Ideal base plate thickness...?

[djscsi]

re: baseplate thickness

I used 1/4 inch due to the price/weight but it does have plenty of flex in it. Definitely a problem for precise alignment of multiple lasers. Bolt/weld a small frame of 1/2" - 1" aluminum or steel square tube around the bottom and it should be very solid. Also if you have it securely bolted to your case, it should help with the flex problem.

[redgoat]

I'm thinking of using this for my base. Anyone else think that this is just a tad bit overkill? Also, with it being that thick, how will this affect the cooling of my scanner amps?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Precision-Cast-A...3A1%7C294%3A50

[weartronics]

I'm thinking of using this for my base.

You realise that the 12" x 12" base plate will weight almost 10Kg on it's own, right?

[buffo]

I'm thinking of using this for my base. Anyone else think that this is just a tad bit overkill?

Forget that auction. You're wasting your money, and risking a bad back in the process. That plate will be *way* too heavy. For a 12 inch square piece, you would be fine with 1/4 inch plate. If you are really paranoid, then go up to 3/8ths of an inch. But 1.5 inches? You've got to be shitting me! Way too thick. That's not overkill, that's overkill cubed!

Also, with it being that thick, how will this affect the cooling of my scanner amps?

It won't have much of an effect at all. So long as they're bolted to a metal plate and you have some air circulation, they'll be fine no matter how thick or thin your baseplate is. They don't get all that hot.

But seriously - look for something thinner. That plate will give you nothing but headaches. (And a backache!)

Adam

[gashead]

I've just realised - I should try and get it laser cut!
The irony...
Muhahah!

Mate if you know anyone with a co2 laser big ass enough to cut Ali plate do let me know and I'll throw some business their way also!!

I got my base plate from a retailer on ebay here in the UK (Clickmetal I believe) 500x500x10mm was not cheap (£60ish I think) but it seems to be the dogs balls.

I've just been cutting it with a jigsaw and appropriate blades and yep obviously you have to go slow and it's best to cut it outside of your house (garage is good) and yep! the neighbors think you are a mad scientist popping in and out of the garage all the time making loud cutting noises.. but hey ! worth it.

I also got a drill press for £40 from .. dare I say it... Aldi's not the most amazing bit of kit and a bit small for large base plates but does the job.

Only issue I have had so far is nuking my tap's on the ali - I assume it's because I end up buying cheap ones as opposed to the more expensive ones - but learnt my lesson on that and have a nice Draper one arriving shortly.. hopefully make the difference!!

[danielbriggs]

Mate if you know anyone with a co2 laser big ass enough to cut Ali plate do let me know and I'll throw some business their way also!!

I got my base plate from a retailer on ebay here in the UK (Clickmetal I believe) 500x500x10mm was not cheap (£60ish I think) but it seems to be the dogs balls.

I've just been cutting it with a jigsaw and appropriate blades and yep obviously you have to go slow and it's best to cut it outside of your house (garage is good) and yep! the neighbors think you are a mad scientist popping in and out of the garage all the time making loud cutting noises.. but hey ! worth it.

I also got a drill press for £40 from .. dare I say it... Aldi's not the most amazing bit of kit and a bit small for large base plates but does the job.

Only issue I have had so far is nuking my tap's on the ali - I assume it's because I end up buying cheap ones as opposed to the more expensive ones - but learnt my lesson on that and have a nice Draper one arriving shortly.. hopefully make the difference!!

Well... my uni has a few cutters. However due to bad timing on my part, I couldn't use it (right near the end of term )

I know EXACTLY what you mean about neighbors and noise. I leave the CNC running in the garage on its own for hours at a time, and the slightly hypnotic noise of the servos moving around sends them potty next door.

Any TiN bits/taps are ace for ally. They are like a hot knife through butter. Slightly more expensive, but will improve the job 10 fold. Any carbon steel bits should be binned...

Dan

[mixedgas]

Using a fluid such as "Tapmagic" is mandatory on AL. Makes taps go at least 2x longer.

Steve

[danielbriggs]

Spot on Steve.
If you can't get hold of tapmagic, a really good alternative for us UK folks is from Chronos.
http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/cgi-local/...ml%23aMT1#aMT1

Look for 1 Litre Multispec Cutting & Tapping Fluid (3rd one down), about £7 inc. P&P
A bottle will last years if you just use it for tapping.
(Don't dilute it, it's not soluble)

Ta,
Dan

[Laser Ben]

That is also cast tooling plate. Not only will it be slightly more difficult to work with, it will look like shit when you finish cutting it if you use a mill.

I'm thinking of using this for my base. Anyone else think that this is just a tad bit overkill? Also, with it being that thick, how will this affect the cooling of my scanner amps?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Precision-Cast-A...3A1%7C294%3A50

[gashead]

Spot on Steve.
If you can't get hold of tapmagic, a really good alternative for us UK folks is from Chronos.
http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/cgi-local/...ml%23aMT1#aMT1

Look for 1 Litre Multispec Cutting & Tapping Fluid (3rd one down), about £7 inc. P&P
A bottle will last years if you just use it for tapping.
(Don't dilute it, it's not soluble)

Ta,
Dan

Jubbly Dan!

Just what I was looking for

Cheers for that mate.

Nige.