t-Slot metal table for coolant cutting brass and aluminium

Hi guys (and Rod if you are still around).

Long time since I last posted but have revitalised my cnc ( 1m x 1.5m, running an aircooled spindle) and now want to build a smaller t-slot metal (probably aluminium) cutting table which would attach to the existing wood-cutting table, so that I can run coolant to the tool while cutting brass and aluminium.

I have searched high and low across the web for such a beast and 'nothing'. So, I guess I have to build one from the ground up.

What I had in mind was something about 300mm x 300mm which would simply bolt down onto the existing bed, and which I would be able to run flood/mist coolant to the bit.

Has anyone here - or that anyone knows of - built such a thing?

If not, then I guess I will simply have to 'trail-blaze', but would be easier if there were an existing design.

Cheers guys

Noel :B:B:?:?:D:D

Hi Noel, does your machine have a timber base? If it does the coolant will soak into it fairly quickly and make the base virtually unusable.
To make a base, what sort of design were you looking for, something with T slots built in to clamp down with or just a HDPE sheet to run the coolant away from the cutter.
A pic of your machine would help to come up with ideas.
Kryn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

Hi Noel, does your machine have a timber base? If it does the coolant will soak into it fairly quickly and make the base virtually unusable.
To make a base, what sort of design were you looking for, something with T slots built in to clamp down with or just a HDPE sheet to run the coolant away from the cutter.
A pic of your machine would help to come up with ideas.
Kryn

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Hi Kryn
I have been using my machine for more than ten years now with an MDF table (1.5m x 1m) with aluminium t-slot inserts, and understand the vagaries and issues with MDF, particularly when it comes to moisture.

No, what I have in mind is making a separate metal tank/table similar to those on 'real' cnc machines, approximately 600mm x 300mm x 25mm which would simply bolt down on top of my existing spoilboard but which would enable me to run coolant when I am cutting brass and aluminium.

I have looked high and wide but it appears that nobody makes such a thing, so it looks like I will have to fabricate it myself - nothing new there.

At this stage I think I will make it from heavy-duty aluminium extrusions (135 x 45), with two abutted to make it 270mm wide. I will then make a tank for the end which will catch the coolant and then channel it back into the reservoir. Everything will be tig welded to make it 'waterproof' and the table top will be readily removed whenever I want to cut timber or plastic.

Still in the concept/design stage but think I am nearly there and will post progress pics as I go.

Cheers
Noel :U:U:U

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PsychoPig7

Hi Kryn
I have been using my machine for more than ten years now with an MDF table (1.5m x 1m) with aluminium t-slot inserts, and understand the vagaries and issues with MDF, particularly when it comes to moisture.

No, what I have in mind is making a separate metal tank/table similar to those on 'real' cnc machines, approximately 600mm x 300mm x 25mm which would simply bolt down on top of my existing spoilboard but which would enable me to run coolant when I am cutting brass and aluminium.

I have looked high and wide but it appears that nobody makes such a thing, so it looks like I will have to fabricate it myself - nothing new there.

At this stage I think I will make it from heavy-duty aluminium extrusions (135 x 45), with two abutted to make it 270mm wide. I will then make a tank for the end which will catch the coolant and then channel it back into the reservoir. Everything will be tig welded to make it 'waterproof' and the table top will be readily removed whenever I want to cut timber or plastic.

Still in the concept/design stage but think I am nearly there and will post progress pics as I go.

Cheers
Noel :U:U:U

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I have bought those 20 mm thick extruded t-slot for my new machine. Not sure how wide each section is but they slot into each other to form the base....can't check the width atm cause i am at work:)

Hi Noel,
Sorry for the late reply. My wife passed away August and time for a life change so I have been selling all my machinery and shed gear. Not much left now and no chance of me reviving it at any time.
Good luck with your adventures.

Hi Rod, My belated deepest condolences to you and the family.
How come you've sold off all your gear, are you planning on travelling?
Kryn

Thanks Kryn
Yes a lot of travelling and with voluntary work at care facilities in between.

Hi Rod,
if you happen to be heading this way, you're welcome to drop in.
Safe travelling.
Kryn

Rod

I am so very sorry to hear of Leonie's passing.

If ever your travels extend to this part of the world, it would be great to see you.

Greg and Sally

Rod....i am so so sorry to hear about your wife's passing