Topics created by maukvdlaan

@maukvdlaan Hmmm... The Y axis will move the table, already heavier than the gantry, but also the material that needs to be machined! So things will be a lot worse actually!

The nuts on the X and Y axis are as long as the nuts on the Z axis, just that they don't have the incorporated backlash compensation. And still you will actually use only two of them, one on each side, with the second one on each side having no load bearing role. And the relatively thin screws will not help either!

If I were you I would completely reconsider the design, keeping the moving gantry idea, but having the table vertically, with the gantry also vertically orientated. That way, all wheels on X and Z axis would have almost only axial loads. And you could relatively cheaply replace the Y axis wheels with some Chinese SBR12 (easier) or HGR15 (better) linear rails.

@maukvdlaan I have done a more in-depth analysis of the problem (I want to find a solution myself for the Z-axis). As you want to have 6-7 spindles, you will clearly need a custom X axis. In this case you might be better with a C-Beam Machine solution, with the profile screwed to the X axis plate and the spindle plate vertically sliding on it (the WorkBee has a Z plate screwed to the X axis plate and sliding profile with spindle installed on it!). This should reduce a lot the problems with the Z axis rotating around the X axis, while not braking the bank (it reduces a lot the stress in one of the critical points).

Your problem with that weight of the Z axis will not be the X axis bending, but the V-Slot wheels literally "exploding". The heaviest gantry installed on machines in this class, based on messages on various forums and some "inside knowledge", is 2.2kW water/air cooled spindle, about 5kg. With over twice the weight, the X axis V-Slot wheels are literally doomed. You need to properly consider the setup scenarios for all the machines in this range (OX, C-Beam Machine, WorkBee, Sphinx) - most of them are shown with standard routers (not very heavy). HF spindles are something extra, not very often, but going beyond a 65mm one (2.5-3kg) is on the "too much" side for sure!

The WorkBee is a far cry from the initial eShapeOko that I have used, no doubt. Also, it has its uses and a rather well defined users base. But, even so, it can't really be the answer to any CNC related problem. In your specific situation, I would personally chose a different path: CNCs with several identical spindles, executing the same program, are not unheard of, but trying to replace a proper ATC (adequate spindle, tools holder, air compressor, valves etc.) with a multi-spindle Z-azis is on the "strange side" (clearly too heavy and potentially more expensive).

P.S. While I discuss occasionally with Ryan at Ooznest, I'm in no way related to them. The above is just my honest opinion, based on my own experience and the information I could find on the Internet on this matter.