Thanks, you’ve given me a bit to think about, as you say there’s no perfect solution and there’s always a compromise.

I think for me space is probably the more important factor, it’ll be a bench top machine for hobby wood working, so I can take the hit on shallower passes and slower feed rates. If I start it off in the morning and it takes all day that’s not a problem as I don’t intend to do round the clock mass production where time is money.

Constitution wise whilst I can weld I want to go for a bolt together solution for two reasons; I only do woodworking these days, so don’t have a suitable facility for welding and grinding. Also I’ve a feeling that as I built and use the machine I’ll want to change things so going for bolt a together construction will allow me to make changes.