Hi All,
I am new here and started a CNC build about a week ago.
It will be used mostly for wood and some aluminum.
I bought a rail/screw 1050/650/300mm set from eBay and spent few days agonizing about the material to use for the build - AL vs MDF.
Looks like pretty much everyone is using 8020 nowadays but for few reasons I did not like this approach.
Finally went to local Metal supermarkets and got some good pricing on AL so decided to go with regular AL profiles.
Overall design is attached, it is pretty standard moving gantry with 1 X motor and sliders on the side.
I think I have a good idea about base - it will be built out of 2.5x2.5x0.25 angles. I already cut the pieces and getting ready to bolt them together.
I plan to use 0.375" for gantry side and bottom.
Where I am stuck is gantry beam - trying to build it light and solid without spending too much.
I found this video on youtube which indicates that very common t-slot profiles are not very strong:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QTZ...ature=youtu.be
So I have few options I am thinkging about:
1. 0.25x6x34" AL plate and attach rails and screws on face of it, add 2.5x2.5x0.25 angle to the back of it if needed
2. Laminated MDF or plywood 1.5x8x34"
3. Start with option 2 and if not strong enought, wrap it with CF
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Alex