1/4" aluminum plate as table surface for AltMill 2x4

[gabo]

That looks great, makes me want to do something similar. On my 4x4, I would probably go with 3/8”. Seems to be a compromise between stiffness, weight, and cost.

We’ll see how it goes, I’m just now receiving my equipment and will go with MDF at first to gain some experience with the machine and do some things. Maybe it’s a “next Christmas” thing to do!

[_Michael]

@Imisky I thought your enclosure looked familiar. If anyone is interested in your build they should check out your post about it. It really looks awesome with the fixture plate done!

Been hiding with an Altmil 2x4 build!

[PXL_20250704_003155292] [PXL_20250704_003206642] [PXL_20250711_233634824] (the MPCNC that the altmil replaced) Hey everyone! I’ve been lurking on the forum for a bit, and figured it was finally time to share my setup. I picked up my Altmil back in June, and it’s been a blast getting everything dialed in. I run an industrial design and fabrication shop out in BC, so I needed something with more production power compared to the MPCNC I was using before. When I ordered the Altmil, I knew …

@gabo If you check out the post above you’ll see that Eugene started with MDF. I think that’s a wise choice to get familiar with the mill before installing the fixture plate. Good luck with your build!

[Imisky]

Absolutely start with MDF first, the aluminum fixture plate is great if you need to repeat jobs with custom made fixture plates. This is the main reason I made the plate, 90% of the work I do is repeat tasks, faster setup is a win.

In fact for anything that are random sizes. I still have a large MDF flex board I throw on. The added weight of the fixture plate helps with some dampening which is great.

@gabo another option is to use delrin for making the fixture plate. Easier to work with.

Here is a project I helped a buddy with yesterday on the MDF board I throw on and bolt down.

[gabo]

Thanks for that info. I am not concerned with repeat jobs, as a home hobbiest almost everything I do will be a one time thing. I would use an MDF spoilboard on top of the aluminum about 60% of the time, or most all the time for wood working projects unless they didn’t involve any cuts all the way through.

The main reason I would consider an aluminum top would be for metal working jobs, especially for cooling spray.

[Imisky]

It really opens up flexibility. The T slot rails really wasn’t doing it for me.

I just picked up an SST lube cube to add mist coolant/air to the machine, as much as I enjoy cutting aluminum dry, I don’t enjoy it much. There is now a need to figure out how to seal up the underside of the enclosure or add a try of sorts. Should have thought that out better from the get go.