Originally Posted by
CNCCajun
I'm in the planning stage of my project, a 4X4 table . . . . As much as I "think" want a heavy duty table, all welded steel, I have had several people suggest go the 80/20 route. It will be plasma only . . .
Any feedback as to Pro's & Con's of this construction method are needed . . . I can not really move forward until I have determined this . . .
I realize a steel table is a lot of cutting, welding & squaring . . . . I am also considering the overall strength . . .
Although my plan is to build a separate table to hold the water tray & grate . . . Probably from steel . . . This will eliminate most of the potential damage to a 80/20 tray caused when loading material to be cut . . .:idea:
Any comments welcome,
Thanks,
Steve
I don't know how well the alum extrusions will hold up on the long haul. I am quite sure the Alum is strong enough. The one bit that I really can't get around is the bolted/clamped joints. You are going to have a gantry mounted to the top running 200+ IPM stopping & heading the other direction. I can't help but believe the joints will have to be watched closely to keep them tight.
I have never used the stuff. So I am not really qualified to answer your question. The above is just a concern I would have. Therefore I'd build from steel.
If it works.....Don't fix it!