Quote Originally Posted by WoodKnot View Post
Good morning Jazzcnc - i would like to build one, as that way i can build the knowledge for when things go wrong, but looking for a project that i can build this year. Whilst i do have some engineering skills and woodworking skills, I have never welded, I am not set up to cut metals either. If you could recommend profiles, motors etc that would be great - and where to purchase them from? I don't ever foresee me needing a machine bigger than 1mtr x 1mtr to be honest. I would also like to set it up for both router and laser. I also want to design it so it can be set in a unit so it either pulls out or on a hinge system that allows it go beneath one of my work tables or make a hinged top to allow access when i need it.
Ok well first let me say I strongly agree with Clive S that you are being a little over-ambitious here, however, I will try to steer in the right direction when the time comes but unfortunately, you are very far from me or anyone being able to recommend anything at this point.

To advise accurately on important and expensive purchases like motors, drives, controllers and all the other related components requires you have a design to work with. There are many variables that come into play to choose the right components so without the design, I or anyone else can't possibly tell you what to buy.

My advice at the moment is to read and search out as many of the threads and build logs as you can, find a design that you like, and use this as a guide for your build, or simply just copy it. No one here would mind you if you straight copied their build, they probably did the same.!

Now the best advice by far and can't be stressed enough is DO NOT BUY ANYTHING, not so much as a nut or bolt until you have a firm plan and design in mind and have done the due diligence and research required. Rushing out and buying parts or Kits of parts is THE single biggest mistake new builders make and it's a very easy trap to fall down.

When you have done the research and have a design in mind then start a build thread and give an outline of what you have in mind. Ask all your questions in this thread so all the info and advice given is in one place rather than scattered around the forum, this will help you months down the line when you are trying to find any recommendations or advice given.

Now I won't blow smoke up your jacksy and say that DIY building is easy because it's not, a good machine requires careful planning and careful selection of components. It requires you have an all-around skill set of average electrical and mechanical knowledge and lots of patience.

However, it's very doable and many people with limited tools and engineering background have built some excellent machines, but in all cases 100% of them they all did the planning and research, most took many months or years to complete them.

Good luck and do the research.