[mike hide]

In a fit of gellous rage I came up with the idea 0f laminating two pieces of 1/2" to a central 3/4" core of mdf to form a 1 3/4" wide beam and 8" deep by 7' long.

Then take the beam and 45 degree all longitudinal edges leaving a small flat on the bottom and top. Then attach inverted angle iron to the top and the bottom. as shown.

use the beam sides as the sides of the bed . mjh

[jsage]

Mike,

Takes some looking at but I like the concept. If you squared the clamping blocks you could get better rigidity and attachment. Still wonder a bit about alignment but with slotted attachments you could true.

[ger21]

The problem with that is the bearings are still loaded axially, and they can't handle much preload that way. That's one of the main things I'm trying to avoid.

[jsage]

I still feel spring dampening but it adds one too many parts.

[thkoutsidthebox]

I have started designing my next machine using the system based in my above post. Just ordered a new spindle for it. Hope to have the design finished and start ordering more parts by the start of next month. We shall see how it goes. I'll post a thread when the design's done.

[jsage]

thk,

Not sure where you are but an oversized steel 3 sided square tube might simplify things.

[thkoutsidthebox]

I dont have the equipment yet for working with metal to the standard I want, so this one is again having to be based upon wood, but I think it'll work out as a solid design.

[jsage]

thk,

Tried to draw it. Didn't get much simpler in first pass. Agreed.

[Oldmanandhistoy]

I'm re-drawing it with the eccentric bushing and bigger bearing on the bottom. I'll post a new image soon.

Waiting patiently

[ger21]

Sorry, been a bit busy.

[ger21]

Was going to maybe switch to button head cap screws to get a little more clearance. the bottom bolt in the pic I just posted is too big, it needs to be 1/4", not 8mm. Just through it in real quick.

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Sorry, been a bit busy.

No apology necessary just thought you may have forgotten.

Thank you,

John

[Oldmanandhistoy]

What do you see to be the benefits of the larger bottom bearing?

[ger21]

It fits on the eccentric bushing (3/8 ID), so it's easy to adjust it to keep them tight.
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=109

[Oldmanandhistoy]

I really wish I had seen your design before I used the pipe rails in my machine. I personally think anyone designing a machine with pipes should be directed to your design as a superior method. I may well scrap my X axis as soon as I have it cut the parts for a new one with these rails.

Thank you for sharing and good luck with your machine. I for one will be very interested to see it up and running.

Best regards,

John

[ger21]

I personally think anyone designing a machine with pipes should be directed to your design as a superior method.

I tend to agree, but I really want to build one just to make sure.

[Oldmanandhistoy]

I tend to agree, but I really want to build one just to make sure.

I may get there before you.

Will post here if I do.

John

[ger21]

I may get there before you.

Unfortunately, that's very likely.

[ger21]

John, I was going to add wood blocks to the insides of the angles to mount the assembly to the gantry sides, bolting through the angle and blocks and into the gantry sides. What do you think?

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Unfortunately, that's very likely.

I think your unselfish nature as very well demonstrated on the zone will have a lot to do with it. May be you should do a little less typing and more building otherwise you might just keep thinking of better methods and never get a machine built.

I have just one thought I would like to see all bearings with adjustment. Otherwise it will require a bit of skill to drill accurately enough.


John