Hello everyone,
I am beginning my first CNC project and have begun my initial design.
My core requirements are:
Accuracy, Stability, and Repeatability since I plan on using it to cut
hard plastics and aluminum.
Working area 24" x 24"
unit footprint 36" x 48"
Frame made from 3" x 3" x 0.125" square steel tubing
(approximate weight of steel alone 134 lbs)
To this end, I have decided to have a fixed YZ bridge and a moving X table. My understanding from the forum is that a moving gantry is inherently less stable and accurate than a fixed gantry when cutting harder materials. An example of this would be a Milling machine where the cutting head is fixed and only has Z travel and the XY table moves below.
The downside is that the table foot print is larger for the X movement.
I have not made any final decision on my method of joining the uprights to the frame work yet... either welding, or bolted side plates, or bolted gussets.
It would be easier to use 80/20 aluminum components but that would cost $$$, as it is it will cost $184.00 Cdn for the steel alone.
Any suggestions or advice you have to give would be greatly appreciated. I plan to document my build as it goes along.