Lets see some of your Enclosures for your Machines

Please add dimensions for members reference

Come on, folks, post some of your enclosures, I'm in the beginning of building mine and would love some inspiration

Happy Holidays-

Dave

I will be 1st.....Still working on Coolant setup

There we go, now that's what I'm talkin' about!

Nice job so far, Brian.

Anyone else at least working on one ?

Dave

Ok, got the frame in the basic form. The frame sitting in front is the door and will sit inside (recessed) into the enclosure frame. I originally wanted to do a Piano hinge but not sure, I think I have another sleeker idea. I also had a good thought on using those little gas struts for supports on each side, much like you see used on truck cap doors or a car hatchback or trunk. I think that'll be a nice feature since I wanted the full frontal opening of the enclosure so I can get around comfortably in there.

I'm going to hold off on making my coolant "tray" as I'm not positive how I'm doing it just yet (probably going with fiberglass cloth and epoxy), and because I use this machine just about daily, I can't just leave it all disconnected until I figure out what I want to do. I went this long without it, I can make do until then. At least getting the enclosure wrapped around the Taig will help keep my little shop clean. I spend too much time friggin sweeping up

Friggin chips get everywhere as you all know....

Some pics for you........

Very Nice.....I knew you would get Creative with it, ....

I have not had a chance to work on my pan but hope to this weekend

Ok, an update on the enclosure. I have it just about finished but there are quite a few things I still want/need to do yet.

- upper lighting

-cutting doors into the clear side walls for those longer jobs that I may have someday

- possible upper venting if need be

- Sealing for coolant

- Tool/wrench holders and such

I added an E-Stop to the left rear which is real close to my lathe. It'll be within arms reach just in case I hear anything "crunchy" going on in there lol!

- I'm loving the full open front as I need to be able to "get around" in there for various things.

I also moved the spindle to the right rear which is a nice feature and moved the air pump for the nozzle into the cabinet below.

The gas lifts for the door are perfect and I have Mcmaster to thank for that as their directions for figuring what you need are excellent.

Here are a few pics for you:

Looks Great Dave.....

I am finding it tough to Finish the Coolant pan with the Mill in there already...

I bought some Fibreglass and Resin though....Just have to Figure my Drain setup

Wanted to work on it today but had to Work.....

Have you decided on a Coolant pan...?

Not as of yet, Brian. I'm not in any severe hurry as I've worked this long without it, I can go a lot longer, lol!

This will give me time to devise a plan

Dave

Thats where im at also.....

I want to make sure it will work the way I want before hand.

Chips and Draining are my biggest concern....

Great enclosure, Dave! What did your final outside dimensions ended up being? Have you used the mill within the enclosure yet? Is there enough "elbow room" in there? And what size extrusions did you use? I know you have not had the enclosure for very long, but is there anything you would change or see any potential problems? Sorry about the many question, but inquiring minds want to know.


Thanks.

Hi Jac,

The final outside dims are: 30" High X 28" deep, X 42" width. The extrusion is an inch thick squared so you can easily see the inside dims as well. The extrusions are 80/20 quickframe as well as the connectors but the front 30 degree connectors I made from Delrin because they do not make those unfortunately. The panels are clear lexan on the left and right and the bottom, front, and rear panels are HDPE.

Yes, I've used the mill as I need to almost daily.. Elbow room is great. So many times I see enclosures made with font walls and a door and I just knew that would be an issue, hence making the whole front panel a door that flips up and out of the way.

As for problems, none yet except the additions that I need to do that are listed above.

Thanks,
Dave

Just an update for you. I rigged up the lighting and a hinged shuttle/pendant holder as well-

Dave

Very Nice Dave.........

Thanks Brian-

Dave

Finished up one of my side doors for the enclosure today so thought I'd post a pic. It's the same lexan as the enclosure (cut out)wrapped with aluminum channel and bicycle tube rubber to keep it on with a real nice press fit. Thumb latches were made on the taig and the 2 handles were on the clearance table at home depot (5 for a $1) and they match the channel nicely.

The door is completely removable and goes up against an inside lip and then latched up.

Dave

Very Clean Looking Dave.....as Always

Even with chips in there it still Looks Clean.......

Dave,

In all of the messages, did I miss where you were able to get the framing for this. It looks really robust.

Rick

Dave,

Great! Thanks for the information.

Rick