A clean space in the garage makes room for a MPCNC work table.

While printing plastic parts and collecting hardware, I started thinking about how I would mount the Mostly Printed CNC when it gets built. Ryan Zellars, the originator of the MPCNC, suggests starting out with a simple 2X4 table, as shown in the insert picture above. Take a look at this video of the basic MPCNC work table and frame in action.

Recently I did the annual spring cleaning in the garage, and cleared a space for the MPCNC work table. It is a small corner of the garage about 32” square (or should I say ~800 millimeters). There seemed to be two options for the MPCNC work table; both involved a basic 2X4 structure in line with my limited woodworking capabilities and tools.

1. Build Ryan’s basic table but put it on wheels, or rather locking casters. This way I would have the option of moving the machine within the garage.
2. Using the garage walls to support the work table, as shown to the right above. I would still need to be able to remove the table top for maintenance.

I discussed the options with my friend Walt who has forgotten more about woodworking than I will ever learn. He felt that option #2 would be sturdier, and I agree. So, I will go with supporting the MPCNC work table against the garage wall.

By the way, if you are thinking of building an MPCNC, there is a great little online calculator to help with the sizing and materials requirements. I am probably going with the default sizing which requires a 32” square table area and will provide a 21” square cutting area.

MPCNC Work Table – Devil in the Details

Each wall has some solid studs to mount the cleats. I actually remembered to check this first with my trusty Stanley Intellisensor Plus stud finder. To facilitate a firm connection and removal of the table top, I will use some dowels glued into the cleats, but not glued into the table frame. Gravity should do the rest.

For the supporting leg, I think I can manage a threaded insert and adjustable foot to level the table. Removing the table will be a two-person job, but hopefully not a frequent one. The garage walls will provide a debris and safety shield on two sides. I will probably end up mounting a small debris and safety fence on the open sides as well.

Now I just need to decide on the best way to reinforce the butt joints for the table top. Probably some combination of wood screws, glue and perhaps tie connectors. The support leg will definitely use bolts so it can be removed.

The good news is that this location is close to an existing power outlet, and within reach of the central vacuum hose.