My Shark MDF table replacement.

Anything and everything CNC-Shark-related

Moderators: ddw, al wolford, sbk, Bob, Kayvon

Post Reply
cotopaxi
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:07 pm

My Shark MDF table replacement.

Post by cotopaxi »

After having my Shark for over 4 years, I decided it was time to replace the original MDF table, so here is what I ended up doing.

First, the materials:

- 3/4" MDF
- Universal T-Track
- 1/2 in. Aluminum Angle Bar - 1/20 in. Thick
- #6-32 x 1 in. Flat Head Phillips Machine Screws
- #6 Flat Washers
- #6-32 Nylon Lock Nuts

After cutting the MDF to size, and running a small 45 degree miter down the long sides, I mounted the MDF on the Shark and cut the grooves for the T-Track. I cut the grooves so that the top of the T-Track would be flush with the top of the MDF. I didn't want to mount the T-Track with #6 screws and I also wanted to try to reduce the table flex as well, so ...

To that end, I ran 1/2 inch aluminum angle bar on the bottom side of the table and perpendicular to the T-Track, mounted by 6-32 x 1 inch flat head Phillips machine screws down through the T-Tracks, then through holes I pre-drilled in the aluminum angle bar. I capped off the machine screws with washers and nylon lock nuts.

You have to watch the clearance between the angle bar and the gantry base structure if you take this approach, and that ended up around 3/16 of an inch for me.

The pictures (hopefully) tell it all.

ImageImageImageImage

rsetina
Posts: 213
Joined: Sat May 04, 2013 5:05 pm

Re: My Shark MDF table replacement.

Post by rsetina »

That's a very nice upgrade!
Rick

Post Reply