6 years since I built my C-Beam, back when this thread first started 55 pages ago. I've done a few minor modifications to it but most of the machine including the Z height has remained the same as originally introduced. I have the standard waste board set up of 2 layers of 3/4" MDF board. Most every cut is made on a 3rd 3/4" MDF waste board clamped to the first 2. I may make a few cuts then remove that waste board and save it for the next time I want to repeat the job and then I reinstall it and run more cuts. The issue is clearance under the Z beam of only about 5/8". Not much room for the clamps to hold the actual material (.032 sheet aluminum) being cut. I need more Z clearance. If I could find 1/2" MDF I could use that and gain back 3/4 of an inch but 1/2" MDF is not available that I can find. I'd like to raise the Z height 2" by replacing the Y V-slot side columns which are 10" with 12" pieces. I will then extend my router mount lower in the holder, currently it is set at about 1/3 of the router and it would end up about in the middle. I realize both these mods might effect rigidity of the machine. But I wonder if it would even be noticed. Has anyone done this before and how did it work out. Cam you point me to some fo these modes on this forum so I can see how they were accomplished. Thanks

 

I raised my x axis by 20 mm with the stock hw by putting the bottoms of the vertical 20x60s on top of the rear bottom crossbar instead of behind it. See my earlier posts. It seemed sturdy but I had electrical gremlins due to cheap knockoff “Toshiba” drivers. I since have done other mods to lower the table and make the zaxis more rigid.
Then life intervened ….
I have only recently been able to work on it again.

 

I see how you might have done that Stwspoon. Thanks for the idea, I like it. There is 20mm under the z column I can get.
Attached is a picture of how my router is currently clamped. I'd like to move it down in the holder say 20mm but of course that won't do anything for rigidity. Or will it make a difference? Where on on the router are most people clamping the router and how high on the router can you get away with? Thanks

Bruce

 

Not seen in the photo, my current router clamp, is that there are 4 black corner connectors holding it, 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom. Would 2 clamps make it more rigid?

 

Yes my 50's era Atlas 10" has flex, I understand. I should have phrased my question better. Considering the rest of my C-Beam is basically stock, would it be necessary to add another clamp to eliminate flex caused by extending the router down an inch. Or would adding a second clamp be one thinin a list of thins that could be done to tighten up the C-Beam?
I'm not asking for an absolute answer, just an opinion from folks who might have already gone there. The only why I'll really know is to try it and see if I notice any ill effects.
Thanks