New table build (a bit over 4 x 4)

[Mtw fdu]

Started building a new table for my shop.

I started with a 2 x 2. Two years ago I built a 2 x 4 and now building a 4 x 4 but it will probably be 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 by the time it is finished.

Here are pictures of my past tables as well as my new 1. I have only done the basic framework for now as I am waiting to get some free time to finish it off.

More pictures to come soon.

Mtw fdu.

[adbuch]

Some very nice work there! I like your designs and it looks like you keep improving as you go.
Thanks for sharing your photos.

David

[Mtw fdu]

Thanks for the quick reply adbuch. I only posted less than 10 minutes before you replied. Thank you for your comments.

So far it has only taken 2 days to do. It should only take another 4 or 5 days to complete.

I have been busy using my current table for cutting things for my customers while trying to get the table build done. I will use the same sides I am currently using to keep the same height but will need to make another gantry. Also I will be using the same computer table as well as the power mount as it is currently hard wired.

Mtw fdu.

[acourtjester]

Great thing about DIY, you build a working model, OK lets make it bigger, Way to go. I have built a few and each one has slight changes as I go along.
Having a working table to take care of customers, you are less likely to rush on the new one, time to think about improvements or changes.

[Mtw fdu]

Started doing some more work on my new cnc table.

Dismantled the old table and put my new bigger table in.

Did the slat holders both on the outer edge as well as the inside with a bit of bend in the slats.

More pictures coming soon.

Mtw fdu.

[adbuch]

You are making great progress! Keep the photos coming.
David

PS - just curious - is that an abandoned mechanic's grease pit under those boards on the floor?

grease pit.jpg (68.74 KiB) Viewed 3435 times

grease pit.jpg (68.74 KiB) Viewed 3435 times

[Mtw fdu]

Yes that is a pit that I made many years ago when I was working on hotrod. Now I don't use at all apart from storing things. No room in my shop for cars...only tools!!!

Mtw fdu.

[adbuch]

I haven't seen one of those in years. Back in the old days, these were common for the garages that did not have lifts.
David

[Mtw fdu]

More pictures.

Made and installed angles for the dross tray. Using the old one from the other table and then add another one for the other side.

Pictures are all over the place loading up from phone.

Next I will weld the tray angles and make levelling threads for the 4 feet to level table before installing gantry side panels from other table.

Mtw fdu.

[DieselFumes]

Great looking build. Clean and well thought out design so far

[Mtw fdu]

Today I got the tray angles welded up made the levelling threads and leveled the table. Managed to get all 4 sides either .5 or under of a degree.

I will have to level up the gantry when I get to it.

Some pictures.

Thanks for your comments guys.

Mtw fdu.

[acourtjester]

One step at a time, always moving forward, Great project

[Dingo74536]

Looking good mate.
A fellow Crow Eater I see That will confuse them, I am down the Fleurieu Peninsula

[Mtw fdu]

Looking good mate.
A fellow Crow Eater I see That will confuse them, I am down the Fleurieu Peninsula

Cheers mate. I started plasma cutting back in 2014. Easily the best thing I could ever do. It has brought in alot of work. Paid for itself ten fold.

Mtw fdu.

[Mtw fdu]

Another day and more work done.

Sides are on, levelled within 0.2 of a degree, diagonal measurements are the same plus welded up on each end on both sides and on outer section in middle. It went better than expected. Next the gantry.

Some more pictures.

Mtw fdu.

[Joe Jones]

Why did you put high, solid sides on the table? Doesn't this make the grate surface less accessible to remove parts, correct tip ups and such?

Why not put the rails along the side of the grates, or even lower, and have the GANTRY reach up and over like a moving bridge? In that way, when the gantry is at one end of the table, you will be able to access everything from either side.

Also, why the straight grate slats? Where do they have room to move when they expand with the heat?

Good luck with the project!

Joe

[Mtw fdu]

The sides are high because I cut alot of square tubing . It's easier putting it under the torch rather than a low gantry. Also you are protected from any sparks from the torch.

The slats have a slight bend in them in the centre so if you cut straight cuts it doesn't run along the slats themselves.

There is plenty of access from front to back when removing parts and changing tips. This is way I used with previous table.

The computer will be on a stand which mounts to the gantry side.

Hope this clears this up for you Joe. Have a look at the previous pic of the 2 x 4 table. Really the only change that I have made is the table size. No difference otherwise.

Any other questions???

Mtw fdu.

[Joe Jones]

Any other questions???

Mtw fdu.

If it works for YOU, then it WORKS! I will watch for the completion and the requisite video of the table in operation!

I went a different route for tall tubing... up to 27" square.

Joe

[Mtw fdu]

I have no intention of going the way you have.

I even cut into the frame of my machine of the square tubing into my bigger table. The letters are the "MWS" which is my business name initials...just because I can. No lift kit required.

This was done on my previous table long before I dismantled it.

Surprisingly this table design is an American 1. I bought the first table and it was the original set. As time went on I added and tweaked it to my own requirements. It is what you see now. More tweaks will be added as time go on.

Mtw fdu.

[adbuch]

I have no intention of going the way you have.

I even cut into the frame of my machine of the square tubing into my bigger table. The letters are the "MWS" which is my business name initials...just because I can. No lift kit required.

This was done on my previous table long before I dismantled it.

Surprisingly this table design is an American 1. I bought the first table and it was the original set. As time went on I added and tweaked it to my own requirements. It is what you see now. More tweaks will be added as time go on.

Mtw fdu.

I think your design is perfect with the high sides! As you say, this gives lots of clearance under the gantry for cutting on larger objects - and there is really no downside as long as you have that long adjustable machine torch. I always load my material from one of the ends, so your design would not be a problem for me.

David

high sides for tubing.jpg (66.62 KiB) Viewed 3137 times

high sides for tubing.jpg (66.62 KiB) Viewed 3137 times

[Mtw fdu]

Thanks adbuch for your comments.

Today I started with the gantry. Got half of it done. If things go well tomorrow I should be able to do some testing late Friday night or Saturday morning sometime.

Pic of the gantry so far. It slides easy as well.

Mtw fdu.

[adbuch]

This looks great! Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress.
David

[Mtw fdu]

Got the gantry finished. A pic.

And I have movement. Connected everything up and tested the x and y axis. I got about 1350 x 1400mm travel without the torch connected. Once everything is finished I will find out exactly what I have. Here is a short video. The noise in the background is rain and the squeak is the cross tube just touching the x axis as it moves from left to right. It is not 100% straight.

Got alot of fiddly things still to do but shouldn't be too much longer.



Mtw fdu.

[acourtjester]

Good show DIY is fun and fits what you want, peeking around your shop shows you have plenty of goodies to play with too.

[AREA]

Nice build. Just watched your video, looks great and sounds great. Well done and looking forward to seeing it spray some sparks