Hi everyone,
My name is Wayne and I own/operate a small sign business, am also compulsive tinkerer and jack of all trades, and would like to build my own 4x8 router for the shop. I will be routing mostly HDU(high density urethane), but also some other plastics and wood. You can see some of my work at webbsignstudio.com
I have over 1000# of 80/20 t-slot aluminum in various sizes, including one 3''x6''x60'' piece which I hope is long enough and sturdy enough to be used for the horizontal beam of the gantry.
There are also two 60'' steel Thompson linear rails but they have no slide/bearings. Could bearings be matched for these?
Should I use rack and pinions for the X axis?
Are the "threaded rod" thingies (name?) with the bearings etc, the best to use for the "linear actuators"?
What about servos vs stepper motors? Is 600 in lbs enough torque? Are 4 motors enough and would they need to be all of the same size?
I will run at least a 3.5 HP Porter Cable router on it.
Where would be the best place to get what I need?
Also some plans would be a bonus!
Thanks for helping.