Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] router question

Richard;

You ask that dreaded Ford vs. Chevy question. Both have their proponents
and each side can present arguments. I prefer the moving gantry because you
get more travel for a given overall length. Also, the 5'X10' router table
makes a good workbench and vacuum bagging surface when not cutting things.

Here are some advantages of each. Then you decide.

Moving gantry: Less floor space (as noted above)

Moving table: All axis motors can be stationary (simpler to wire)

Rigidity: If you are talking about a metal hoggin' quarter million dollar
beast then a moving table has advantages. For more on this theory read
Alexander Slocum's text on the subject.

If you are building a basement project then your design and construction
details are far more important than which type you build. A moving table
constructed from a slab of aluminum, supported at four corners with frelon
bearings, running on end supported shafts will not be very stiff. And this
is how most table top routers are built.

Use continuously supported linear motion components. Make things stiff
through good use of moments of inertia. Don't be afraid to use steel or
even wood instead of aluminum which has miserable damping properties and is
expensive. Finally, just build something and try it. Whatever you build
will be a learning experience. Either one will work.

Doug

----- Original Message -----
From: rekmac <rkonnen@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 10:54 PM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] router question


> I want to build a table top router. A question to those of you that
> have or are working on the same. What is the better choice, having
> the table move or the gantry move?
> Thanks, Richard