[aarongough]

Hey all!
I'm looking for feedback on the idea of a vertical CNC router... The idea being that by having the work-table vertical I can reduce the usage of floor space to a minimum.

I'm looking at building a 2x4' machine using 20x40mm extrusion and the Makerslide linear carriage system.

Given the 2' width of the gantry I think I would likely go with dual lead-screws (or ballscrews) to drive the X axis, although if you guys think that's not strictly necessary then I would be happy to go with a single drive screw to lower costs.

I'm looking to get at least 160IPM feedrate and 0.06DOC in wood as that's what I'm used to with my current machine.

All feedback on the viability of such an idea is welcome!

[wireb]

Never seen a vertical one but gravity will be working against you...

1.) need good clamping / vacuum table to keep what ever your machining flat and in place. (don't have gravity to help you) Also setup could be a pain if you don't have a extra set of hands to hold larger parts in place while you clamp them. (or have some removable pins you can set your part on while you clamp it in place.)

2.) You will have to fight the mass of the cutting head.... Well technically you have to do this in any design but in a vertical one you have the mass of the head + the mass of the gantry. Also typically you have a longer travel in the Y direction vs what you would in the z. So you will need larger motors in the Y direction (assuming Y is up and down) than you would on a flat machine to get the same performance. Bearings may be an issue as well since you will have a cantilevered "shelf" placing uneven loading on the upper vs lower bearings.

Now that said I don't think there is any reason why it would not work.. Neither problem is a show stopper just requires more planning and maybe a motor upgrade or 2.

The one good thing about a tipped design is auto chip removal... They will all fall on the floor

[aarongough]

Thanks for the response Wireb... I'll have to start doing up some drawing and see what I think. I'll post them here once they're done.

[zool]

Four items:

1. Take a look at these threads

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...nc_router.html

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/open_s...er_-_like.html

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...nc_router.html

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...tical_cnc.html

2. To find more threads on vertical beds on CNC routers, in the upper right hand corner of every page on CNC Zone is a SEARCH BOX. Type in "Vertical CNC Router" and see even more.

3. Have you noted most CNC machines have horizontal beds? There is a reason.

4. Remember: Gravity sucks!