I am very close to pulling the trigger on an S5.1-4x4
I have limited space and I would like to use the leg kit with 6 inch caster wheels to raise the bottom of the bed high enough that I can discharge my tablesaw underneath the CNC.
Looking at all of the leg kit drawings and photos, it appears there is enough room to pass 24 or 30 inch materials between the legs moving across the X axis.
Has anyone done this or tried to do it?
Hello. If I understand correctly, I suppose you could in theory out feed from another machine under the Shapeoko table if there was a proper container. It really sounds like asking for problems though. Cables run to the back even when secured with ties something could snag. It needs walking space front and back of machine for clamping at the edges. Nevermind that, I don’t like casters. Mine bounced around at every move until I removed them.
Thanks for the information about the casters and stability.
I laid out my design with a RAM board cutout and think I’m going to be limited to a 4x2. That way I still have access to all sides.
I use these retractable casters so that the machine is sitting on the feet when the mobility is not needed. They wouldn’t help your situation though.
If you raise the machine 6” from the normal leg height I hope you are tall.
I know the temptation exists to put casters on your machine’s metal base. The base that comes with your machine is pretty rigid, but unless your floor is absolutely flat (not necessarily level) as soon as you roll your machine across the concrete floor, there is a tendency for the machine frame to flex a little. Even if you can’t see it with your eyes. This can throw off your machine from perfectly flat to mostly flat. It’s not that big of a deal in woodworking but can be troublesome if machining soft metals. I know that my machine has been sitting on the same spot since I leveled and flattened the spoil boards. One less thing to throw off my cutting, especially if doing inlay work.
Being warned about the casters making it less stable has already had an impact on my plans.
Your counsel about not remaining flat and level by moving it also makes a good point.
Great community input!
I am moving on a few weeks to a place where I will have a shop large enough to not need mobility. Up to now though I have to move it away from the wall for large jobs. In fact having the casters will be necessary for my move.
Mine are retractable and the machine is very solid when they are not engaged. I can’t really imagine flex in the 5.1 Pro from rolling on casters. At least not at the levels of precision that matter to me.