School me on the best machine for big hardwood

[Voicecoil]

Hi Voicecoil, thanks for your help.

By "raised side rail" Im guessing you mean something like Washout's machine (https://www.youtube.com/user/CCWashout/videos). Doing this seems to trade gantry weight for base weight, which sounds like a good idea for general performance but doesn't that just put more weight on the already heaviest section when it comes to transportation?

Yes, something like that, though if it were me I'd have tall side rails fixed to the base all the way along rather than perched on blocks - that way they add good longitudinal strength which will win you back a fair bit of the extra weight.Even without taking account of that they need only add 10Kg or so. And the gantry won't be overly light either - with a decent spindle and z-axis, around 30Kg or more is likely to be where it's at.

I needed to hear this, even if I didn't want to! My best hope I think is to rely on modular design so I can dismantle the base into components for transportation purposes. At least then I know I won't find myself stuck somewhere.

I reckon you could get the base part (assuming it''s a table-top thing) to be a 2 man lift - all you need then is a fit mate to help you for an hour or 2. And like I said before build provision for some handles into the design then it will be A LOT easier to move

I've just read about ClearPath servos, is that what you mean by closed-loop? I'm starting to understand there are a few more shades of grey between stepper and servo than I'd initially thought.

It wasn't the Clearpath units I was meaning, but they are another shade of grey - and likely easier to use than a classic servo from what I've just read. Closed loop steppers are a stepper motor with an encoder on the back which gives feedback to make sure it got to the target position - check out brands like Leadshine and Lichuan.