about to build my first CNC machine

[komatias]

Welcome aboard Chipload. Dont spend a dime unless you get a good design up. It will save you buying the wrong stuff.
There are now plenty of free CAD programs to play with but the one that I find offers the better deal/package is Fusion 360.

So best of luck with your endeavours. we will anticipate some photos in return for our collective wisdom.

Hey there,

First is use a GRBL controller (I would suggest TinyG or a GShield, or even a CNC Shield V3.0 if you're on a strict budget). These are easy to program and have a lot of support available.

Andy, with all due respect, Chipload wants to build a router not a 3D printer. And why program anything if one can just plug into Mach3 and be done with it?

[CHIpHload]

Welcome aboard Chipload. Dont spend a dime unless you get a good design up. It will save you buying the wrong stuff.
There are now plenty of free CAD programs to play with but the one that I find offers the better deal/package is Fusion 360.

So best of luck with your endeavours. we will anticipate some photos in return for our collective wisdom.

thanks komatias, so many options ! i am trying not to be too keen . now im back to my original idea for wood router birch ply torsion box build , with all internal structure of constructed something like this, as to build a torsion box with all internal squares the same will have more problems at a given freq according to what size squares and although while much easier in construction may not be ideal for this. i had thought same design as above hexagonal ribs for internal structure of bed, gantry also gantry sides and this appears to be backed up by by conclusion in Optimum column design using honeycombs (last link in first post) http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/5283-Interesting-Papers-on-heavy-duty-design-vibrations-composites-and-column-design. although i am far from being able to interpret if there is any actual construction detail (dimensional ratios). any interpretations welcome. i have also noticed CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymers) may be suitable skin for this type of construction and is also available as plate & woven carbon sheet although i'm not sure of methods of taking carbon sheet (pre pregnated?) wrap for gantry & resin up. has anybody tried this sort of thing or what do you think ?? the hexagonal parts could also be filled with say a mix of perlite and polystyrene balls. maybe also longways between two bed face's running through centre of hexagonal parts a bungee or some sort of rubber tubing (what tension?)