Hi everyone, after lurking on here for a short while, its time to bite the bullet and get something done about it.

My initial thoughts are to use mdf to make up the framework. Then once I have worked out all the sizes, got it working, made mistakes, and fixed them, I'll stiffen it all up by repalcing the mdf with aluminium/steel plate.

Ideally I want it to be able to cut softwoods, plastics and maybe rarely aluminium. With a bed size of around 700 x 700 x 100.

My first ideas were to use supported rails on X and Y with round rail on Z. Im also torn between leadscrews or ballscrews. Is the extra cash worth it?

Im not after anything that can cut in miles/min, but I also dont think the neighbours will appreciate it being run 24hrs a day.

Not thought about the electrics/motion side of it yet, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

This weekend's task is to come up with a design as a starting point. Im quite lucky to have access to solidworks (albeit only basic knowledge).

Qwertyjon