Right, I currently have a small chinese jobbie which has done well for the last few years but the cutting area is too small now and the Z axis is on its way out.

I would like around 1000x1000mm cutting area with a Z of 150-200mm. I cut mainly MDF, acrylic and foam but occasionally do Aluminium(finish or cutting time doesn't matter).

I have looked through the build logs and I'm unsure which way to go with the build IE steel frame or aluminium.
I currently have all the electronics/motors and a 1.5kw spindle/vfd. How much should I look to budget for the frame/motion items if I were to choose steel(I can weld).

Cheers for the help,

Isaac