5' x 4' DIY router almost done!!!

[yoopertool]

For about 6 months I have been wanting to build a CNC router and thought that realistically I could maybe make a 3ft x 2ft MDF router with my budget and time. About 4 months ago I started to gather components and making models of the router. As I acquired more and more parts (junk-yard diving style) my designs changed more and more. Now I am almost done with only my z-axis, table, and limit switches to finish. The finished product will have a cutting area of 58" x 50" x 8" and will hopefully get up to about 350ipm rapids. I am increadibly excited to get it done and throw some chips (saw dust)! There are some things I wish I did differently mainly on my gantry. I wish that I made the gantry uprights a bit stronger for one! But I can always change that later. Here are a few pictures! They are kind of poor pictures and the table is messy,so ignore all of that!

[CurtisU]

Looks great Yoop,

Perhaps you can change the uprights to a ladder config. Is that square tubing or Unistrut?

I'm thinking of building my second machine from 8020 surplus and linear rails v.s. MDF and gas pipe. What extrusion brand and series are you using.

I'd like to see some close-ups of your rail and screw installations.

Curtis

[yoopertool]

Thanks for the good words Curtis! I really am unsure what brand and series my extrusions are. Most of my machine was once a part of an old assembly line which was taken apart and discarded. They are 1.5" x 3" and were very odd shaped though. My up-rights are made of 1.5" square tubing with an 1/8" wall. I have considered using a ladder style up-right, and in the future may go that route. When I get a couple more things done I will post a few more detailed pictures of my Linear rails and ball-screws for you.