Lowcost capable CNC - Make vs Buy?

[Andrewg]

So I am still mulling design options
Is there something wrong with me finding the sight of Dean's machine undresses slightly arousing?! I certainly now 'get' the neatness and economy of this single leadscrew Y axis design: Standard BK.LK12 bearings mounting 1610 leadscrew on underside of 45x90 central heavy extrusion, motor tucked away by addition of GT timing belt and 1:1 pulleys. With single traveling homing/limit sensor fitted to Y axis under-gantry and drag chain safely out of the way under table......very nice.

As I am still looking around at other designs for ideas and still open to buying rather than making, wanted to draw peoples attention to another very nice UK router CNC kit that addresses the low-cost capable niche. UKCNC's D-500 kit is £4.450+ VAT currently - 500x500 cutting area, all aluminium plate construction with linear rails and ballscrews all around.

Having just complemented Dean's single screw Y axis, the folks from UKCNC have come up with a very nice dual screw Y axis design. This is of interest to me who wants to machine board ends, as the middle 2/3 of the bed is open and unobstructed so no need for the spindle run beyond the end of the bed.

These guys seem to know what they are doing and so interesting to see their particular design choices:
1610 ballscrews all round, direct drive X and Z, 2:1 belt gearing on Z - this seems to be accepted wisdom then across many designs
15mm linear rails all round, 2 each side on Y - so perhaps interesting trade off between number of parts and size, as single 20mm rail per Y side more standard here for self build, but then a kit seller has sourcing savings when buying single spec rail in volume
Closed loop steppers - this seems to be a theme I'm picking up if you want reliability and performance on a budget
All CNC machined Ali plate construction - as they point out in the description this is not a cheap option for one off builds, but when engineered for low volume batch production this changes, and quality more controllable than when using extrusions.

It is certainly an attractive offering if self-build was off the table. The specs are slightly lower than what I started costing up from Dean's guidance, So say the self build budget materials were £2k min, additional £500 for tools etc then that is a £2-3k premium to have a proven design,support and fewer months of designing and making. For me it is a definitely an option should I have the money and 500x500 will meet my workshop needs.