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Few years back I created an outfeed table for my Sawstop tablesaw and router, I took care to add a MFT-like surface for clamping (see LJ post here: https://www.lumberjocks.com/projects/348778)

Later on I bought a used CNC mill (Tormach PCNC1100) and used it in few projects to carve wood but always felt limited by the (relatively) slow spindle at 5400rpm and more importantly the X-Y enveloppe (18" x 8").

So I decided to build a CNC router with a bigger work surface, and what better place than an outfeed table to house such a contraption.

Fast forward a few months - I have machined all the connectors on my mill and lost a few night sleep configuring the electronics, cabling the machine (and labeling every cable along the way…).

The machine works great - I have used it in many projects already and has changed the way I woodwork, here are a few examples:
  • if I need to make a curve on multiple pieces, I would before make a template on MDF/plywood (bandsaw, sanding) then transfer the curve to all pieces, cut the bulk with the bandsaw and use a template bit to route the profile of the template. Now I CAD my curve and let the CNC cut the profile while I work on the joinery. For more than 2 parts it's a faster and more repeatable solution.
  • I can decorate and engrave a piece in minutes
  • armed with a large router bit I can flatten very wide slabs

I realize this is not a woodworking furniture post but this tool has enabled many such projects that I will share next

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Quite an undertaking - and a space-saver too! I have kept my CNCs separate from my woodworking tools due to space limitations at my house but I like the way you have combined several tools and made it work so well. Something to think about when I start moving tools to my new space…
 

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An impressive build. I'm curious, though how the uprights don't interfere with work at the table saw. Is the outfeed table long enough that you can move the gantry to the far end and still break down an 8' sheet of ply?
 

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So I made the "home"/resting position of the gantry at the far end of the table away from the table saw. I can still crosscut a sheet of plywood but can only rip about 32in on the left of the blade. In general I break down plywood sheets on the floor with my track saw so it have never been an issue really.

An impressive build. I m curious, though how the uprights don t interfere with work at the table saw. Is the outfeed table long enough that you can move the gantry to the far end and still break down an 8 sheet of ply?

- Calmudgeon
 

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good luck for your move and thanks for the kind words.

Quite an undertaking - and a space-saver too! I have kept my CNCs separate from my woodworking tools due to space limitations at my house but I like the way you have combined several tools and made it work so well. Something to think about when I start moving tools to my new space…

- mikeacg
 
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