This looks like a good table, but a bit light in my opinion. I was just thinking of suggesting a product called Kee Klamps, which are modular pipe fittings used to construct railings and support systems for machinery. They come in several sizes and shapes, and make building custom frames a breeze.

Kee Klamp • Kee Safety, Canada

Of course, there are lots of companies who make structural pipe fittings like these, Kee Safety is in Canada, you should be able to find a local distributor. Lowes carries them in the US, not sure about the UK and Europe.

MG

 

The connectors I used look exactly like the "Kee Klamps". I got them at this Dutch webshop: Buiskoppeling 33.7 mm kopen? | De beste prijzen | Steigerbuisstunter.nl. They need to be tightened really hard for the construction to become stable. I'm very pleased with the result.
It would have been even better to use square tubes and weld the whole thing together. However I'm not a welder and having someone else do it would have cost about twice as much as the scaffolding option.

 

Hi guys

thanks very much for the great feedback, this is really appreciated. It is so valuable to have a forum like this where you can tap into the experience of a larger group and not make the typical beginner mistakes that could come very costly.

As far as my router table goes, I got the message loud and clear, I have to build it more solid and absolutely flat. I already have something in mind and will be working on it over the next few days.

But then, next question . I would like to finish the table before I receive the kit so I can use it as a platform for the build but I don't know how large I should make it.

1. For a 1000x1500mm router, how big would you build the table as there are overhangs of motors and cables? Space needed for the control laptop?
2. What is a good height? I would assume that it should be a little higher than a typical workbench.

Thanks again for your feedback.

Cheers
Phil

 

1. Look at the picture in the first post.It will give you a good idea of how the machine sits on a table and if you need overhang and if yes, how much. It's not an exact science and depends on the way you build your machine since it's a custom job.
2. Depends on how tall you are. I'm a little over 6' 2" and I make my benches and machine stands high so that I don't have to bend for hours while I'm working. The cutting surface will be about 4" higher than the table so measure the table height that suits you.

 

Thanks Ryan for that. I took the advice of the forum and ended up with a rather improved design :

• A-Frame Raw Steel 60x60x3mm box section legs (see picture)
• Four 1900mm mild steel beams across those two legs in 60x40x3mm box section
• On top of that, a 2000x1220x18mm of structural hardwood plywood sheet
• M8 countersunk screws to screw everything together.

This will provide a solid base and enough space for the frame and the control laptop. Further, because the legs don't use much room and will be spaced apart as much as possible, I can use the space under the table for storage. This will help because my workshop is on the small side.

I will post pictures once I have everything put together.

Phil

 

You may want to put some support in the center so that the plywood will not be able to sag in the middle.

 

I was just thinking about table sizes, so I'm glad to read the latest posts.

I've got a small workshop at the moment, so now I'm thinking of building a smaller machine, something though I could hide away and only pull out as needed. Though I'd bet it would be a two person job to move the machine once it is assembled.

 

This is precicely why I don't offer kits. Takes more time to pack it up than it would to build the dang thing...

MG

 

On the topic of table tops, I came across this video from Modern Builds last night on YouTube. I like the idea of building a very solid, very rigid table top with the 2x4. It might take a bit of work to make it level, if you don't have a planer.

 

For my existing workshop, I built a workbench similar to this, with different vises. I'd consider doing this one again. I do like the beefiness of the 2x4 table top I linked to earlier. However for the legs and cross members this was a really easy build using plywood.

Rock-Solid Plywood Bench - FineWoodworking

 

The article linked isn't a solid wood workbench. If I recall it was two, maybe three sheets of plywood. Cut into strips and then glued together to help keep things dimensionally stable. Nearly the whole thing is a plywood sandwich to make large "timber". The top is MDF though, but not a torsion box.

 

Thanks Ryan for a very timely delivery and excellent communication.
The excitement level is rather high. I still have to finish the base table as I haven't received the metal legs yet, but they should arrive on Friday.
I will keep you posted.

 

Anyone have a Sketchup model of this machine? Preferably '16 or '17...

Also the assembly manual?

MG

 

Manual should be under "Documentation & Downloads" at
WorkBee CNC Kit – A Complete CNC Machine Setup but the website tabs seem to be broken at the moment..

These are the links that are normally on the site:

WorkBee Belt Mechanical Assembly Manual

WorkBee Screw Mechanical Assembly Manual

WorkBee Belt & Screw Mechanical Assembly Manual Guide

WorkBee Full Kit Assembly Manual

Plates DXF/STEP & Drawing Files

I think there used to be a complete 3d model (not in Sketchup format, but convertable) in the "Plates DXF/STEP & Drawing Files", but I can't find it anymore..

 

Thanks Michiel!

Yeah, I looked there first but didn't find them. Thanks for the links.

Now I just need someone with the Sketchup model...

MG

 

No, unfortunately Sketchup (at least the free version) cannot import anything but .3DS and .DAE, whatever those are.

Can anyone out there convert this for me?

MG

 

Actually, MG, you can import .stl files into SketchUp. Google it and you'll find the addon to Sketchup. The only problem I have with importing .stl files into any program is that it is made up of lots of triangles.

 

Justin:

I'm aware of the .STL file import and export extensions. Unfortunately, the files are Step Files, not STL...

That's one thing I hate about Sketchup, they have no facility to import or export any other file type, except some completely unheard of file formats, unless you want to pay $700 for the pro version. Even any extensions that could do this cost quite a bit of money.

MG