I screwed up....

[mooney]

I bought my AR8 4 years ago and had an existing metal shop stand.... I've since moved (retired) and the stand was a permanent fixture in my old shop.  I of course screwed up by not purchasing an Axiom stand.  Looking for recommendations ... Remember  I'm retired and have no money  

[Bob]

What do you have available for stand building materials?

[grossmsj]

You can check out Frank Howarth's approach. Anything he does is worth watching.

[dadealeus]

I asked the new GPT-4 AI if it could generate a build plan for a workbench that should support your machine's weight (though I'm not sure about the dimensions, so I just asked for a 2'x4' table constructed out of 2x4 framing lumber and 3/4" plywood that could support 1000 lbs. It made some mathematical errors in its original reply, but the logic was sound. After discussing the errors with it, it corrected them and provided me with the following instructions:

===============

Certainly! Here's the complete plan with the corrected dimensions, angles, and the tip for cutting the diagonal braces, along with the materials and tools list:

**Materials:**
1. 2x4 studs (8 feet long) - at least 7 pieces
2. 3/4" thick plywood - 1 piece (2 feet x 4 feet)
3. 2 1/2" wood screws - approximately 100 pcs
4. Wood glue (optional)

**Tools:**
1. Circular saw or handsaw
2. Power drill or screwdriver
3. Drill bits
4. Measuring tape
5. Square
6. Pencil
7. Sandpaper
8. Safety glasses
9. Work gloves

**Instructions:**

1. **Cut the 2x4 studs:**
- Cut four pieces at 36" (3 feet) long for the legs (A).
- Cut four pieces at 21" long for the short horizontal supports (B).
- Cut four pieces at 45" long for the long horizontal supports (C).
- Cut two pieces at approximately 27" long for the short diagonal braces (D1).
- Cut two pieces at approximately 48.1" long for the long diagonal braces (D2).

2. **Assemble the frames:**
- Lay two legs (A) parallel to each other, standing vertically on their narrow side, 21" apart.
- Attach a short horizontal support (B) to the top of the legs (A) using 2 screws at each end, ensuring it's flush with the outside edges of the legs.
- Attach another short horizontal support (B) approximately 12" above the bottom of the legs (A), using 2 screws at each end.
- Repeat this process for the other pair of legs (A) and short horizontal supports (B) to create two identical frames.

3. **Connect the frames:**
- Stand the two frames upright and parallel, with the legs (A) 45" apart.
- Attach the long horizontal supports (C) to the top and bottom of the legs (A), connecting the two frames together. Use 2 screws at each end.

4. **Install the diagonal braces:**
- Temporarily attach one short diagonal brace (D1) and one long diagonal brace (D2) between the legs (A) and horizontal supports (B and C) without cutting the angles. Repeat this for the other side.
- Trace the lines where the braces intersect with the horizontal supports and legs.
- Remove the braces and cut along the traced lines.
- Reattach the braces using 2 screws at each end.

5. **Attach the plywood surface:**
- Lay the 3/4" thick plywood on top of the assembled structure, ensuring it's flush with the edges.
- Secure the plywood to the top short horizontal supports (B) and top long horizontal supports (C) using screws, spaced approximately 8" apart.

I obviously have not built this to test it, but it appears that the instructions are fairly accurate and might help you with your project. If your machine is larger than that, you be able to get away with a larger piece of plywood on the same frame.

Hope that helps!

[aluomala]

For my first CNC, I made a torsion box workbench, and it worked quite well. Here is a link to a similar one that I had made: link

[mooney]

Well, I'm still searching. However, I have decided to go with something. commercial build rather than DIY wood project. Anyone have a recommendation for a heavy duty work bench to support the weight of an Axiom AR8? I dont need storage area or drawers etc... TIA

[jgarciaa]

Mar 20, 2023 12:33:02 GMT -5 mooney said:

I bought my AR8 4 years ago and had an existing metal shop stand.... I've since moved (retired) and the stand was a permanent fixture in my old shop.  I of course screwed up by not purchasing an Axiom stand.  Looking for recommendations ... Remember  I'm retired and have no money  

Considering your budget constraints, it's understandable to seek cost-effective solutions for your AR8 CNC machine setup. While the Axiom stand may offer convenience and compatibility, you can explore alternative options to support your machine. One approach could be to repurpose or modify existing furniture or fixtures to serve as a stand for your CNC machine. Look for sturdy tables or workbenches that can accommodate the weight and size of the AR8. Additionally, consider DIY stands using affordable materials like wood or metal piping, which can be customized to fit your specific space and budget. While the Axiom stand may provide optimal compatibility, with some creativity and resourcefulness, you can find a suitable and budget-friendly solution for your CNC setup. monportlaser.com/collections/co2-laser-engravers/products/monport-40w-lightburn-ready-12-x-8-co2-laser-engraver-cutter-with-fda-approval?sca_ref=5031521.ka374VZjm3