25 year break. The Internet changed things!

[Blazing Black Beard]

Thanks for the first reply @Washout. I have been very particular about what elements I would like to incorporate from each of the following videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...FtNQMkWoQx2qJB

That's said I would eventually be upgrading to a much larger machine as per the concrete filled CNC machine in that playlist at a later date but the smaller CNC will still be used continuously.

For a smaller starting build I would be looking for manual tool change, linear bearings, aluminium extruded sections with some high accuracy steel rails to about 1 to 1.5 metres, dual ball screws on each axis with decent accuracy and a high quality manual tool change head to finely machine anything up to the hardness of aluminium. There is the possibility that I would also be machining steel plate but this would only be on a very limited basis. I'm hoping I can keep the bed size small enough with a 1 metre or so work area that will keep rigidity high whilst also allowing me to machine larger pieces of wood and aluminium and some smaller steel parts.

Does anyone think that's too much to ask of a well constructed small to mid size DIY CNC router? I know the smaller builds can make decent enough profiles in aluminium and steel as per the Open Builds C Beam machine and I was looking to increase rigidity and size based on that and the other videos for inspiration but also put in some more professional options like the dual ballscrews and more rigid body similar to the 20 part video series from routercnc.

I've not been here long but from what I have seen, these beginners and seasoned DIY CNC router builders have certainly clocked up some experience and knowledge. I was just looking to combine the best of all of them :-)