Hi Guys,
Its been a while since I last posted. I have been trying to gather materials and just hit the jackpot. My borther-in-law is a welder and managed to gather a bunch of spare parts for me to use on my CNC router project. I've included pics of just a fraction of what he rounded up for me.
I'm considering using the 3/8" plate for the gantry sides and the large block of extruded aluminum as the cross piece for the gantry which will hold the Z axis and router. I think it will be pretty darn rigid. I'm considering holding out for some 1/2" plate but the 3/8" may be rigid enough with that extruded aluminum. I have a bunch more of the same coming.
I plan on mounting a 1.5hp router and wish to mill 3/4" mdf and possibly some aluminum once in a while. Do you guys think the 3/8" plate aluminum will be rigid enough for the gantry sides? I can reinforce it by doubling up or bracing. I believe the 8" wide by 3.5" thick cross piece should stiffen it up quite a bit. Opinions?
I'm excited!
Darren