New Machine Build- Picking a Plan

[jason75]

I am thinking about building the FLA100 as my first machine. Can anybody tell me what they think about the FLA100?

[DonFrambach]

I think you'll be very happy if you decide to go that route. My router is a different design but uses many components from CNCRouterParts.com. The components work just fine.

Several things about the FLA-100 kit seem appealing. First, it's been built many times before so the little problems that plague all builds have been worked out. Second, you can buy the kit of pre-made parts so that you can concentrate on assembly. I experienced some anxiety cutting my pieces accurately and square. Drilling all the precisely placed holes became very tedious (and was expensive - I bought the $75 guide from 8020). I won't even mention all the tapping that was required.

Don

[jason75]

Thanks Don. I work with 80/20 at work making safety cages etc. I know the feeling about cutting the stuff right. I normally just have it cut from the factory and do the drilling and tapping myself. Its not bad...........but its not my money at work!!

I like the fact that the FLA100 is proven. I think if I build a machine that has the bugs worked out I will have more fun and use the experience to maybe build my "own" machine down the road.

Thanks for your input
Jason

[CNC Lurker]

As DonFrambach, it is a proven design so you shouldn't encounter any issues that someone on here can't help you with. There are several on here who are building/have built it so you definitely won't be alone if you run into any problems.

Drilling the 80/20 holes shouldn't be a problem because all the holes in the extrusions are just access holes for the allen wrench. You can be off a bit and it will be alright.

The only critical holes are the ones in the cold rolled steel, specially the ones that need 2 rows of holes 1 1/2" apart. As long as you have a drill press and a fence that shouldn't be a problem. The critical distance is having them 1 1/2" apart so they match up with the 80/20 slots. They can be off the other direction any amount and that won't matter because the bolt will simply slide up and down the slots. I used a 6 year old Ryobi 10" drill press, so you obviously don't need a fancy drill press, but I wouldn't recommend hand drilling the cold rolled steel.