Hi Jon
Fair play on the weight issue It seems that when you modify stuff you have to compromise, the removed section will reduce its strengh and torsional stiffness but as you say the reduced weight and the fact you can bring the leadscrew closer will probably be more benificial.

I'm just cautious now after setting up my lathe, it a fair old chunk of steel but it dosnt take much for it to flex and cause poor surface finish. I suppose it depends on what you are using it for.

My machine will be bit of a monster (stength not size) cus I want it cut seasoned hardwood and Ali. the rails are THK HSR 35's on the X axis and HSR 25's for the Y and Z. 30mm ground ballscrews and 750oz servos. just need the time to build it. :whistling: