1950's table saw as DIY CNC bed...

Hey folks,

Just had a comment from one of the fine members who runs the HMT.net YouTube Channel. He had seen one of my recent videos - and was surprised that I had so few subscribers (Hey, I thought 16 subs was doing great!), suggesting I post up a link here. He said: "looks like you're one of us :-)..."

I appreciated the offer - especially since I have previously researched many ideas here in the past, and have always found this a very valuable resource, and indeed consider myself one of you all.

This video is part 1 of my attempt to convert the table from a 1950's Rockwell saw into the bed of my DIY CNC. There are also some vids over on the channel that show the restoration of an old Millers Falls power hacksaw - patent date 1893!

Hope you enjoy the videos...

https://youtu.be/rucEZ5GOeZY

https://www.youtube.com/user/motopreserve

There's always Dave Gingery's method for handscraping a metal bed into near-perfect flatness.

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Originally Posted by Pa1963

There's always Dave Gingery's method for handscraping a metal bed into near-perfect flatness.

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Handscraping is on my list of skills to learn....right after strength to lift heavy items without breaking my back :)

Thanks for the tip!

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Originally Posted by Pa1963

There's always Dave Gingery's method for handscraping a metal bed into near-perfect flatness.

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Aaaaaand I ended up going down the rabbit hole last night researching handscraping :)

Does seem like a skill that would be very helpful sooner than later, based on some of the projects I'd like to tackle in the near future.

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I have to say you Are pretty lucky with this table. As you note a modern table saw with a similar table would be very expensive these days. The majority of the contacts s saws and homeshop saws have pretty flimsy tables. Often they are not even castiron.

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Originally Posted by wizard69

I have to say you Are pretty lucky with this table. As you note a modern table saw with a similar table would be very expensive these days. The majority of the contacts s saws and homeshop saws have pretty flimsy tables. Often they are not even castiron.

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Totally agree! My working saw at the shop has an aluminum table. It;s a job-site saw, so I understand the need for weight savings. But the quality is not nearly there when compared to these old saws.

I felt lucky that I found something I could use in the size I needed - although to be fair, the ebay seller had many, many table tops from some fine old tools. So far it's looking like it's going to work for my purposes. I'll have to post up the next video when I get the thing humming along.

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Originally Posted by Pa1963

There's always Dave Gingery's method for handscraping a metal bed into near-perfect flatness.

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Ol' Dave G. only proliferated it to a audience beyond 'us' in the know. The 3 plate process, it goes back centuries.
The most visible examples are probably Whitworth's metal planers, mid-1700's. He'd attained flatness far below thousandths, before any instruments that could measure such deviation.
Very same phenomena brought back English Wheel, demonstrated frequently by Indian Larry, when reality TV was truly inventive and informative, not ridiculous drama.
Seeing the new posts collect in this thread, cast iron is a natural choice, aluminum not far behind.

My choice, starting from scratch would be different. I'd build on one version or another "acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate", quartz/ resin, or marble countertop materials. All are very flat, virtually impermeable, some quite machinable and will hold tapped holes, or inserts. Visit your local building material upcycling depot, new material not required.
That atop a suitable ballasted frame isn't far removed how many modern machine tools are made - linear guides on simple cast beds.

I've seen a video where a guy used a granite plate as the bed. Drilling the holes was tough, but after he got his rhythm down he seemed to move right along - and ended up with a sturdy and dependable DIY CNC. I got this tablesaw top for $80 shipped, which made it worth a try.

It has certainly added heft to the machine, which was a welcomed addition, although my back would say different :)

Tough to beat $80 for a decently sized and stable platform. Shipping was probably half of the cost.
If you really want it mobile, there are various kickdown wheel arrangements posted here. Lots like a wheelbarrow, except 2 wheels, and they don't contact until needed.

That reminds me of a certain run of table saws. Ridgid R4511 had granite table and wings 1 3/4 thick. Cast iron is our friend, but granite's a superior sliding surface.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2009...ablesaw-review

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Originally Posted by Toolmaker51

Tough to beat $80 for a decently sized and stable platform. Shipping was probably half of the cost.
If you really want it mobile, there are various kickdown wheel arrangements posted here. Lots like a wheelbarrow, except 2 wheels, and they don't contact until needed.

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I ended up moving it on a dolly I welded a while back for holding/moving motorcycles when the wheels are off. Then I used the shop crane to lift it onto the CNC. Heck of a time doing it alone - but worth it! Now that it's on there - doesn't need to be mobile again. Hoping this stays put....for a LONG time :)

Got the 2nd video up on YouTube. Looks like this will end up being a 3-part series. Like the last video, it's a bit long, but there is a (semi-sad) twist at the end that may be worth waiting for.... :) Hope you enjoy!

https://youtu.be/-W8c5QWuCVc

3rd and final part in this epic (and inanely heavy!) 1950's table saw table outfitted for the DIY CNC. Hope you enjoy it more than my back did!

https://youtu.be/VPgE4OC1j1E