Please recommend a floating z-axis solution. I am assembling a new CNC machine for plasma cutting. It is planned to use a "C-Beam® XLarge Linear Actuator Bundle" at 500 mm for the z-axis on which a Floating Z-Axis fixture for plasma cutting is needed. The Floating Z-Axis posted on this forum seemed to have the most elegant solution for my purposes. But a solution using standardized parts with no unique fabrication would be desirable. Thanks for looking at this. It was great to find this forum and read through the excellent projects and work that members here do.
I decided on an approach similar to the previous ideas but not use any one-off printed parts. The design uses a Double Wide Gantry Kit that is overkill for this application, but can be re-used for heavier and more precise working heads as well. Only half the wheels in this kit are needed but I'd like to have extras around to play with. Some experimenters might be able to use a platform as small as the Mini V Gantry Kit in their applications. However, an extension plate or bracket would be required to drop the torch down to workpieces. This design approach mostly incorporates angle and cube connectors rather than unique plastic parts as done in other designs. An available adjustable band or fabricated simple part will be used to attach the torch head to the gantry plate. Once parts get in and everything is assembled and tested, I'll post pics, details, and maybe CAD files of this solution. Just loaded Fusion 360 and anticipate speedy success as it surely seems to be a sweet solid solution suite, alliterative shenanigans aside.
