Low Slung 4x8 Kinda HD table build

[Jeep07]

Basic Details

• 4x8 Sheet Capacity + a few inches on each side
• CandCNC electronics
• CNCRouterparts carriages and gear reductions etc. (3:1)
• Moore Gear racks

Reasons for the new table

• I built my current 4x4 as a test to make sure I could complete it. I used parts from robotic tape libraries to accomplish that build. It was direct drive with belts using no reduction. I built that table out of small 1.5 sq and it has always had a shake to it. The Gantry is some custom stuff from the tape libraries and it also has a shake since its not very beefy. So the shakes have to go and I need some reduction for better precision on the artsy stuff.
• Next is the capacity. I hate ripping a 4x8 in half and loading on my current table is awkward since the water tray is below the rails of the frame etc..
• Final table? I want to spend some time and built this one to handle my needs for the long haul. I plan on spending good tuning time on this one and adding all the little details.
• I've always been fond of the torchmate x tables. They look well built and have a good stance. So my intention is to build something similar.

Key Design requirements.

• Table Height - I work in my basement which is 1400 sq foot with a typical 9' joist ceiling so I'm designing this thing to be lower to the ground than most. The bed its self will probably be 16"-18" off the ground. (knee level or so). If for whatever reason I hate it that height I can easily put a frame under it and raise it up.
• Loading a full 4x8 sheet plus some.
• Rails that aren't in the way when loading.
• Ability to put a tube cutter on the front of the machine and have the torch traverse it.
• Water table with the ability to drain it and refill.
• Ability to hold plasma, scribe and a router.
• Mobile so it will have casters on the bottom.
• Size matters - My basement has center support posts and I have to make sure the table will roll between them if I move or need to move the table for other reasons.

Construction Details

• The sides are C10 Channel
• The rail supports are 3" sq tube
• The support frame for the water table and bladder are 1.5"x.065 wall spaced 24" apart with a runner down the center.
• The sheet for the water and bladder is 11 ga.
• The slats are 3"x1/8 or 3"x3/16
• The Y Gantry is 80/20.
• The Z axis is my current acme screw setup off my existing table.

So here are some pics of my current design.





I've drawn this table up in solidworks several times but lately I've really focused in on using C10 Channel for the main structure of the table. One of the factors is cost. The plate + CHannel to get the desired table is higher than just buying the C10 which serves the purpose fine and requires less stick building for the sides etc.

To Do

• Design some supports or rectangle tube on the bottom so I can lift the table with my forklift if I ever move.
• Design the tube roller that I can take on or off the front.
• Possibly change the front rail so the motor is facing the floor and the carriages rides similar to the Y axis so less is sticking out the front.
• Modify the rear supports to hold cable tray on the inside (this will sit pretty flush against the wall.

Anyway thats it so far. Any feed back is appreciated. I will post more pics etc as I work on it.