Low cost idea for machine ways. Thoughts?
I was just brainstorming (very dangerous, and painful) about a router table. I am trying to come up with a low cost alternative to store bought ways. How about 1 1/2" gas pipe, polished in a lathe and running in 2, 1” long Delrin or Nylon bushings spaced about 6” or more apart. Then filling the pipe with a rigid material, maybe fiberglass reinforced concrete or another material. Any suggestions? Epoxy or other plastic? Also, running a 5/8” dia. piece of rebar through the middle, centering it with caps on each end, maybe even pre-stressing it a little before it sets up. Would the pre-stressing add to ridgity without the added weight of filling the pipe? I realize the accuracy would depend on the job of polishing. But would this setup be rigid enough?
Smile, life is too short to sweat the small stuff.
John M. Stuedle
The Shop Out Back Aviary