Just wondered what methods others are using to hold the aluminium framework to a table/bench. I'm leaning towards some form of L brackets, but will have to space them off the rail slightly on the inside to avoid obstructing the v-wheels.
L brackets are good. I simply put one in each corner on the profiles that don't have gantries on them. No spacing needed
Thanks. Forgot to mention my table is 1500 x 1500. I think that more than 4 corners would be required to stop flex. Rather than make something, I'm looking for something that can be re-purposed.
Consider running your spoiler board support rails crosswise rather than length wise. They can be used to brace the rail at the same time.
I've only used four and haven't used any supports rails on my 1500x1500 and it's super rigid. View my build here: http://www.openbuilds.com/threads/ox-max-build-with-mods.626/ The rigidity is in the stand, not the frame, it would take support rails being at 45 degrees to make it rigid on it own. But pointless if you have a rigid stand. Hope this helps
Do you mean the y axis profiles? The ones that are floating? Very little. These can't be attached to stand anyway so their strength comes from the corners. As long as your corners are fixed it should be enough. The y gantries stop lateral flex in the y profiles to a certain degree anyway. But if your frame after being fixed in each corner with your x axis fitted and your stand doesn't flex and your frame still doesn't feel rigid, that would suggest that profiles haven't been secured properly to your corner brackets to me. Dropping an 18 or 22m square sheet of mdf in between the cross profiles will also help to square the frame.
Thanks Jonny, your build looks really good. If I grab the Y axis rails and push they do move when the X is at one end. I haven't got my spoiler in yet though so this would stop some movement. I will probably add the spoiler in and bracket it to the bench and the spoiler somehow.
cheers bud, yes they will flex in the middle when pushed but like you say only when the x axis is at one end, the x axis bridges between two profiles so in theory you can half that amout of flex is the actual amount of flex. however these machines dont really exert that much energy In that direction when cutting so really has no ill effect to the resolution. the profiles will be at there most strained during rapid movements, but as long as no steps are lost any flex there is no issue as its not a cutting move. although if your shaking your frame you should turn the acceleration down. hope this has eased your concerns, happy milling.
