Combined use of a table

[DonS]

I have a small space and I would like to use a single table for both CNC plasma (preferably with a water tank) and also have the ability to use the gantry for a router. This way I get get a 5' x 10' unit and use the router to make templates, jigs and fixtures. Has anyone had a setup like this or know if I'm just trying to do to much at the same time.

Don

[acourtjester]

Been there done that works great, just make a spoil board to cover the water table when you want to use the router. Also you can do diamond scribing and drag knife for sign vinyl.. I made a plate for the Plasma torch and another for the router which use the same bolt pattern, simple remove one install the other. The plasma mount has the floating head assembly and I use a Ohmic sensor too. Use a generic Post Processor for the non-plasma G-codes.

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[djreiswig]

How do you compensate for the unevenness of the slats after they've been abused for several years? Do you have to shim the spoil board so your router cuts level?
I would think the best way would be to index off of the slats holders or pan edges which should have less of a problem with slag buildup.

[DonS]

Thanks jester. I figured the mounting would be easy and i will mount the spoil board off the rails verses the slats. Also thanks for the heads up on the sensor and the post processor. Wasn't sure what machines might have the software to do both or if it was two different types of software.
Don

[acourtjester]

I have a 4X4 table and I just remove the water table and install a thick spoilboard for routing. I have threaded inserts in the spoilboard to hold things down. I install the threaded inserts from the bottom of the spoilboard that way you cannot pull them out.

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[djreiswig]

I haven't attempted routing, but would like to give it a try sometime. I don't think I'll be removing my water pan, though. I think putting the spoil board on the edges of the pan or the slats holders would probably work.

[acourtjester]

lots of fun stuff when you have a router attached and other tools, guy across the street gives us eggs so I routed this plaque for him. watched this video and followed what he did. I had done other plaques earlier using Estlcan and there is some free software that is great called "F-Engrave"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qJH-WqZfjU&t=440s

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