A most unusual application for 8020 extrusions, a chopper

Posted in March 24th, 2006

I’ve used 8020 a fair amount in the past. Its great for fixturing, and quick assembly jigs. I never would have thought of making a bike out of it though. This is pretty mind blowing.

One of out past projects for 8020 was a robotic tig welder. Since one doesn’t need incredible accuracy for such a device, the linear bearings from 8020 were more than adequate. Getting the control electronics to behave was the most problematic, due to the high level of EMI created from the welder.

One of my next projects with 8020 is going to be a vertical panel saw for cutting 4X8 sheets of plywood, particle board, OSB, and MDF. A circular saw is a pita for such work, and a table saw is just too unsafe, unless one has a $$$$$sliding table.