I have been considering the design of my first machine and what I really need is somewhat heavy horizontal mill.
To this end I have been researching methods of making hybrid epoxy/agregate bases for the machine. From what I understand the mix is basically etched quartz of 2 inch size mixed with epoxy and probably some medium length carbon fiber. What I don't understand is what I need in the way of exact carbon content, whether I need additional small agregate like pebbles or sand.
For the machine I want to use a varnished wood mold to directly mount the dovetails into the base. Or maybe just flat ground ways would work better.
The actual machine should look something like this:
I think it will be able to generate the neccesary force to do steels and other hardish metals. The question is what should I use to mount everything. Linear slides, flats, dovetails. The other is figuring out how to align all of them together. Also I need to figure out a steel reinforcement system. My goal is to be able to do hard turning.
So anyone have any good ideas or stratagies to accomplish this rather agressive design?