Questions about a stand for the Shapeoko 5 Pro 4x2.
I am looking at two stands.
I would like to hear opinions on which one of these two you would recommend or any other solid one you would recommend.
I don’t want to build my own.
I want it to be moveable, and I am trying to keep my budget around $250 for a stand.
OK, I just realized these two tables I mentioned in my previous post are going to be too small.
I am open to recommendations or suggestions.
I did not want to build a table, and I am trying keep the price down.
WillAdams, it says the footprint for the Shapeoko 5 Pro 4x2 is 62x41 inches and the footprint for your table is 72x40.8 inches. Do you have any overhang? Can you post a picture.
Unfortunately, my basement is too crowded/cluttered to get clear photos.
The big thing which makes this work, is as noted at the link, there is ~9 1/4" from the back of the rearmost baseframe member to the tip of the motor shaft on the Y-axis motors, and I have implemented the forward Gantry Shift option:
which reduces the backward projection — I would view the linked table as the absolute minimum for front–back, and it has a bit of extra space to left–right.
I did see the Kreg bench. I was contemplating getting that.
What would I use as a top for material? I am sure it should be something know to be flat and thick.
Flat isn’t that much of an issue (but it does help to have a level surface as an initial reference plane) — I just put a sheet of foam under my machines to take up any inconsistency and to dampen noise/vibration.
a single sheet of 3/4 baltic birch isn’t enough incase you were wondering. I’d reccomend crossmembers and at least an inch of whatever material you intend to use. Sag in the middle of your bed is annoying.
Thank you No_Soup_For_You.
My concern was the sag. That is the last thing I want to deal with on a CNC machine.
I would be putting some type of crossmembers under the tabletop.
I also want to make sure that I had a good piece of material between the crossmembers and the machine.
I have the 4x2, and I’m using the Kreg table with 3/4" plywood. I made cross braces for support. No problems with sag. See the following thread for a picture of my setup (don’t know how to link directly to post):
I’m almost upset with how much better yours is doing haha good work. I wish my rockler table had c channels rather than angle iron. That’s a pretty elegant solution.
SLCJedi
I looked at rolling toolboxes, but they were expensive, and the tops were not large enough. I know I could add a large board to the top and make it large enough, but there would be more overhang in the rear than what I am comfortable with.
beep_beep_morales
This is what I have been looking at and may go with. I would get the 44”x64” version because I would be getting the 4x2. I would add the wheels to it.
Thank you also for showing how you supported your top board.
If I am looking at it correctly, it appears that you also cut a notch out of the top of the 2x4’s to accommodate for the top of the metal table?
Is there a reason why you set your machine back so far from the front edge?
The usual considerations for space around the machine are:
tool changes — it can be convenient to have a flat surface to place tooling and wrenches and collets on
workholding — ditto for clamps and so forth
Further, one wants the following in addition to a place to set the machine:
somewhere for a computer/monitor/keyboard/mouse (if applicable)
space for E-stop and spindle pendant
somewhere to store accessories such as the BitZero and BitSetter if removed
space for workholding and associated tooling
space for storing wrenches and additional collets
space to store PPE
That said, if one wants to do vertical joinery, or cut odd shaped things it can help to have the machine flush against the front of the table, even if the endplates overhang slightly.
I used two workbenches from Harbor Freight. I put them back to back and clamped them together. With coupon, they were about $100 each. Has worked very well so far. Very sturdy. Provides some drawer and shelf space.
If I am looking at it correctly, it appears that you also cut a notch out of the top of the 2x4’s to accommodate for the top of the metal table?
Yes, the Kreg rails are narrower than a 2x4 by a little, so I notched them out to fit. Hard to describe but easy to figure out in person.
I would add the wheels to it
I have the wheels. To be honest I haven’t moved it since setting everything up, but I guess it’s nice to know I have the option.
Is there a reason why you set your machine back so far from the front edge?
I have my machine aligned with the back edge of the table, so I have a working area in front for things like bits and clamps, etc.
I took the following picture during construction of the table and putting together the machine, which kind of shows the spacing. I should also mention that I cut some gym floor mat to cover the 3/4 inch plywood top:
This picture shows the space between the machine and the front edge. I used some aluminum angle iron on the edge of the table to give it a finished look:
I like your setup and that was exactly what I want to go with, but I did not have the room.
I like your tool tray.
What did you use that is under the machine? It looks like matting.
I want to thank everyone that helped in answering my questions about a table.
I wanted to go with the Kreg 44"W x 64"L table but I did not have the space for it.
The only smaller one they had was the 28"W x 64"L and I was not comfortable with having 17 inches of overhang on one side (see explanation below).
Well, I did have the space, but I had an obstacle in the way. I have a built-in window bench in front on my widows where I was going to place the machine that took up 21”.
I ended up building my own bench for the Shapeoko with an overhang so that it will still slide over the window bench and take up less room.
I have not finished building the bench yet because I am waiting for the wheels to come in but here is a picture of the framing.
I forget the exact name, but I went to Home Depot and it was on one of those big rolls in the back of the store, I think it was ‘Gym Flooring’ or something like that?
They cut an oversized piece for me at the store, then I trimmed it in place with a razor knife. I thought it might help with vibration? Not sure, but it looks nice and is easy to keep clean.
