It’s a hard ask, I’m sure, since the Z axis will probably require more travel (ie a new mount created), but would it be possible to cover or replace the water table with a wooden fixture table such that a router (Bosch 1617EVSPK) could be used as a spindle (or heck, a spindle used as a spindle) in order to cut wood, possibly Al? Would the leadscrews have enough rigidity to support the sideloading?
Just asking since I already have one 4x"3" XY"Z" gantry table, just would rather not have to make another, ya know?
You need to consult with @bLouChipBlacksmith on that. His table is like the Swiss Army Knife of CNC machines!
I will say that stiffening the gantry would be your main task. I wouldn’t use a router motor, not enough speed range and bearings wear out. I’d use maybe an 500-800W BLDC motor with VFD.
Aluminum would require a different motor and even more stiffness in the gantry.
Seems he made his own plasma table and then added a separate table / gantry system to it for the router? Doesn’t seem to be much to do with a crossfire pro…
Rigidity is crucial for a CNC router and I wouldn’t think the Pro table gantry is up to the task.
It was designed to carry the weight of a plasma torch. I don’t think it would handle any side loading very well. The stepper motors don’t seem like they would handle the torque either. They stall if the bearings are too tight or if the lead nut is slightly misaligned.
Converting a CNC router to plasma would not be a problem, but plasma table to router seems like it would be a disappointment.
Was thinking about this on the way home. You are correct, a routing table with a tall z gantry where you could slide a water table in would probably be more ideal.