Basic Extrusion Computer Cart

grabcad

The idea was to create a cart for holding a CNC controller computer that could be used comfortably while standing or easily enough while seated on a stool. Using aluminum extrusions might at first appear to be a silly idea, as it could possibly be made cheaper with other materials, but the idea is to create a cart that is flexible and can easily be reconfigured for whatever need arises, allowing it to evolve over time. I chose Misumi 5-series extrusions for their lower cost, but this same design could be adapted easily to 8020. PARTS - BASE FRAME HFS5-2020-320 320mm - $1.82 ea - qty 4 HFS5-2020-320 320mm - $2.96 ea - qty 4 HFS5-404020-920 920mm - $13.99 - qty 4 HBLFSSW5 Angle Bracket - $2.85 - qty 8 Sub total: $97.88 PARTS - CASTER The caster mounts to the 404020 extrusions using a custom bracket that allows the M12 threaded mount to fit in the empty space of the extrusion. It could be fabricated by hand or CNC. The idea is the mount is threaded to accept the caster mount, but alternately a nut on both sides of the bracket could be used as well. HSGN75-12-N Casters - $6.50 - qty 4 4" x 4" aluminum sheet - $8 - qty 1 Box of M5 1" countersunk screws - $6 - qty 1 Sub total + Casters: $137.88 PARTS - TOP I designed the top to be made out of a nice wood, laminated together. Choice of wood is up to the builder. If access to woodworking tools is a challenge, Grizzly sells pre-made tops that could be used by adjusting some of the dimensions of the carts. Example: http://www.grizzly.com/products/Solid-Maple-Cabinet-Top-24-Wide-x-25-Deep-x-1-1-2-High/H9686 The top can be mounted using either Misumi brackets (such as #HBLFSNF5 with the tops filed off) or whatever else is available and handy. PARTS - HARDWARE A box of M5 caphead screws and economy nuts for the 5 series (#HNKK5-5) can probably be had for around $25-30 if they aren't already available. TOTAL With wood, shipping, and other bits of hardware, the cost to build should be in the $200 to $250 range, which is fairly comparable to what an industrial laptop cart would cost. IDEAS FOR EXPANSION - Pivoting monitor arm such as http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YJFY3AA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1Z8ST1ZMJ2YRD&coliid=I1Y0OOOPWNDPYT&psc=1 - Shelf to hold CPU, UPS, control board, controller box, etc. - Drawers for clamps, workholding, etc. - Tool tray mounted on left or right side - Clear plastic sheet to enclose sides