Examples of Replacing Angle Iron Supports with 8020 Aluminum Extrusion on Shapeoko 3 XXL?

[CaseyS (Casey Scalf)]

I am curious if there are any examples of people replacing the angle iron supports underneath the work table of the Shapeoko 3 XXL with some sort of 8020 Aluminum extrusion?

I would like to do this because the provided supports are not stiff enough and bow and bend under force.

I feel adding some much more robust supports would really help it out as well as make a more modular approach.

If not I will be sure to share what I come up with!

Thank you for any tips!

[RoughDraft40 (Brian Douangratdy)]

PWNCNC

Like that?
Link to actual product upgrade

[CNCInspiration (Max Berg)]

I made one for the S3 Standard, it is very nice.

Custom 80/20 S3 Frame

Hi, I am working on a design for a custom frame to bolt my standard S3 up to my 36x36x48 80/20 enclosure. My current S3 has 1/2 plastic feet supporting it and is not secure, it is sliding around in the enclosure as my base is Formica. I wanted the frame high enough to fit a vac hose from the front to clean underneath. This design has a overkill-but-necessary-for-height(10 inch tall), 1"x10" 6061 front and rear plate, the blue represents the stock S3 rails, the spoil board is a Ohio Diesel 1/2"…

[LiamN (Liam Newcombe)]

Many people just put a rigid foam underneath which helps with sagging but doesn’t help with resisting lifting due to cutting or clamping forces.

I simply put plywood fillers under the steel straps, drilled through and bolted the whole assembly down to the torsion box it lives on. No more sag, much less vibration.

[CNCInspiration (Max Berg)]

I was having issues bolting down parts and having the bed flex even with a 1/2" aluminum spoilboard.

[CrookedWoodTex (Tex Lawrence (Don't Mess With My Texas!))]

@CNCInspiration

having the bed flex

Max, I’m curious on what you measured/experienced/noticed for “bed flex”?

[CNCInspiration (Max Berg)]

I started with CNC in November 19, I ordered the XXL S3. Upon assembling I noticed the frame only had one thin cross strap in the middle, I ordered a 1/2 metal spoilboard from Ohio Diesel thinking that it would strengthen things up and all was good. Over the next year I had un-explainable depth and edge issues I could not figure out, thinking I was making mistakes or V wheels were off or whatever. What was happening is when I would bolt stock down with clamps, the bolts would pull up on the surrounding area enough to cause measurements to be off. Probably not noticeable to most but I try to gap pieces .0075 etc. to fit together, and was constantly having issues.
When I ordered my SPro’s I was very happy to see regularly spaced frame rails, and since all my models are setup for an aluminumn threaded spoilboard, I designed and special ordered 3/4" boards for my Pros, and the rigidity has eliminated all my wtf moments on gapping parts fitment properly. The S3’s I decided to keep and mod, are both setup with the 80/20 frame with 1/2" threaded aluminum spoilboards, and it has a strong cross section frame and base with lots of attachment bolts, and does not flex like the bent steel S3 frame did when I was tightening clamps on it.

[CrookedWoodTex (Tex Lawrence (Don't Mess With My Texas!))]

@CNCInspiration

.0075

Thanks! Now I know that your spec is well within my tolerance. I don’t do any metal work on my machine.

[CaseyS (Casey Scalf)]

Thank you for the responses everyone!

After doing my research I do believe I will end up purchasing the SO 4 PRO as it fixes many of these problems I am experiencing.

It looks like after getting the new extrusions, the HDZ Plus, and the aluminum spoil board it will nearly be the same price as a new SO 4 PRO.

I will list my current SO 3 XXL for sale.

I thank you all for chiming in. Some of your builds are gorgeous!!!