Hey guys.

I had a bit of a profound idea and I hope I don't get flamed for this.

I was thinking that on my CNC 3040, the biggest weak point is flex in the gantry and lower rails when plunging/drilling, causes the entire gantry to 'lean' backwards and flexes.

My proposed idea was to literally mirror image the entire gantry, Effectively the spindle is being held from front & back by 2 individual gantry's

Positives:
No 'push-back' leading to the gantry flexing/leaning backwards
increased rigidity in the entire machine
Straighter drilling and plunging operations
4 pillow blocks, spreading out the load again increasing rigidity
increased lifespan of pillow blocks, bearings and rails

Negatives:
Reduced travel
Extra weight will require a larger stepper(possibly)
reduction of ease of access

Weighing up the good and the Bad, if I can justify the negatives then would this work the way I hope it should?

Thanks

Craig