Vertical CNC?

[CNCBuff]

I have a very small shop which would limted the size of a CNC that I could build to likely 2' x 4'. However, if the CNC router were to be configured vertically I could consider a larger bed.

I have been looking at some of the Fine Line Automation designs/kits - and starting to think about how these could be modified to run vertically.

In a vertical orientation, the entire z-axis mechanism needs to be pulled against gravity. Would this likely require a stronger stepper? etc? What other issues come to mind for a router in this config?

I'm new to CNC (first post) so don't blast too hard if this is a daft idea.

[wcarrothers1]

things like to lay flat, So thin material might be a challenge to clamp and such. I would opt not to do a vertical machine.

b/

[DonFrambach]

If you make a vertical machine, you may want to consider vacuum as part of your clamping system.

[microcarve]

I'm going to build one one of these days that's not exactly vertical,
but tilted at an angle like the panel cutting machines at places like
Lowes and Home Depot. Just to gain space in my router room enclosure....

It's a good sized room, but I could use a couple more machines set up
in there. The way I look at whether or not it will work well is, I imagine
if I were to turn the thing upside down and shake it, would anything
rattle too badly. So building it with well fitting parts can solve that problem.

I'm 100% sure it'll work just fine. Only thing stalling me on it is time...

I think I saw one done like that once, but don't recall where


John

[CNCBuff]

Originally Posted by microcarve I'm going to build one one of these days that's not exactly vertical, but tilted at an angle like the panel cutting machines at places like Lowes and Home Depot. Just to gain space in my router room enclosure.... It's a good sized room, but I could use a couple more machines set up in there. The way I look at whether or not it will work well is, I imagine if I were to turn the thing upside down and shake it, would anything rattle too badly. So building it with well fitting parts can solve that problem. I'm 100% sure it'll work just fine. Only thing stalling me on it is time... I think I saw one done like that once, but don't recall where John

One added advantage of a vertical (or near vertical) mount - it becomes easier to access the middle of the table. One can also wall off the entire router for noise and dust control...

[microcarve]

I think you're right....

Also, one of those simple plastic curtains like they use
to keep cool/warm air within a limited area may be...at least...
of some use. It'd be cheap to try at any rate...


John

[DonFrambach]

Here's a commercial vertical router:
http://www.denfordata.com/pdfs/produ...cal-router.pdf

[RomanLini]

Originally Posted by microcarve I'm going to build one one of these days that's not exactly vertical, but tilted at an angle like the panel cutting machines at places like Lowes and Home Depot. Just to gain space in my router room enclosure.... ...

I've been thinking about a semi-vertical machine a bit too. Probably about 60 degrees tilt, for easy loading.

One of the big benefits I see is for cutting aluminium, large heavy chips that are impossible to vacuum up (especially with any coolant on them) will just fall down completely away from the cutting area.

My design spec so far is about a 18" x 24" cutting area (portrait), 60' tilt, capable of mist/spray/flood coolant, and if possible maybe even 2 spindles. It would still be desktop sized but would be one heck of a capable machine, expecially for production of aluminium parts.

[JD_Mortal]

You counter-balance, and the motor and gantry become weightless. (However, momentum doubles, which places a slightly greater load on stopping-power, but not holding-power.)

It is possible, and can be made manageable without a vac-system. Mounting holes and braces work fine vertical or horizontal. (You may still want to have a slight incline/tilt.)

[CNCBuff]

Originally Posted by DonFrambach Here's a commercial vertical router: http://www.denfordata.com/pdfs/produ...cal-router.pdf

There you go - not such a daft idea after all!

[CNCBuff]

Originally Posted by JD_Mortal You counter-balance, and the motor and gantry become weightless. (However, momentum doubles, which places a slightly greater load on stopping-power, but not holding-power.) It is possible, and can be made manageable without a vac-system. Mounting holes and braces work fine vertical or horizontal. (You may still want to have a slight incline/tilt.)

I was thinking that the gantry would run horizontal - and that the z-axis assembly would be running vertical - less weight to lift. Counter balancing does make sense still...

Thanks.

[RomanLini]

The trouble with just having the head moving vertically is that if you use a counterbalance for the head, it is all on the moving gantry. Also one of your full length bearings in along the bottom of the machine to get snagged or kicked or full of chips. That still might be best for a large machine.

For a small amchine (like I want) I prefer the idea of the whole gantry moving vertically, it's more weight to counterbalance but easier to do. And it means both your main bearings run up the sides of the machine so the bottom is free for chips/coolant etc to fall down.