Re: ...to build a CNC router .. axis length

> The X axis would not need to be very long.
> The Y axis needs to be long
> enough to machine the longest part.

The carriage for a gantry would be reguired to be at least as long as
the longest part, PLUS the length of the bearing OR the full length
of the bearing truck, PLUS the length of the cutter, PLUS the lenght
of the material over the length.

If you want a finished part of 36 inches, and plan on using a 1/4
inch cutter, you need to have 36.25" for the finished part.

Assuming you start with a part that pinned on centers, you would cut
half, then swap ends, reverse the cut file and then cut the other
half.

Another possiblilty is to move the longer fixture so it can cut the
other half of the part. Guys with 4 foot plasma tables have to do
this to cut 8 foot sheets.

I've got a machine that has a 12 inch truck, with two bearings
seperated by 8 inches, and each bearing is 2 inches long. that
means, the bed immeadiatly loses 12 inches of travel.

Dave

ps: if you need someone to test a handle, let me know, I have an 8
pound maul for chopping firewood and need a handle. (actually I hava
a couple)

pps : anyone know a site that discusses drying wood for making tool
handles ?

Dave