Hello Im interested in joining you all

Hello
I have a longstanding interest in computing and have working in the cast steel industry for around 25 years. My interest is in exploring what I can create at home.
I appreciate that walking before you run is key and would like to ask for your patience as I learn a new and interesting hobby, during my search of the internet I came accross the RepRap group they are involved in home built rapid prototyping machines I liked their process where one machine helps to build the next one, from what I’ve seen of the MYCNCUK forums it appears that you have the same ideals.
Hopefully my first CNC router will start a continuous loop making itself better and better and then be able to help others get into the hobby.
Long term I am interested in machining aluminium and wonder how best to get started any suggestions will be appreciated.

-Nigel-

Nigel,

Welcome aboard. Take your time, look around. There are some fine examples of machines built with the simplest of tools to bootstrap up to the next one... don't be afraid to ask questions, we're a friendly bunch.

When you do get round to building something, dont forget the build log and pictures, we love pictures :)

Hi Guisborough,

For machining aluminium you need stiffness and accuracy. Good bits to use for your machine would therefore be:
Linear profile rails for the bearings
Ballscrews to move the axes
Aluminium profile, or steel RHS sections for the gantry and frame
And if you only want to cut small ali parts, consider a fixed gantry and moving worktable

Something to think about . . .

thank you for the welcome and suggestions, lots to read and consider