Shapeoko 3 - 4' x 4' - Prototype #1

[edwardrford]

There are still a number of parts missing - but the frame, rail, and carriage system were all present and accounted for, so I figured it was time to start building!

I put the frame together on the floor - I couldn't imagine putting the whole machine together on the floor - so I built a table from one of the 2x4 basics kits I had in the shop. The kits cost about $50 and make it really easy to make a pretty decent table in about 30 minutes. For simplicity, I made the table 6' wide by 8' long. I used a piece of 4'x8'x1/2" plywood and then a 2'x8'x1/2" piece to make up the different. Not shown are two members I added lengthwise to give myself somewhere to screw down the seem and another to support the 4' span in the middle.

Allow me to dazzle you with my photoshop skillz:

table.JPG (62.05 KiB) Viewed 3811 times

Once the table was built I had somewhere to start working - I cut a piece of 1/2" plywood down to 2.5' x 5' and then another down to the same to make the two halves of my table top. For the prototype I just used a trim router to make some slots from the edges, far enough in to get an M5x20mm screw into the t-nut.

frame_in_place.JPG (53.46 KiB) Viewed 3811 times

That is a 7-1/4" skillsaw in the rear of the frame - for size reference.

half_down.JPG (55.93 KiB) Viewed 3811 times

One the table was on - it was time for the extrusions and carriages!

rails_on.JPG (52.91 KiB) Viewed 3811 times

I didn't get around to putting the z-axis on before I called it a day. I'll add that and string some belts tomorrow and see if I can't get this thing running! For reference, the rail sitting on the table is the standard 600mm rail that ships with the regular machine size.

carriages_complete.JPG (57.62 KiB) Viewed 3811 times

[WillAdams]

Interesting. I’m kind of surprised at where the bends are in the front/back plates — is there some reason not to just get longer versions of the current style? Seems to me that would be more resistant to bending / twisting / racking.

[LTEPM]

I like the end returns, this should add stability and reduce flex. If the corner returns tied into the side of the extrusions and 8020 rails like a gusset plate, that would make the expanded version very rigid.

The screw heads on the center of the end plate may interfere with edge milling clamping, or at least reduce the working area on the Y axis. Keeping things in perspective, you would have ~ 24" left or right of the screws for working area.

[Dave]

Awesome, thanks for the updates!

So based on your table dimensions, is the overall footprint a bit more than 5'x5' then?

[CalebPeters]

Wow, That looks awesome!

Out of curiosity, how much weight can the Delrin V-wheels support?

[AnonymousPerson]

Awesome.

[BellyUpFish]

Pretty sweet!

[RoguePirin]

Looks great!

Based on your description, you cut the waste board to be 5' x 5'; is the cutting area going to be 4' x 4', or is it larger now?

[Sekrit_skworl]

Yes, very true. Tom, please share both the overall and (build size) next to the prototype numbers so that we are all on the same page.

Thank You

[jbc]

Nice!
What version of Photoshop did you use for those bedazzling red lines?

jbc