Joe's CNC 4x4 Hybrid

[ccsparky]

Joe,

I've never used the 80/20 so I'm curious, why did you use strut rather than the 80/20 for cross braces and support legs? What are the pros and cons?

Thanks,

Bob

[joecnc2006]

Main Reason is cost, 14.00 for 10' and I am thinking of bolting some composite deck material to than and them mill the individual strips, then screw top onto that.

Joe

[calgrdnr]

Looks Good Joe.

I can see it being adapted to a plasma cutter real easy .

[Buzz9075]

Joe,

Awesome job on the new machine.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by joe2000che ........ thinking of bolting some composite deck material to than and them mill the individual strips, then screw top onto that. Joe

Composite decking is about as stiff as a wet noodle and quite heavy. You might get some sagging if you go that route.

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by ger21 Composite decking is about as stiff as a wet noodle and quite heavy. You might get some sagging if you go that route.

No, the composite material will be cut into 7/8" strips and placed inside of the struts and extend 1/4" above the top of them just to allow enough to machine them level, then 3/4" MDF will be place and screwed down to that, then possible another surface machining will be preformed.

here is exaple of where the composite material will be placed as shown in red in photo.

Joe

[mvaughn]

How much wobble do you get on the table since the MDF isn't screwed down and there isn't any triangulation to keep it rigid?

[joecnc2006]

Ok, i guess i will explain a little further.

The composite material is cut into strips, slide into uni-strust (as shown red in above picture) which will extend above the top of the uni-struts, It is bolted to from the bottomto the uni-struts, then i will machine the top portion skimming it with the machine to level it with the gantry, then the mdf bed will screw down to the machined composite material, when done this should be very stable with no movement.

and when i cage in the legs of the router with a lower shelf across the machine it will make a very solid frame.

Joe

[ccsparky]

Howdy Joe,

Ok, how about something like this, keep in mind I'm not a CAD expert and I tried to come up with something based on parts used with your 2006 machine.
This did add 1 1/2 inches to the overall height, but the back plate remains at the specified dimensions.

2004 ACAD File
z_axis_slide.dwg

2000 ACAD File
z_axis_slide_2000.dwg

Like I mentioned before I've also been planning a mod to my existing machine or maybe a new machine so any suggestions are always welcome!

Bob

[joecnc2006]

Well, I do like Bob's drawings, and is similar to what i eventually want, I did a quick bolt on Z-Axis, until i can refine the other design exactly like i want and maybe out of alumn.

This is a simple bolt on Z-Axis Slide and also the motor mount is bolted from above. It works well. and i have room for adjustment on the router mount at different bolt on heights. I found this was needed especially if you use the ATC.

Joe

[Jason Marsha]

Looking really good Joe. I can see chips flying already.

Jason

[Smackre]

Joe any plans to expand this design to a 5X10 machine? Seems like it would still be rigid if you expanded it that far. Good design. I think it make a great 5X10 machine.