Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Universal gantry idea - here is something I came up with

Slate is good because of its dimensional
stability...however, if you attach steel to the slate
(I may be a bit anal) the expansion and contraction of
steel with temperature may not like the fact that the
slate doesn't move. It sounds really good to me
except for this one issue. I know a few thousandths
of linear expansion doesnt sound like much, but if you
take something that is over 6 feet long I think it may
an issue unlesst the temp is positively controlled.
You could do the calculations by just using the the
coefficient of linear expansion of steel and slate.

I would think if your handy with a horizontal band saw
and a mig welder...you could make a good gantry of
steel tubing for less than $1200. I will be making a
CNC plasma setup hopefully in the not to distant
future and I guess I will find out...lol

By the way, some interesting info for slate can be
found here (I have no idea how credible it is...):

http://www.wincilate.co.uk/techncal.htm

take care,
Todd W




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