Based on what is on offer from Marchant Dice, I have to decide which route (pun) to take.

1. Simple kit for around £80. However, where would I source a 3/4" (19mm) bit to route out the channels for the rods/bearings? I have only seen one and that cost about £22. Also, 6mm screws seem a bit weedy. Perhaps 8mm would be a better choice?

2. Kit with pillow blocks at around £150. At least I would not have to buy a 3/4" router bit and have to get the channels parallel ;-)

3. Full kit with screws. At just over £250 it is probably out of my budget... However, would it make the build that much easier?

To be honest, the £250 route seems the best.
Also, using #2 or #3 above would allow me to reuse the components for a decent moving gantry router later...

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To date, I have spend around £170 on steppers/controllers/PSU & 700w spindle.