[dangerousdave]

Hi guys. Well im in the process of designing my millionth version of router I want to build.so due to location and needing to transport various bits etc i think ive decided to build the top half from alloy extrusion and legs from steel. Just wondered what you guys thought to the sizes of extrusion ive been looking at.... well I was planning on 3m lengths of 45x90 for the longest 2 sides with 6-8 1100mm lengths of 45x 45 between the 2 bolyed up with steel angle brackets. it will be rack and pinion so that will add more rigidity to the alloy when bolted up and also will be profiled rail for linear movement which will help too. Now am I on the right track please guys?

cheers dave

[ger21]

Bolting on the gear rack and rails won't add much rigidity at all.

It's not just the size of the extrusion, it's how the entire frame is built. If the two long rails are just bolted to steel legs, then it probably won't be all that rigid at 3m long.

[dangerousdave]

It will be more a frame than just legs. I also have lots of 25mm steel box spare I could run in 3m lengths between legs and weld on or use it to make a bed for the feet/ frame

[ger21]

Again, the actual design is far more important than the materials used. I'm building a 4x8 machine from wood, and I expect it to be as rigid or more than most extrusion machines I see. It's all about how you use the materials, rather than what materials you use.


You need to post cad drawings of your design to get good answers.

[dangerousdave]

Ill have to try and use the 3d cad like you guys but ive only ever used 2d for drawing up components etc but I have sketched it out on paper free hand its a little quicker haha

but yes I see what your saying reg materials used. I want to use the extrusion as I can bolt the rails etc to it easyer and it will all fit through a regular door way disassembled....and Im probably only maching wood on it ( possibly 4mm alloy plate ) will see how it goes tho..