[AndyL]

Hey folks,

I guess my CNC router needs are a bit different than the rest of you - judging by the size of your designs... I've decided a 12"x12" (cutting area) CNC router table is high on my todo list for the new year.

The majority of the work I do involves acrylic, plastics, and occasionally aluminum (those automotive projects always sneak in). Plan is to use a rotozip for cutting (should be adequate, I use it for these same projects freehand).

My main concern is precision, after all, most of my cuts are for a 3/16" hole, with a 1/8" bit - not a lot of room for error. And 1/2" cast acrylic isn't cheap! (God knows I've screwed up enough of it by hand).

My plan is to build almost completely using the 8020 system (probably 1010, 1020 and 1030 for the gantry) but I'm still concerned about the linear bearings, and the slop they may introduce.

I'd love to hear any advice you guys can offer, specifically on the construction to eliminate slop, and I'd love any advice on the drive/control system - as I'm definitely not an electronics whiz

Thanks in advance,

Andy

[ger21]

Depending on your budget, you may want to look at the machine at www.cadcamcadcam.com

[AndyL]

Yes, it probably would work - but it's no fun buying something pre-assembled. Heck, it's probably cheaper than a DIY version too.

I'm not overly fond of the fixed gantry myself (though I'm sure you guys could list off 100 reasons why it may be better). Somehow I prefer the tool to move around the work, not the work to move around the tool.

Andy

[2muchstuff]

I understand not being fond of the fixed gantry style but at the size of a 12"x12" cut surface it would be easier to build.