Quote Originally Posted by phill05 View Post
I did say I was throwing a spanner in the works, I know it's not a conventional way of making this and yes contradicting to what has gone before but it works and works really well it is compact, less weight, and the machine cuts very well, just wanted to give you an idea of what works without going to far.

The screw is bolted tight to bottom of spindle plate (no bearing) and screw goes up with plate, attached is an image when I first put it together.
Click image for larger version. 

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Phill
Oh my! You have quite some Z-axis travel height there. I can see that the screw will be sticking out in the air when Z-axis is fully retracted (at the top end position). I think you rarely use that Z-height or are you doing some custom jobs?

Looks like the gantry clearance is around 100-120mm, am I right? It would also be interesting seeing a video of its performance in aluminium/steel!

You have definitely given me something to consider, thanks for that.