Design for 4' * 3' gantry cnc - help me decide

[colin2216]

I'm intending to build a cnc with some friends to upgrade from my current desktop shapeoko. I'm looking for a bed 4' by 3' or 4' by 4', and intending to cut mainly wood, but also light aluminium work. I'm on a moderate budget, maybe £1000-2000 max. I've done a decent amount of research and everyone seems to design there own plans - I was wondering if there was any decent ones folk recommended copying as I'd much rather learn from someone else's experience. I have plenty of welding ability and metal fab equipment and the floor is solid so can be as heavy as neccessary. Basically - way too much choice and don't know where to go.

Thoughts would be most welcome.

Thanks
Colin

[routercnc]

You could have a look at some of the finished builds:
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10066...s-picture-menu

Plus some great ones that Jazzcnc (Dean) has made for other people: