Another Newbie

[JAZZCNC]

No you don't pay import duty from China on ballscrews or rails.? You pay VAT and shipping admin fee which is any where from £10-20 depending on who shipped it.

Both ways works but designing in CAD is much better IMO as it will highlight any clash of components or nasty surprises down the road. It also gives you something to referance from, Just don't go silly on design taking it to emph degree.
Just the major parts need designing, so main Frame, Gantry, Screw placement/mouning etc and esp the Z axis.!. . . Then get on with building.!

Start a Build thread and post your intensions/design and Ask any questions that your unsure about and even some your sure about.? Because what you think may be the best for your needs can easily not be so better mentioning it.!