Right, the "intended use" question.

1: PCB milling (from one extreme...)

2: Panel making for instrumentation - aluminium and as-yet-undetermined plastic, <5mm layers, mostly cutting external borders, internal holes for switches. Engraving text. Nothing intricate.

3: Small components as needed for above, odd little brackets etc. Aluminium mostly.

4: If possible, larger aluminium pieces. The "low gantry, tall Z" design is because there might be the occasional taller but narrower piece. (...to the other)

Ideally making new bits to improve the mill or make a bigger, better, shinier one!

I don't expect it to handle steel but you can flippin' well bet I'll give it a try to see what happens :naughty:

I'm hoping that I'll be able to make it stronger/more sturdy by leaving the gantry to handle Z. It also means I can consider adding a counterweight system later if I get adventurous or drunk. I have no idea if it needs one, I just always thought they looked cool. Not... ehh... a proper "technical" answer, I know