Another First Router

[ger21]

I've finally got some parts assembled for my gantry router. Basically have complete y-axis and z-axis without the motors and leadscrews. Z-axis uses 3/4" shafts with linear bearings, Y-axis uses rollerblade bearings on 2" EMT conduit mounted to a baltic birch torsion box gantry rail, which is extremely rigid. X-axis will be similar to Y. Overall size will be about 40" Y and 60" X. Working area should be about 48" x 30", with a 5" Z clearance and about 7"+ of Z-axis travel. Router to be Porter Cable variable speed 690. Here is an overall view.


Gerry

[ger21]

View of Rollerblade bearings, mounted to 1/4" thick, 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" aluminum angle, spacers cut from 1/4" brass pipe

[ger21]

Close up of mounted bearings.

[ger21]

I glued a 1/4" aluminum plate to 1/2" plywood to stiffen the top and bottom plates, also to draw heat from the motor. Here's a view showing the motor mounting location, as well as the linear bearings in the Z-axis.

Gerry

[toolsalot]

Nice job on the frame work. It must of took a long time to cut all those wood pieces out by hand.

[ger21]

Actually, I cut them all on our cnc at work. I'm going to take it all apart and drill a lot of holes tolighten it up, as it's a bit heavier than I'd like. But it is very solid.

Gerry

[balsaman]

looks great! I like the 2" emt.

Eric

[ezland00]

Where is the lead srew

[ger21]

It'll be between the z-axis shafts.

Gerry

[Mr.Chips]

Could you post a pictur of your your X axis rails and bearings. Interested in seeing how you mounted them.
Thanks
Hager

[ger21]

I Haven't assembled it yet, but the parts are all cut and waiting. I had to put everything on hold for a few months. Basically the X-axis is the same as the y, just larger. I'll have threaded rod through the Y axis tubing to keep everything tight to the X-axis tubing, as well as threaded rod under the table to keep everything tight there, too. The table will be suspended from the 2 ends. It's a torsion box, with the inside framework from 3/4" baltic birch plywood with 1/2" baltic birch skins. I'm hoping this is stiff enough, as I havent assemble it yet. The Y-axis shown in the pictures will also have skins attached to both sides, to stiffen it up. For information on torsion box construction, look here:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_..._26946,00.html

Gerry

[Max]

Gerry,
I looked at the layout of the torsion box table and the first thing that popped in my mind is that it would make a great "zoned" vacuum table because of all the individual boxed compartments.
hmmmm, not bad
Thanks for the link. I hadn't seen that site before