Good Afternoon all;

My name is Larry Alexander and for years I have been interested in CNC. I live on the island of St. Maarten and love to work with my hands as a hobby. I work with wood mainly because easy to obtain and work with building things to help me. I have recently finished my small work space and would like to venture in other craft. As I mentioned using CNC to route wood laser engrave plastic and the like. I do not have the financial means to buy expensive equipment because on an island everything have to be imported. With this in mind and strictly for learning and hobby I would like to build a small machine. I have visited this site often to learn about this craft and must say I have been educated by all the posts. One factor that prevented me from building a machine is the costs of the components such as rails etc, but I have noticed that prices for these items have dropped and prove to be be better alternatives to what was available years ago. Therefore I feel now is the time. I have access tools such as a drill press, table saw, engineers squares, calipers and a few other tools.
I know that there are a lot of cheap Chinese designed machines, but I am firm believer that creating something is the best teacher. Some of the designs on this site are well though out and inspiring.
I need help in working out the basic dimensions for a machine that can route a 400 x 300 work area.Fixed gantry. To cut plastic, mount a laser engraver, or machine aluminum. I also noticed designs with welded tubing, how is compensation for made warping that comes from heating metal? How do you get accuracy for from such a machine? I ask this because tubing is readily available but if I have to machine a welded item to make accurate it can be expensive on this island.
From the posts I understand ball screws, rails, but would really appreciate your kind assistance in helping me realize my dream.


Regards;

Larry Alexander