584,817 active members*
4,810 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > DIY CNC Router Table Machines > Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.
Results 1 to 12 of 12
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    829

    Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    So not getting any response in the CNCRP Subforum,

    Waterjet cutting of the parts in red in steel is out, multiple quotes of $2000+!

    So, aluminum it is, because I can cut that myself on my existing router.

    Would 6061 flat enough in 1/2 inch material thickness for Gantry sides, and the X-axis plate?

    Or should I go with MIC6, is MIC6 strong enough for the same pieces?





  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    621

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions here on this subject but I'd go as stiff as I could on the gantry sides or where the structure of the machine is concerned 3/4"-1", the rest could be made from 1/2"-1/4".

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    210
    Why not add an L shaped stiffiner to the sides?
    In the words of the Toolman--If you didn't make it yourself, it's not really yours!
    Remember- done beats perfect every time!!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    It's already bolted to a big extrusion.
    The area of concern would be between the linear bearings, and where the extrusion starts.
    I'd go with a thicker plate of MIC6, and just machine a pocket where the R&P drive mounts.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Posts
    621

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    Read this thread it might be helpful with your research.

    https://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-c...-aluminum.html

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    829

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    Gerry,

    How much thicker? Or possible a second layer of 1/4 running from the lower holes for the extrusion down to the linear bearings?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    Like Adam said, 3/4"-1". I would not do two separate layers.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    829

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    Ok, last question. 3/4 - 6061 for side plates? or 3/4-1inch MIC6? nearly double the cost for the MIC6 of course.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    3920

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    I wouldn’t bother with the cost of high end tooling plate.

    However I would look at what you could replace with box sections for the gantry vertical supports. This could be structural extrusions T-Slotted extrusions or even steel tubing. Otherwise take Adams advice and make those plates thick. Since I have no idea what you can pick up cheap in your area you need to shop around for the best price. If there is a steel plate processor near by you might be able to score steel plate ready to be drilled at a far cheaper price than tooling plate. Yeah steel is a lot heavier but we are only talking the gantry supports here.

    Looking at your red pieces I’m actually more concerned about the cantilevered plate to support the Y axis drive motor. I’d question the robustness of such a mount over time. I’d rather see a weldment with even modest gussets there. In general if something can flex it will. One of the bad things about aluminum is it’s screw holding ability, if you do go with this design use thick plates with large screws. You might want to even stagger the screws.

    As for steel don’t dismiss it because you can’t machine it on the router. Instead consider it where the mechanical strength makes sense and it saves money. You router might not be able to machine it like a mill but that doesn’t mean it can’t help you. For instance you can use the router to spot drill (carbide spot drills) holes accurately and then finish up with a drill press or even a hand drill. You can also use tiny carbide end mills to trace out or engrave patterns for cutting. Thinner plate is easily cut with a hacksaw or 4.5” grinder. I see a lot of guys throw up their hands at the mention of steel thinking that they can’t process it. At least in the case of A36 mild steel or similar grades I believe this is mis guided. As long as we are talking reasonably thin, say under 5/16” or so much can be accomplished with light and often cheap tools. Such steel might not make sense everywhere but it is often the right choice. Basically you expend a bit of sweat to save money and in some locations get better results.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    If the 6061 is flat, then I'd use that.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Posts
    926

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    The advantage of using mic6 tooling plates is that they arrive relatively flat out the box. The thicker pieces (3/4" +) are flat to tolerances that are likely to be acceptable for what most people are building. It's also fairly easy to hand scrape for those who require greater flatness.

    It's a double edged sword though. Mic6 is easy to machine and drill but it's softer than the tempered grades like T6 and T7. So, one is easier to fabricate, the other will hold threads better.

    On the stiffness, it is worth remembering that steel is only stiffer than aluminum when wall thickness is the same. If you double the thickness of the aluminum, it will be as stiff as steel.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    621

    Re: Linear rail conversion side plate material selection.

    Unless you have mic6 laying around and there's no additional cost then use it by all means but I'm with Gerry, if the 6061 is flat... I'd use that.

    I'm not sure you'll see a lot of benefit to using mic6 on the structural components.

    Adam,
    Gecko G540, Rack and Pinion Drives-X and A axis, 1/2-10 5 Start Acme-Z Axis
    4-THK HSR 25 Linear Slides, KL23H2100-35-4B, Power Supply-KL-600-48 48V

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 99
    Last Post: 08-10-2022, 02:12 PM
  2. Linear Guide Rail Selection - sizing
    By wheeliecake in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-07-2019, 12:10 AM
  3. Side mounting methods for linear rail?
    By Stinkyz in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 05-08-2018, 12:23 PM
  4. Linear rail selection?
    By dlenardu in forum Vertical Mill, Lathe Project Log
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 12-08-2010, 08:47 PM
  5. Need Help- Selection of balll screws and linear rail
    By Khalid in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-17-2010, 08:11 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •