Hello to all Openbuilders, I recently purchased the XL parts bundle and am working on a new bench for it before starting the machine build itself. My primary applications will be electronics related chassis, front panels and the like. Also interested in PCB milling at some point in the future, but for larger discrete components -- no surface mount or high-density packages. I am considering increasing the Z-axis height above the spoil board by increasing the vertical support beams by 50 - 60 mm. Ideally, I am looking to be able to place a 3" high aluminum chassis under the spindle to allow its top surface to be worked. I like the size of the machine as is, but could do with a little less X-axis travel and a little more on the Z-axis. Any thoughts on these mods before I get started? Don't want to make the machine substantially smaller, as I am looking to expand its use beyond the applications mentioned above, but would really like the Z-axis to accommodate the taller work pieces without a substantial reduction in rigidity. Won't be in a position to work on this project much until the new year. Charles (From the middle of nowhere, S. IL)
Hi Charles, I'm wondering whether you have made this modification by now because I have had the same idea to do this with my XLarge. My first thought was to fix 40 x 40mm Vslots on top of the 60 x 20mm Vslots that join the frame in "Y". That would give 40mm additional z travel which is an improvement so long as the rigidity isn't compromised. If you have done something, I'd really appreciate knowing about it. Geoff (Malvern, UK)
I have the same set up and want to increase the z-axis range too. I like GeoffH’s idea, but was wondering if any one has implemented something with good success. I think of extending GeoffH’s idea to use a 40 x 60 mm Vslot, but no such thing exists. I think of combining 40x40 + 40x20 to get the 40x60, but think this would introduce weakness. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments? An alternative is to deconstruct the z-axis and cut a C-beam to length 300mm or 310mm to get the extra 50-60mm read.
Bigger is better, so use a C-Beam for increased rigidity. The longer the length the beefier the profile needs to be. See How to calculate V-Slot® deflection
Thank for the quick response, I will read the thread. Does OpenBuilds offer a custom service to cut C-Beam profile to exacting lengths? I don’t have the tools to do this with exacting accuracy. Well, I guess I could use the CNC machine to cut to length, but at the moment do’t trust my current skill CNC levels. Again, thank you very much.
