Table Top Set Up

[SPEEDRE]

Not sure if this is the right place for this thread but here goes. For a table top gantry, with 14" x 25" machine envelope. I've built several enclosures for it and they are just butt ugly and unwieldy. Take up a lot of what is wasted space. What if I set it at an angle, front to back of about 30 deg. set a trough at the bottom for chips. I am thinking this will reduce space needed for it. But, what could be the issues with moving the " Y " axis as it either pushes or pulls the " Z' carriage along, or should I even be concerned? Has anybody ever done something like this ?. Comments please

[SPEEDRE]

Bump. This must be a boring subject, or one thats been talked out to death. It's OK I understand.

[jsheerin]

You can calculate how the loads will change. It will take more force to move the gantry up the table because you will be effectively lifting it. How much force and whether or not it's a significant amount compared to the cutting forces you are moving against now depends on your design. If your gantry is light and your drive system generates lots of force, no big deal. If your gantry is heavy and your drive system is just barely adequate to cut your parts when horizontal, you will likely have problems or at least need to reduce your cutting speeds and acceleration.

Also, if your linear bearings don't support your gantry very well, that could also cause problems. It's really all in the implementation.

[SPEEDRE]

Thanks. My gantry is light, all alum. with 247 oz HD steppers. I plan to cut mostly wood and plastic sheet max. in wood 1.00" and plastics max .375" . I would just like to limit the space needed to enjoy my machine. What do you think will the , can the machine take it????