Uploaded August 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Tombstones for horizontal CNC machines are typically made of cast iron and are a great option in terms of rigidity but milling cast iron is messy! After purchasing our first few tombstones, we decided to make our own out of epoxy and aluminum. If you listen to the Business of Machining Podcast with John Grimsmo and I, you know I'm a stickler for not taking on projects just because you can. Let's talk about why this project did make sense for us, how we made it, things we learned, and what we would do differently next time!

00:00 Don't Get Cute! Why This DIY Project IS Right for Us
00:54 Slab & 6-Sided, and Square Style Tombstones
01:46 CAD Design & Epoxy Granite
03:01 Our Advantages
03:53 Pool Noodle Insurance Policy
04:37 Tight & Tedious - Smaller Concrete Form or Fastener Removal
05:34 Indicating on the Okuma MB-4000H: Y-Axis Could Be Better
06:01 Securing Tombstone to Okuma Base - All Thread Not Enough!
06:47 Solution: Adding Precision Alignment Bores
07:04 Decking with a 5" Facemill
08:04 Would I Do It Again? Final Thoughts

5 Reasons to Use a Fixture Plate on Your CNC Machine: bit.ly/3sNA4uH
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Links for this video

Epoxy on Amazon:
amazon.com/gp/product/B083NLSWXN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How to Build Epoxy Granite Machine Base by Adam Bender
youtube.com/watch?v=4aBVAbfxLJw

Building an Oil Fired Foundry Furnace - Part 5: How NOT to Cast Refractory by Keith Rucker
youtube.com/watch?v=NeUelNbCgFA

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Reach us / CNC Info:

Speeds & Feeds: provencut.com

Fusion 360 (Purchase, Support, Training): http://dsi.fyi/3yu7Mt0

Online Fusion 360 Training: bit.ly/LearnFusion360

SMW Products: saundersmachineworks.com

CNC Resources: nyccnc.com