Buddy BT48 Alpha table MKIII

[Ajcoholic]

This thread will be about my new table I am making for my Shopbot Buddy.

I talked about the parts I got it in the other thread, but I will recap here, as to keep things clear if anyone is interested.

The parts consist of:

-3 lengths (72") of 1/4" thick aluminum angle, 1.5" by 2.5"
-2 lengths of linear rail (2000mm), 16mm diameter, and 4 linear bearings
-aluminum extrusion from Hubbard CNC, to make up a table 59" long by 56" wide
-misc bolts and nuts, etc.



First, I cut one of the angles in half - two pcs 36" - and laid out the holes to attach the bearing blocks. 10-32 flat head machine bolts countersunk from behind. Slotted the angle, to allow attachment and vertical adjustment on the side rails of the Buddy.

[Ajcoholic]

The linear rails were mounted to the length of aluminum angle, with 10-24 bolts.

[Ajcoholic]

After the rails were trial fastened to the sides of the Buddy, and shimmed to make sure that both rails were exactly parallel, and parallel to the powerstick, I sat a section of the table extrusions on the powerstick, and tried moving the powerstick back and forth. Very smooth. This is going to be awesome!

More tomorrow... I have hopes I will be able to dedicate at least a few hours of my day to this job.

AJC

[Ajcoholic]

Once the new table is set on the powerstick and new rails, I can bolt everything down. Making sure that the T slots are square to the X axis, and also that everything is in the same plane.

Then I will lower the stock table rollers down a little as they wont be necessary anymore.

[scottp55]

Andrew, Although I see it's your usual precision work, I must admit I'm dismayed at the change in your style. You've gone from graceful sweeps and fairings of Maloof to the 90's of Frank Lloyd Wright. I must remind you of a comment made when FLW started making furniture "It is the most UNcomfortable chair I have ever sat upon".
Although I'm unfamiliar with that species, you've done a wonderful job of grain matching(it MUST be the same tree), I was wondering what finish you plan on using to bring out the "inner beauty"?
While I admit the blue is a wonderful shade, I wish you would go back to your natural finishes and "Let the wood speak for itself". Very Art Nouveau style, but I'm afraid it would clash with my Craftsman decor.
I hope your "Angular Period", doesn't last long, as your customer base may be adversely affected.

[Simops]

Andrew.....couple of quick questions......

First of the pics have clarified what you are doing.....good clear pics.

1. The linear bearings.....now I know what they are......very interesting system....I could use them in another application......how did you find them? Who would retail such bearings? I gather they are stainless steel?

2. Having an aluminium table......I gather you are not contemplating having vacuum in the future? If so are you going to cut out inlet holes into the ally deck?

Cheers

[Ajcoholic]

Andrew, Although I see it's your usual precision work, I must admit I'm dismayed at the change in your style. You've gone from graceful sweeps and fairings of Maloof to the 90's of Frank Lloyd Wright. I must remind you of a comment made when FLW started making furniture "It is the most UNcomfortable chair I have ever sat upon".
Although I'm unfamiliar with that species, you've done a wonderful job of grain matching(it MUST be the same tree), I was wondering what finish you plan on using to bring out the "inner beauty"?
While I admit the blue is a wonderful shade, I wish you would go back to your natural finishes and "Let the wood speak for itself". Very Art Nouveau style, but I'm afraid it would clash with my Craftsman decor.
I hope your "Angular Period", doesn't last long, as your customer base may be adversely affected.

Yikes... Scott lets just say I dont mind doing this kind of work once and a while but a metal man I woulnt want to be full time. I dont like getting my hands dirty. Wood dust is so clean!