Re: New 2x4' router build
Hi Keon - I think it's a bit light for a frame. 2" square heavy wall will be better. The machine will move around quite a bit if the frame/base is too light (unless you screw it to the floor) . Plus I think combining plasma, water table with a router will be a pain. One process is really dirty the other is really clean so you end up going one way or the other. The Pro model is way too good for a plasma so I expect you will tend to keep it clean. So then use the Pro to make a plasma machine....Peter
Re: New 2x4' router build
Thank you Peter, will upsize the tube. Is there any value in filling it with leadshot?
As for the plasma table, I don't yet have the powermax, and haven't decided how to set it up. Can a spoilboard be mounted on top of the watertable and removed for plasma action?
Re: New 2x4' router build
Hi Keon - spoilboards are usually cheap material like MDF. MDF and liquids do not go well together. I suggest you search through the forum and see if anyone has done this and see how the outcome worked. . Personally I think no. All mechanical parts need to be made the correct size in the beginning. The machine frame is definitely part of the machine. My first router used 25mmx3mm thick square tubing and it bounced around the floor sometimes. I then made a heavy plywood bench for it so I had shelves and storage and its solid now, no movement. So do some more research on similar tables eg from the router supplier and look at their sizing. Lead shot would be expensive? cheers Peter
Re: New 2x4' router build
Another option to lead is epoxy granite, which many heavy machine builders have used. Search for “epoxy granite machine base”.
Re: New 2x4' router build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
blitzer
Make that base as heavy and rigid as possible. Filling it with lead will help with allowing you higher acceleration. I am adding weight to mine.
I was you a year ago. Exactly same situation. PM me if you want to talk
What base did you end up building? Did you expand the work area? Thanks for the offer will reach out with other questions.
Do you, or anyone else, have sizes for the plasma water table. Want to avoid building a base now only to have problems fitting the water table later.
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Re: New 2x4' router build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
koenbro
What base did you end up building? Did you expand the work area? Thanks for the offer will reach out with other questions.
Do you, or anyone else, have sizes for the plasma water table. Want to avoid building a base now only to have problems fitting the water table later.
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It is a mix of steel and wood for strength and vibration absorption. Would have preferred a big weld up job, but I don't have a rig for that.
Like the attached image but with an extra steel support in the middle and wood all around covering it from top to bottom.
Re: New 2x4' router build
I bought 2x2" steel tube w/ .083" wall and will make the base with 2 braces on each face like in the first post. Was debating between .083" and .12" wall tube choices at the steel dealer, went with the lighter one because I think I can weld it and make is solid. Then I can bolt it to the cement slab if needed -- got from McMaster a set of adjustable leveling feet that bolt into the ground. Maybe even attach to studs in wall? Hope I won't regret the choice (.12 would be 50% heavier after all).
Re: New 2x4' router build
Another question I am torn about is expansion and future proofing. I got the 2x4' for budget reasons and have not yet assembled it. I would like to have plasma as an option and do not want to constantly swap in and out the spindle and the plasma torch; that's why I got the extended (wider) gantry. As I am learning more, I would like to build a combo table; for example a 4x4' with half as a plasma/water table and half with MDF spoilboard.
Called Avid CNCRP and learned that although my table is expandable I might have been better off going that size upfront. Also NEMA 23 is not upgradable to NEMA 34; you have to replace the electronics, control box, the whole thing. I am not in a production environment, so slower rapids are going to be OK. Just I wish I had known that when I bought mine. Nonetheless, I think NEMA 23 will be fine.
That leaves the question of having a 2x4 table now and expand or building it 4x4 upfront. Can't imagine that adding the Y axis aT-slot and rails is going to be as good as a continuous stretch of both.
Any opinion and advice?
Re: New 2x4' router build
I am looking for a mist coolant system for cutting aluminum sheets (up to 1/8"), and am considering buying this one. Any suggestions? Thanks.
https://www.mcmaster.com/1324k52
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Re: New 2x4' router build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
koenbro
I am looking for a mist coolant system for cutting aluminum sheets (up to 1/8"), and am considering buying this one. Any suggestions? Thanks.
https://www.mcmaster.com/1324k52
This one works well and costs a lot less. You will need a reservoir, but a cheap plastic bucket will do. https://www.amazon.com/Noga-10974-MC...s%2C207&sr=8-2
https://www.cnczone.com/forums/attac...d=432478&stc=1