XZ plate thickness?

LowRider CNC Advice
1

Just a quick question - I’m currently in the process of building LR3 and it is an excellent product. I just wanted to ask if there is any restriction on the thickness of the XZ plates?

From what I’ve read it seems 12mm mdf isn’t stiff enough, but is it possible to use 18mm? Other than either longer bolts or recessing the nuts, is there any reason it would be a problem?

I’d like to cut in 6mm aluminium, but would need to do it after the initial build.

Thanks - Dan

2

Just to clarify, are you talking about XZ plates? or YZ plates?

12mm MDF YZ plates are the standard, and what came directly from the V1 shop. I haven’t had any problems with 12mm MDF YZ plates, and I’m not aware of anybody else that has either.

If you are intending to replace the YZ plates with aluminum plates later, 12mm MDF will work, and be a lot easier on you than having to modify the build, just to replace it later anyway.

I have painted MDF, and have had no problems with cuts, or humidity, etc with them

For XZ plates (blue in the above picture), 3D printing them works fine

1 Like
3

Hi - definitely the XZ plates.

4

I’ve never seen anyone use MDF for the XZ plates.

If you want aluminum plates, best bet would probably be to print the XZ plates, and use the machine with the printed plates to mill the aluminum ones

5

Welcome Dan. A lot of people are upgrading their LR3 to LR4 -which means the plates are going spare. If you say whereabouts in the world you are someone may offer to help you out with a set, it’s that kind of place :smiley:

6

Thank you for that information. I am based in the UK - looked into getting them milled and have been quoted in excess of £100.

If someone is upgrading to the LR4 and have some spare plate in the UK please contact me.

Thanks

7

I have a spare set left. I’m based in the Netherlands, I quickly looked up shipping rates for the small package. Would cost around 15€. Let me know if you need them, we can arrange something :smile:

Also, getting them made by an external company is against the license of Ryan. Since a company would make money from his design.

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8

Thank you - I would be interested. How much would you want for them?

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9

If you cover the shipping cost i’m happy to send them over :slight_smile: they would end up in the scrap metal box otherwise. Much rather see it turn into a new machine!

3 Likes
10

That would be fantastic :blush:
How do you want to do this?