Hi All..

Mechmate is a very attractive option, I am currently going through the huge amount of data on their site to see if I can do the mods I had in mind.. As this will be my 3rd machine, I have learned some (sometimes painful) lessons that I want to correct for this build.. I have been a cabinet maker but now have a back injury that can often make this type of business difficult.. The idea of a cnc was to allow me to basically sit on my ass most of the time, either drawing on the computer, or being hypnotized by the cnc strutting its stuff..

Things I really want on this build are;

Open bed (with a T-track bed that is removable)
Rack and pinion drive (dual for 2 motor x-axis)
Supported rails for x and y axis
Vacuum bed (using T-track?)
Tool changer

If I can get some of the Mechmate parts done at a reasonable price, and can incorporate these mods, I will almost certainly go that route..

Routercnc..

I agree with your design comments.. My first cnc was an endless battle with dust on exposed lead screws and bearings, really have to have a very efficient dust extraction system, or even better, tuck all the exposed stuff out of the way..

Steve..