[lik2waterski]

This thread is my attempt to copy Dave Nelson's design. I don't have the tools, shop, or experience Dave has so I had to revert to some southern engineering to get where I am now.Attachment 263086

[lik2waterski]

After welding the top frame bowed. So I had to force it back down as close to level as I could. I actually heated a little more than I wanted. Anyway it isn't a problem a now.

[lik2waterski]

To align the rails I used a string and a magnifying glass. (thanks to kerryfisher for that idea)Attachment 263096

[lik2waterski]

I don't know why the previous pic was rotated. I got the gantry plates made.

[lik2waterski]

Here are some of the parts for the bearing block and the motors to attach to.Attachment 263100Attachment 263100

[lik2waterski]

In order to make sure the gantry tube was level, I welded it after it was clamped in place. I used an angle plate and clamped it to the top of the table and to the back of the gantry tube.Attachment 263102

[lik2waterski]

Here is where I am tonight. I got the z-axis mounted on the gantry. I am waiting on the water pan to be bent so I can weld it. I didn't want to attempt if on my brake. I didn't think that I would be able to match the slopes on all four pieces. More updates when I get farther along.Attachment 263106

[Kerryfisher]

Coming along nicely now Travis, is that the velox z axis I see there? they are a good job although I did take out the 2 springs on mine I felt with the torch weight it made it to stiff.
Ah I bet you could have bent the pan just fine, got mine done elsewhere and it was a mile out, I had to do some proper tin bashing to join it up!
Keep the updates coming

[PlasmaGuy]

Excellent work !!!

I look forward to more pics.

Best,

Tom

[lik2waterski]

Sean, I should have taken your advise and bent the pan on my brake. I will now get my turn. He bent the slope going up instead of down. He wasn't there when I picked the pieces up . His secretary was the only person there. I wonder if he noticed what he did and left. lol Anyway, I'll take pics when I get them fixed. Oh, and yes that is a Velox z-axis .I was planning on adding springs like Dave did. I will probably be cutting a lot of light gauge stuff. Removing the springs helped you out? Here is a pic of a part of the pan bent wrong.Attachment 263464

[lik2waterski]

I guess my iPhone pics are getting turned on their side. Sorry

[lik2waterski]

Today I mounted the rack to the gantry and I was able to repair the water pan pieces. I am hoping tomorrow to have the water pan attached to the table. I am thinking about getting it hot dipped galvanized. My only concern is the pan possible warping in the process. I used 14ga. I was thinking about possibly bracing the bottom with some supports to try and maintain its shape,Attachment 263652Attachment 263654

[Kerryfisher]

Oh heck sounds like fun!
I'm not sure about the hot dip, maybe going a bit more than is needed it will last for ages without.
You look like you have a nice flange joint on your tray, looks good!

Yes I took out the springs, the way they had them it took more force to lift the switch than without,,,a lot more,,,sometimes on the thinner stuff I added a spring onto those 2 bolts to go the other way.
I also started getting a little play in the lower bearings, you might notice I added a second bearing in there to widen the load, none at all now.

[lik2waterski]

Thanks Sean for your input. I will have to check out altering the springs. I took your advise this time with the water pan. I got it tacked up today.

[Eric S]

Nice looking build so far. Just wondering what height you went with for the gantry cross beam over the table?

[lik2waterski]

Eric S, I have about 9" from the top of the slats to the bottom of the gantry tube.

Nice looking build so far. Just wondering what height you went with for the gantry cross beam over the table?

[Eric S]

Thanks.

[b33felix]

what happened? any news???

[f1transport]

Here are some of the parts for the bearing block and the motors to attach to.Attachment 263100Attachment 263100

hey this looks great, how did you draw or where you get these bits?? :wave: