The Sphinx is a moving gantry design.   Designed by Kyo, an OB contibutor,  this platform is an interesting design, available in 500 and 1000mm widths.    This allows it to fit on a standard workbench.    It is made entirely of extruded aluminum sections with good strength and rigidity. A sturdy base with bottom mounted full width legs provides stability, and C-Beam extrusions form the axis tracks. The V-groove profile provides very good rigidity with little weight. The kits include all mechanical parts needed for the machine, including standard NEMA 23 motors. Travel is somewhat less than the overall length to allow for width of the carriage, etc.

The Y-Axis rides on a pair of 6 wheel carriages on the c-beam extrusions. Each carriage has 8 inner wheels that ride inside the C-Beam, and an additional 2 wheels that ride on top to further reinforce the carriage. The Y – Gantry plates are  custom parts  There are 2 actuators for the Y axis for better support and stability.

The wide wheel spacing provides maximum strength and stiffness, while allowing the carriages to move freely. The  4 pairs of wheels on each gantry plate are supplemented by an additional 2 pairs on top of each gantry plate set   The Z axis is supported by 8 internal wheels.   The X axis is supported by 8 wheels running on the outside of the extrusion.

Motors are mounted on the integral plates on the back of the c-beams, with the screw drive also running inside the c-beam pocket and protected from debris.

The X-Z axis carriage rolls over the c-beam extrusion connecting the side c-beams, with a screw drive system. This beam is very strong. There are 2 sets of double v-wheels that roll on top of the track for strength, and two sets of double wheels on the bottom of the X-Axis carriage. The wheels connect a pair of gantry plates front and back of the track extrusions for added strength and stiffness. The end gantry plate mounts the stepper drive motor for the screw drive. The front gantry plate mounts the 8 internal v-wheels for the Z-Axis traveller.

The Z-Axis C-Beam extrusion is 250mm in length, with a travel of a little over 100mm. The Z axis is supported by 8 internal widely spaced v-wheels. The Z-Axis actuator is lead screw driven by a rear mounted stepper motor using a belt drive to reduce height.  NEMA 23 motors are used throughout give additional torque for heavier spindle motors. A 71mm heavy router mount is an option to use a Bosch Colt or a Dewalt Router.  A 65mm router mount is also available to mount Makita routers and some DC spindles

An MDF spoil board is mounted on the flat base. (Not included with kits). The spoil board is bolted to the base extrusions to enhance strength and rigidity.  The kit can be enhanced by adding a full aluminum bed which enhances stiffness, ease of mounting work, and allows the use of mist cooling/lubrication for cutting harder materials.