I'm still new to this and so is this machine idea?

[toad32]

OK so here is my little idea. I want a machine with some good Z movement and really only want to machine high density foam (will use that as a male form on a vaccum forming machine). I really like the idea of building the frame out of extruded alumin. I know that the pricing will be on the high end but I think that this will be the "easiest" in my situation. I want to move the y axis up high and away from the mess and for stabiltiy? Plus I think it will be easy to quickly enclose this setup. The table is a 30"x30" and I think I should end up with about 25"x25" useable area. I want to mount the cutting motor (dremel or router?) so that when it moves up the z axis the do not have the support hanging down. Now my questions. What do you guys think of this idea? Do you think that the z axis will be stable enough for foam?

Here are some of my early ideas.










Thanks
Carter

[jimmyd7]

Nice looking design... my only question on it was that you add a lateral support in the back of the machine, but not in the front.... is there a reason?

jimmyd7
Farmington, MO
netadmin@ozarksteel.com

[buscht]

Carter, your idea will work fine.
You might want to look at maybe saving some money on the extruded aluminum frame and put it into better slides.
THK style ways on EBAY are pretty cheap. You don't need big ones, 9.5mm or 12 mm will work OK in your application.

At least think about making the gussets out of MDF or something you can build and save the cost of these.

Also, you show the drive for the X axis? as being on one side only. Are you going to link both sides together. If not, then the slides need to be very smooth and tight to avoid binding.

[yukonho]

I think the axis that your Z is attached to will flex a bunch. Best bet there is to ditch the rods and use slides that are supported the whole length. I like the looks of the machine though.
Dremel has the disadvantage that it can only accept 1/8" shank bits. You are going to be waiting a LONG time for it to hog out your block. Consider a trim router that can take 1/4" shank bits.
Colin