The blue machine was a work of art, nice features and very smooth motion too. I vaguely remember someone building something in that style many years ago (I think he was German?) but can't find the reference in my files. I think you did a much better job though and well thought out.

Any chance of a peak in the control cabinet? Not sure I saw a door so if it's an effort to remove covers etc. (or not tidy yet!) then no problem.

My only thoughts are would the chips go into the vertical slots in the side members which contain the Z ballscrews? Would that need some brushes on it which still allow the bracket to move up and down but keep the worst out?