I am designing a CNC for light aluminum work. I have made 4 examples and cannot figure out which one to use. Price wise, it is about the same, the openbuilds c-beam version (#1) would be about 60% cheaper to build. It's my first build/revision. (File is Sketchup 2017) Thanks, -Matt
If you aren't going to use v wheels, you might as well build up. The v wheel setup is waaaaay cheaper. I just went through all of the same design thoughts too. I did go with the c beam since I intend on cutting smaller aluminum parts. The larger the machine gets, the weaker it becomes, but even flimsy materials can be strong at small sizes.
Agreed, I went through the v-wheel option, then the bar linear bearings, then the hiwin stuff. Now I know I want the 20mm Hiwin and 15mm grounded ball screw. I just don't know which frame/design to use.
I was thinking of using the 40 series and doing a 40-8080 frame (the 40's have more accessories compared to the 30's) but, I was thinking the 30-6060 would be more compact (with most of the gears/motor being around 60mm). Ill draw one up with the 40-8080 real quick.
