How to make a T-slot table that's flat, true and rigid?

[ddgman2001]

I'm not finding this through searching.

How do you assemble a T-slot table so that it's flat and rigid?

Any recommendations for sizes of extrusion for a 2' x 4' router table?

[pencilneck]

Originally Posted by ddgman2001 I'm not finding this through searching. How do you assemble a T-slot table so that it's flat and rigid? Any recommendations for sizes of extrusion for a 2' x 4' router table?

I used the 15 series from 80/20 and did the base on my pool table:



I was very careful about cutting the 4 cross pieces to make sure the were all the same length, then just bolted it all up. It was flat, square and very rigid.

[leaveme]

Lucky, you got a pool table. :-)
What is your idea to flat the surface? I used MDF and thought it is flat but it is not. In some area it is at least 0.5mm deeper.

[brtech]

Use a fly cutter, or just a big straight cutter and surface it with the router.

Look on the Fineline or cncrouterparts website for a 2 x 3 plan that uses 15 series extrusions for the bed.

I have a 4 x 4 from Fineline. It uses 30 series extrusions for the outer frame, and 15 series for the bed support. See my thread at http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...?postid=826384 for pictures

[Matt Clara]

Where do the experts recommend we get our extruded aluminum slots?

[brtech]

Well, there is the aluminum surface over the whole table, with slots cut in it, for which I don't have a suggestion. Then there is T-Track on MDF. That's what I'm in the middle of doing. I am putting a 3/4" MDF board down covering the whole table. I'm mounting T Track to that, with about 8" spacing. Then I'm putting down 3/4" MDF strips between the tracks.

The T Track I'm using is from Orange Aluminum (http://www.orangealuminum.com/t-track/t-track.html). It's only 1/4" track, not the 5/16" that you often see. However, at $7.12 for 48" length, it's VERY cost effective.

[tootalew]

I saw an interesting t slot arrangement on a 7 x 12 mini lathe I think by Jeff F. You could use the same principle. He started with a flat table and then mounted a number cast iron strips on top, these strips had rabbits on either side, that faced down and the strips where placed apart forming a t slot. I will try to find a link to this and post it.

[ddgman2001]

I'm refering to the table surface not the frame. It looks like one large extrusion in photos but I'm pretty sure it's assembled from rectangular pieces.

[tpworks]

Techno Linear Motion Components - Extrusions, Table Plates & Profiles Linear Rails, Guides, Bearings & Slides; Acme, Ball Screws & Nuts

[Matt Clara]

Originally Posted by tpworks Techno Linear Motion Components - Extrusions, Table Plates & Profiles Linear Rails, Guides, Bearings & Slides; Acme, Ball Screws & Nuts

Yup, that and a pool table and you're all set.

[ardsranger]

Ok maybe im just a red neck,
but if the BASE table and bearings are good.

Just run a mill across the entire surface of the table cutting a few.001 out off it.
When you get a completely cuts on the entire table it is a flat tablet. Let your mill do the work.
or you can do like i do
use fixtures and make mill them flat. then your z is flat from all points of reference.
bob