Eyeballs and comments sought for noob build

[danilius]

Hi,

I have been lurking here for quite a while and learned a lot in the process, so thanks to everyone for that!

I've spent a while designing my first ever CNC router based on what I have read here and elsewhere on the interwebs, albeit with absolutely zero experience in the CNC field, so would appreciate comments, criticisms and anything else you care to throw at it, bearing in mind that I have probably little if any idea of what you are talking about.

This machine will be used for milling soft and hardwoods, plastics and probably some shallow aluminium engraving. The work are is 900mm x 600mm. Much of it is based around 120mm x 80mm t-slot profiles. I have not made any decisions regarding the electronics yet, since I want to get the design to a workable state first. All suggestions regarding the electronics are gratefully received nonetheless.

The rails (20mm) for the gantry are located under the bed in order to save some width and reduce the amount of dust contact that will inevitably occur. No idea if this is a good idea, or a disaster in the making. Gantry walls are 20mm thick.

All the motors will be drive belts, which will allow me to play around with pulley ratios. I have read a considerable amount regarding the belts-versus-direct-drive argument, but for my purposes I'm keen on using belts.

Some piccies below, looking forward to comments, sagacious advice and no doubt some humorous comments with regards to the sheer noobiness of the design. Please be gentle :-).