I have a Syil X2 and KDNTOOL XJ-95. The tables are about the same width.

I've had concerns with the amount of coolant and swarf running over the ways and screws, as well as the coolant and chips packing the T slots.

So, I made a table cover, and so far, I REALLY like it. It keeps almost all the coolant and chips off of the ways. You still need bellows, but this makes the bellows have to deal with ALOT less, and it is cheaper than full coverage bellows.

http://www.jeffalbro.net/cnc/table-tray/table-tray-02-400.jpg

For more pictures and comments, check out:

http://www.jeffalbro.net/cnc/table-tray/

-Jeff

That looks nice, and I'd be glad to never have to clean my T-slots again, but do you have any noise/resonance issues with that thin steel sheet?

I've done flycutting, engraving, and milling on it, and I haven't found an increase in noise.

Some thing I need to add to the web page... you DO get some coolant through the edges of the bolt holes into the table if you don't seal it, but I have a drainage hole at the end of the table, so it's not a problem.

-Jeff

Glad to hear it works well - coolant always gets everywhere you thought it couldn't ;)

Do you only every use a vice on your table, or are you going to make a tray per setup? Also, isn't there a danger of rust forming from the little coolant that does get through if you've permanently got that tray on there?

Cheers.

Do you only every use a vice on your table, or are you going to make a tray per setup? Also, isn't there a danger of rust forming from the little coolant that does get through if you've permanently got that tray on there?



I just use the vise. If I had to, I would pull the tray and run a job without it.

I've made some vise mounted pallets for some jobs.

There is a danger of rust, but I haven't seen any under the vise even after several months when I wasn't using the tray. Only some staining.

So, I'm not going to worry about it. Time will tell.

-Jeff

What thickness of stainless did you use? I am very interested in making one for my Taig. Any advice to someone who is going to make it themselves?

I *think* it was about 16 gauge. But as it isn't structural, just about anything will work.

I had my welder make it for $50. If you have a shear, corner notcher, and bending brake, it should be a piece of cake. If you don't, you could probably do it with a jig saw, a vise, and a hammer, but it wouldn't be pretty.

I used a hand held drill to make the vise bolt holes.

-Jeff

I moved the try to my other mill today, and did find a little bit of rust. I used a bunch more rust protectant on the other mill. Hopefully, that will fix things.

-Jeff