Almost done with 1st Router project..phewww

[Mr.Chips]

Carl,
Thanks for the details. I will be welding the frame up on the garage floor, not so lucky as to have a 4x8 steel welding table. (envy - envy) As you say where there's a will there's a way.

I looked at your table drawings again and now understand the construction of the top four pieces. (Front, back and ends) and the importance of making this first. I was confused before about the leg and top frame orientation. It makes sense now. I didn’t look closely enough at the end view of your top section. I haven't bought any steel tubing yet but will use the heaviest wall I can, balancing cost with availability.

For sure I will be using big leveling screws and wheels for the same reason you did.

Now that you’re up and running is there anything you would have done differently in your construction?

Thanks,
Hager

[Beezer]

Well there are a few things that I would have done differently, like using heavier wall steel tubing on the frame for one. I kind of wished I would have just spend the extra money for the full length Thomson shaft supports. I may still do this if I find too much flexing with the rails as they are now. Perhaps used a larger diameter ballscrew for the X - axis. Now if I would have had the space I would have made if much larger. Once I really start to do some cutting with it to see it's true capabilites I will know for sure if I need to make changes. I think it will all work fine though.

Now to finish mounting the table top to the table frame. Then I can do some more cutting. I have also started to think of how I am going to do the 4th rotary axis but this is not a rush project. First I want to enjoy the machine.

Carl

[Beezer]

Well I have finally completed the main part of the 4th Axis (Rotary) addition to my router table and it looks like it is going to work out very well. Initial testing shows that everything is functioning fine. Now I just need to build a simple, but sturdy tailstock, to be finally done with this addition.
Now I just need to learn how to use it. LOL

[Mr.Chips]

Carl,
Good looking.

Is you'r 4 axis direct drive off a stepper motor or a rotary table assembly?

[Beezer]

The stepper is directly connected to a right-angle gearhead which has a 50/1 ratio. The chuck is mounted directly to the output shaft on the gearhead using backing plate I machined. This thing has alot of torque.

There are some more photos of it in my gallery that show the construction better.

[Mr.Chips]

Carl,
Guess I'm doing something wrong, can't find your photos in the photo gallery. Can you give me a link.
Thanks
Hager

[Beezer]

Try this http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showg...00/ppuser/2982 .