CMM Gantry Machine as a Router or Plasma table?

[sbalder]

I could use advice from ANYONE who has ever worked with a gantry-style coordinate measurement machine. It seems that used machines like this, which can sometimes be found cheaply, would be good for making a smaller router or plasma table, but I have never looked at one up close.

What do you think? Obviously the granite bases are solid and straight. Are the ways/guides/screws strong and accurate enough for lighter-duty routing or plasma applications?

[sbalder]

Here's a link to a picture of the style machine I am talking about:

http://www.xspectsolutions.com/used-...%207200&ID=354

[Caprirs]

The B & S CMM I have used has air bearings which would be completey unsuitable for any sort of side loading. The idea is air pressure allows the sliding components to float on a cushion of air. Too much load will squeeze the air out and cause direct contact between the sliding parts which would probably bind.

[crazythunder]

Another problem will be the unsupported side which has no support. I would rebuild it as a CMM. Also CMM scales do not handle dust or dirt very well. The vibration alone would probably be enough to tear everything up.