Hi Ross,

Looking good so far. The basic machine design guide - how much are you hoping to include on this?

A short list might include:
The tool deflection in Z due to gantry / gantry rails flex
Tool deflection in the other axis when cutting
Maximum jog speed due to ballscrew whip
Motor power requirements

I think this is a start because alot of people ask questions along the lines of - will this design be stiff enough? How fast can I go? What motors do I need?

We and others, have posted spreadsheets with these sorts of things in, so time permitting it would be good to draw it all together. Well done for volunteering! The trouble is that there are so many design options, that it might become a pretty large task!

It would be great to start with a few schematics of various machines, from which the user picks the closest to what they had in mind. Then key geometry, material, and support conditions are entered. Ultimately after asking enough questions, the spreadsheet would give all the outputs, such as deflection, max speed, etc. to which the user can then compare to their requirements. This loop is then repeated, altering certain parameters, until the requirements are met, or a compromise is made.

If you can charge 50p a go, it might be quite a money spinner!

But how far do you go? Include belt drive? What about R&P? etc.

If I can help, and have the time, I'm here.