Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Reverse Workbee gantry plates?

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Judehey, Jun 9, 2019.

  1. Judehey

    Judehey New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2019
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    1
    I'm assembling my first machine, a 500x750 Workbee. It seems I could recover a couple inches of usable x axis work surface by reversing/swapping the gantry support plates. I would need longer front and back frame rails, but the rest of the parts would still work. This would reverse the c-beam assembly and expose the leadscrew to sawdust: I don't know how much of a problem that would cause. Any other reasons this would be a bad idea?
    Thanks
     
  2. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,892
    Likes Received:
    1,551
    You might also consider drilling a matching set of nut block attachment holes in the smaller plates and then you could leave the side C-beam rails facing out.
     
  3. Judehey

    Judehey New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2019
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    1
    I thought of that as well, but I haven't read anything or seen any pictures of anybody doing this, so I figured there had to be a good reason that I had just not thought of.
    If there is no reason not to do it, I'm surprised that it was originally designed in a way that reduces the working area.
    I'm just looking for the gotcha before I start modding a machine I've never even used.
    Is there one?
    Thanks
     
    #3 Judehey, Jun 10, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2019

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice