T-slots 4x8 - One side done

[samualt]

Here is a picture of my 4x8 T-slots machine. Actually, it is just one side. That is all I have done so far. This weekend I hope to finish the other side. I have to say I was very sceptical that it would be rigid enough because it has so many pieces. But once I torqued it down it really got stiff. Hooray for T-slots!

[CNCadmin]

Nice set-up and great material what was the cost of it?

[DDM]

Wow, that looks freakin awsome, If it were me I would have just dug out the welder but after seeing that, paying the extra would be well worth in due to the eye candy effect, keep us posted on your progress.

Carl

[samualt]

CNCadmin:
$525 for the T-slots
$375 for hardware
All include shipping. I had to buy some hardware from T-slots inc (Sunsource), the actual T-slots I got used.

[trubleshtr]

godd looking, how are the supports between the the horizontals attached?

[trubleshtr]

Ops, sorry GOOD looking...

[trubleshtr]

Are you going to use feet on your set-up? I take it you will mount your rails on top of the extrusion and not on the sides? Looks similar to the machine I am building......that is why I am being so nosey

[samualt]

trubleshtr:

The vertical supports are held by butt-fastners. The pictures below show what they look like. The butt-fastners use a t-nut (in this case a double t-nut. Not shown below.). A double t-nut is just a metal rectangle with two threaded holes (for the bolts).
1.You put the double t-nut into a slot of the beam you want to connect to.
2. You insert the butt-fastners into the end of the support beam.
3. Then you bolt it together to get a nice connection.
4. I use brackets also for added support in some places.

Here is what the end of the support beams look like.




Yes, the rails will be mounted on top. And, I do have feet for it, but it would fall over if I put those on now.


P.S. Are you using t-slots? I would love to see some pictures. I'm always interested in how others do things.

[trubleshtr]

Hi thanks for replying, I am using Bosch aluminum extrusion to build my frame. (t-slot)
I started a post in the DIY wood working area called "it has begun". I posted some picks put the res. is not very good as the camera is only 1 meg. I have been so busy with work, that I have not had much time to get back at building, I will try tonight to get a little more done. I 'll try to find the link to the thread I started. Your Machine is looking good

[trubleshtr]

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/forumd...?s=&forumid=48

I think this is it.

[trubleshtr]

Ops sorry that is not it!

I can't seem to copy the link to here, but it is in the general diy woodworking section

[High Seas]

samualt - I love the T-slots!
My first and second (a reconfigure of the first pics in the gallery) were 80/20 - and the rigidity and flexibility of design/sculpting the machine was great - I started with little more than a sketch and an idea in my head.
Did a lot of "laps" around it getting it all tweaked and square - but happy I chose the approach. Likewise I chose used extrusions - and the costs of hardware seems out of sight - but cheaper than hiring someone! (I haven't touched a welder in a loooooong time).

I used a bit of mdf for t slots as a work surface too.

How are you mounting your rails? I had a local machine shop drill and tap a set of nutplates that matched the rails and used machine screws to fit. Then, when I slipped everything into place it was fairly easy to slide and tweak into position. Did a lot of "dry sliding" (motors not hooked up) to help square the setup. Even diid a few passes manually to check with the router on the system but no motor/computer to do final squaring - thats how I knew I was loosing steps - the system IS SQUARE!
I'm sorry I didn't take more picies during the process - looking forward to your progress and reports on completion.
Cheers - Jim