Is it possible to add legs to the LEAD 1515 instead of sitting it on a table?

No I don't think so. Sitting on the flat table is part of what keeps the LEAD frame aligned (no machine tool is independant of the mounting arrangement, I can bend (measurable in 0.0001") my 120kg cast iron lathe with 2 fingers even though it is on a 100kg welded frame). if you attach legs directly to the frame, the legs have a lot of leverage and the slightest bump will put the frame out of alignment.

 

Of course it can be done. You’ll just need to do a bit of resizing on the lengths of the table framing members. There is a big difference though between can and should. If your entire diagonal stability is based on your spoil board what happens when you pull it to replace it?

 

Attached is a Sketchup mashup of the 1515 with the table. Really doesn't work directly. Saves about $72 in rail but the legs interfere with the Y-axis gantries which cuts about 90mm off the usable Y-axis working length.



To truly make it work you would need to squeeze in the side rails on the table a bit more but I've taken it as far as I'm going with it. If I were to build the combination I'd just cut the table down to the size of the system. A lot less wasted floor space that way.

 

Just to clarify their response:

They are correct that using the modular parts catalog, you can add legs. But their expectation is that you would do the proper engineering of such a changed design (not just pop legs on the side). Ie add some triangles to stop racking, and read up about deflection: How to calculate V-Slot® deflection - the response doesn't give you a 100% confirmation to go ahead as-is

They provide modular parts, and information, both of which, along with little engineering effort - together, can result in fantastic new designs and new builds.

As they say: "we look forward to seeing how it turns out" - in other words - its not proven to work, but after you put in the effort to make necessary modifications, then please "be sure to share it on OpenBuilds so we can all learn". As in, go for it, try it, knowing that its a learning experiment and once its figured out, sharing it with the community so everyone can benefit from the engineering.

 

Got some sleep and decided to give it another go. This revision resolves the Y-axis issues.


Actually turned out rather nicely. Still needs a 20x20 rail to support the drag chain on Y2.

Please remember, this is only a conceptual design. No actual build or testing behind it. The Sketchup drawing is a mashup of drawings created by two different persons that did not mesh perfectly so dimensions may not be accurate.

 

OpenBuilds LEAD CNC Machine 1515 (60' x 60') | 3D Warehouse

 

Best just to point you to the source of all things OpenBuilds | 3D Warehouse (sketchup.com)

As far as the changes, the (6) 20x40 bed framing pieces on the LEAD were replaced with 20x60 members, 5 of which would have comprised the original top frame of the table.

If anything else exists it can generally be found here. I don't work in those 2 packages so I have no idea what's out there.

Edit: fixed link

 

Click the RESOURCES tab above ^

 

The kit has 1680mm 20x60 (see the parts list OpenBuilds Table Series). If you want to buy that size outside of the table kits, you can email them.

 

As noted above the drawing may not be dimensionally accurate. It was a quick mashup.

Yes, the table from the shop is considerably larger than the LEAD 1515. It was morphed down to fit the system. You'll need to work the lengths out yourself. You'll probably get better measurements taking them off the original LEAD 1515 drawing.

 

Yeah, didn't notice that (as noted several times, it was a quick mashup). As there is no magic about where that rail sits you can either fudge it over a few millimeters or you can replace the fancy bracket with a triple L Bracket - OpenBuilds Part Store

 

In the stock kits everything is cut to proper length.

If you need something cut to other than the lengths provided put a comment in the order section. They'll generally cut them for you. If you need a table cut down be very specific on what you need cut and to what length. Don't assume they'll read this thread nor do any research as they won't. What goes on in the shop is entirely separate from the forum.

If you intend to cut down a table, I would suggest using the middle brace from the lower shelf as the 6th member for the top and using the extra 20x40s from the 1515 to form the lower shelf. No out of pocket that way. Should already come in the proper length.

 

...or you could get a chop saw and cut them down yourself. Aluminum cuts like butter.

 

I think there is no magic to the exact location of those outer rails supporting the edges of the spoil board. Pick a number that works and carry it through. Make sure the rails clear the gantry plate and the connections fit in the corner. This will in turn determine the length of the lower front and back rails.

I integrated the 20x60 framing into the base of the 1515 for a couple of reasons, some people have noted weakness in the 20x40 bed framing and having the 20x60s to connect the legs to meant a more rigid connection which will mean less wobble in the table.

As far as leftovers you still need to budget in a side rail to support the drag chain alongside Y2. One of the original bed 20x40s laid flat and anchored to the front and back rails with a couple Black Angle Corner Connector - OpenBuilds Part Store will accomplish this nicely. If you don't like exposed ends you're also going to need several more End Cap - OpenBuilds Part Store to close off the extra holes on the 20x60s and the drag chain support.

And finally the one item you're missing is the bottom plates on the legs that the castors fit into. I don't see them listed separately in the shop so you may need to make your own.