front of them. Would this make for a much more balanced design? Like I said, I am a total newbie at this stuff, but inquiring minds want to know.

I included a very crude drawing, so don't laugh. :D

Thanks,
Trevor

look at miquelcba's photo gallery. he's got pics of what you're talking about

LeeWay did something similar to this on his Cutty Shark: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8632

jgro