odd question

[OCNC]

Originally Posted by mdreitzusa this may be an odd question but has anybody tried to us a live roler table to replace the x axis on a cnc router. my thought is that it would give a limited y axis but an unlimited x axis.that way the length of the x axis wouldn't matter any more. length could be ajusted for with the software.

It seems like this would work if you used the platen and pressure rollers from one of the small Powermax drum sanders. Replace the variable speed platen drive with a stepper, get rid of the drum and insert your cutting tool.

Although overkill for this application another tool to look at is a straight line rip saw.

Chris

[mdreitzusa]

thanks ocnc,
i'll look into that it might just be the ticket.
maybe i can find one that wouldn't cost to much to modify.
for me electronics are no big deal it gives me something to do with my degree.LOL
making machanical parts are no problem ether.i have a lathe and am getting a mill soon. in most cases if i have a good picture i can build it.
and time is no problem,it takes however long it take to get it rite.
(the more tedious the work the more i like it)
my current cnc is in its third rework in 6 months.having trouble getting it tight and getting it to go faster than 4ipm.
(forgive my spelling its the one thing i was never very good at)

[OCNC]

I need to correct myself I meant 'Performax' sander not 'Powermax'.

[ViperTX]

talking about solutions chasing a general statement....need more info on requirements.

[mdreitzusa]

the machine would be used to do letering and numbers.
needs to be portible so it can be broke down and moved easily.
would be used to make name and number plaques at fliemarkets and carnivals.run with a laptop and be within .01 in.nobody should be ably to see that small of an error on a sign.

[ViperTX]

What size, 2D only? Are the letters/numbers flexible, material......

[mdreitzusa]

no they wouldn't be flexible.it would be used mostly with 1in pine or
similarly rigid material.thanks everybody for your help.
with a lot of though and cost evaluation. i think at this time it would be best just to build a jgro on a folding cart like they use for portible
mitter saws.i could contain eveything on one cart and it would still be fairly easy to transport.i'll still keep thinking about the roller idea but for now it will have to wait.thanks again for all the help.
i'm not done with it, just stretched a little thin right now and need to finish some other projects before i dive in to this one.i have a bad habit of trying to do 4 or 5 projects at the same time and i run out of shop space reel fast.