Other Possible Table Construction Means and Methods:

The following information is provided to help in a custom table build. These images demonstrate the recommended method for the table construction. The overall table is a simple structure as the base with a shelf and the main table and surface is is a torsion box table. The name torsion box describes the internal ribbing sandwiched by two layers of boards. This technique of ribbing resists torsion (twisting) of the table so that the entire table will be level in any direction.

To insure this the table will need a surface that is dead level. The best way to do this is to use winding sticks and a level on a surface that can be leveled with shims. Winding sticks are used to make sure there is no torsion existing in the base when starting the construction. these winding sticks are placed at each end of the board and just be looking at the two winding sticks from one end, the torsion can be identified and corrected. This is best see in the videos from the Wood Whisperer or David Marks.

Torsion Box - as designed and built by David J. Marks from Golem Online on Vimeo.

There are a couple of aspects that must be followed: The table must have a width between 26-3/4" and 27", there must be an overhang of at least 1" (I recommend 1-1/2") along the sides and there must be a clearance of 1-3/4" from the edge of the table to the start of the rail.

In the image to the left, the table has a dimension of 6 feet by 2 feet and 2-3/4". the 2' 2-3/4" is 26-3/4". This is a minimum dimension for the width so the gantry will fit correctly.

The 6 feet can be longer or shorter; however, since the gantry side is about 17 inches in length, this takes away from the x-axis travel, so the table should be at-least 18 inches longer in the x-axis direction. I recommend that 2 feet be added to the x-axis length so there is some wiggle room at both ends.

The table length can be increase according to the desired x-axis travel length. For example, if the desired x-axis travel is 8 feet, the table length should be 10 feet to compensate for the gantry structure.

Since the x-axis rails need to be fastened to bot the top and bottom sides of the table, the top surface should overhang 1-1/2" on both sides. This means that the torsion box, or the structure just below the table surface should be a maximum of 23-3/4" so that this clearance can be established. The table top should be 3/4" in thickness.

To make room for the parts that hold the x-axis chain, the rails should start 1-3/4" from the edge of the table and provide the same clearance at the other end.

The following set of inages show one example of a table that would work as a base for the 2x4 blackToe CNC Machine. There are many possible variations (table without torsion box, cabinetry under table, etc.). This deminstrates an example for use as a possible method, but I would encourage differernt table structures and features.

This is the table fully assembled. the talbe consists of standard 2x4 studs for legs and frame. The middle shelf is used for storage and stability. More structure underneath will stiffen the overall structure. just above the base is the torsion box structure and table top.

An exploded view of all table parts.

Table legs and frame.

Shelf

Shelf and frame together.

Torsion box - bottom layer and initial long ribbing.

Lateral pieces to complete the grid.

The top layer.