I am planning on expanding the X Axis to accommodate a larger cutting area. Right now I am considering a cutting area of either 24" or 48" across the X axis. However, I am concerned with introducing too much flex into the gantry. Anybody have thoughts on how to strengthen the gantry? I am considering having custom plates made to upgrade the double 20mm x 60mm extrusion gantry to a triple 20mm x 80mm gantry. Would this make the gantry too heavy? Any thoughts? Thanks!
A triple 2080 is a good start, through bolt the extrusions together to make it "1" solid beam. I wouldn't worry about the weight, if you are going to have custom plates made just add a couple more wheels to the top where they ride on the Y extrusion... Just my thoughts.... Hytech2k
Thank you for sharing! If I go the triple 2080 route I will be sure to bond/bolt them together. Adding extra wheels is also a great idea. I am concerned that the weight would be too much for the GT2 belt drive system. It seems like a pretty solid setup but I really have no idea where its limits are.
I hate to say it but in the stock configuration the belt is at it's limit. I find that due to the stretch and deflection the belt introduces alot of chatter. Also the plates need to incorporate a sort of idler pulley/tensioner pullet to "wrap more of the belt around the pulley to engage more teeth on the belt and pulley. I'm working on redesigning the plates to use a true gear rack and pinion system. Check out my upgrades build @ http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/clydesdale-cnc.1428/ I have also setup the plates to take up to a 4080 beam, depending on how that turns out I might change it to use double 4060 or 4080 beams... Hope this helps..
This is very helpful! Thank you! I have actually been following your thread quite closely. Looks like a great build. I am anxious to see how you incorporate the rack.
