Hi Tom, I was using 10mm plate for side plates but replaced them with 15mm. What size spindle are you thinking of using? My machine was designed for making RC planes so I only cut wood, and thin aluminium. I use a 1kw AMB (Kress) spindle. This adequate for my needs. I have been using the machine in a small workshop and haven't had any issues with it, accuracy is about 0.01 mm.

If you are going to use a bigger spindle then you might want to redesign the side plates by doubling them up. I only had a Stepcraft D800 to make parts for my machine so I was limited to what I could cut and accuracy.

Have you thought of using

https://vallder.com/product/cnc-x-ax...rofile-200x96/

I used C-Beam but only one rail, if you are going for a beefier machine then you could add another rail and 2 x 10 mm side plate

I hope this helps

Cheers


Ian