Hi folks, I am really interested in the WorkBee but would really like to be able to slap a 5x5' piece of Baltic birch on it without having to cut or trim it. That's how I buy it and I'm fundamentally a lazy person and don't want the extra work (or possible waste). Is it possible to stretch the thing out to those dimensions? Would there be issues with the gantry spanning that distance? Thanks!
If you contact OpenBuilds at Contact Us Form they may be able to help with custom extrusion lengths. Just remember to add the width of the gantry plate because at a minimum that is how much cutting length you loose on an axis. I would guess 1800mm would be a safe bet for the x axis for a workbee and 1700 for a LEAD. However, if it were me, I would go with the LEAD and add the High Z kit in the custom length you decide on if it is possible. I would keep the X axis as low as possible to lessen any deflection. The two Cbeams will really help with the weight of the router/spindle over that length of axis and help lessen any other deflection issues.
Now I'm seeing a potential problem with the lead screws. First, they don't carry them long enough. Second, what about deflection/whipping?
If you're trying to avoid lengthy screws and just stick to belts on your system the high-z concept is easily adapted to the workbee.
