Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] wooden table for a router

>
>
>I friend was amazed at my CNC stuff and since he is a carpenter, he
>asked if I could make him one.
>
>I told him that a steel table is $$$ and he asked if anybody uses
>wood for the tables ?
>

It's not yet done, but this is my new "hardware store" machine...it's
mostly MDF, but built with U channel construction. It's STIFF! Flex
will likely not be a problem...and would certainly not be a problem for
woodworking. Wood moves with humidity FAR more than the flex present in
this machine. (I've made some progress on it, since this photo was
taken. My router is mounted in a proper Z axis, the drive screws are
conected, and the motors are ready for a test run. I've also fully
supported the rails, for an exponential increase in stiffness.)

http://members.ivwnet.com/~chuck@.../cncfront.jpg

This machine is a bit overbuilt for its capacity (18x24") but it should
be able to handle anything I throw at it.

The table (I assume you mean the work surface itself) is made from
slatwall, a commercial style display system for retail stores. It has
channels cut into it, and will be used with a bolt and a flat washer as
an "integrated clamping system." Thanks to some rails beneath the
table's surface, it's held quite rigidly flat. While I've not measured
it, yet, I don't expect any significant variation from practically
perfectly flat. And, if there is, I can always "grind" it down with the
router, itself. Being an MDF product, it has no grain and will not
warp, except under its own weight, which is properly supported.

There are also many others who have built machines using this basic
style of construction, who frequent a site called http://www.cnczone.com
in the "homebuilt wood routers" section. Lots of good ideas, there, for
people on a budget.

The secret is going to be making it sufficiently stiff...not too hard,
if you use proper construction. Remember...wood is a reinforced
composite material, not terribly unlike fiberglass or carbon fiber.
*Use* it to your advantage! Keeping a 4x8' table stiff may be a
challenge, but it's definitely an achievable goal.

-- Chuck Knight