Widening a 96x48 PRS machine???

[gundog]

I am thinking about widening my 8x4 PRS machine. I machine plastic that comes in 54"x96" sheets and I am tired of either cutting 6" off the length or cutting the sheets in half to make 54"x48" pieces then running double tool paths for machining the same parts I could have machined all at one time if I had the right size machine.

I checked with SB and they wanted over $3k for the parts I found the extrusion for the Y car and now I am just trying to think of the best way to widen the frame. I was going to just buy all new steel for the x pieces but now I am considering just adding 6" rather than a full foot to the width. What is the full travel of the Y axis on a 4' machine? I think I may just look for a way to extend each side 3" rather than replacing all the cross structure. I could possibly just add some heavy angle iron or plate to each side for the extra width I will just need to make sure I keep it very rigid. What do you think?

Thanks Mike

[majohnson]

You sound much like me, always doing things yourself. Customer ask you to design and build the wildest things. I ended up with Bridgeport and everything that goes with it to show for it. Sometimes though, I wonder if in fact it was worth everything it took.

I can't help and wonder, after you factor your time and effort, if your going to ended up saving that much. The other is from a resale perspective.

Best of Luck,
Mark