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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > DIY CNC Router Table Machines > Poor mans XY table rails - would something like this be viable?
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    139

    Poor mans XY table rails - would something like this be viable?

    I'm forever trying to come up with ideas for cheap parts, I can source these quite cheaply....



    I was thinking certainly for the Z axis it should be ok (obviously removing the handle/arm & also stripping the rods & support from the base), but what about two for the X axis & two for the Y axis?

    I seek a cheap desktop CNC with a movement of about 12" in the X & Y axis.

    I guess it depends on how much 'play' they have (can't say - not seen one in the flesh), but I could possibly negate this by use of a custom arm with a roller skate bearing on it to press up against the rail.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    If they have any play in them, they'll probably bind, and you'll probably find that they flex quite a bit when used on a machine.
    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)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    139
    So how about a leg (with a roller skate bearing at the foot) attached underneath the middle section....this should help eliminate flexing & therefore binding?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    110
    One of the most important parts of one of these machines are the rails that the axis rides on, this is not a part to cheap out on. If they flex the machine will not work to any kind of accuracy.

    budP

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