Okay,

Now you really got me thinking of ways to not only improve what I have but make the new one even better. Also with the two carriage stacked like that on the Z I would assume that you need to increase the length of plate to allow the travel I want to attain. Which might not be a problem. Though would only one set of carriages on each side for the current rebuild be enough with only 150 -175mm of travel.

Hope to get some drawings done tonight and trying to figure out a space issue with the required space for the Z leadscrew and backlash nut/mounting bracket versus the height that the rails and carriage require to function. Looks like I will be needing to mill some stock down with not only datum slots but also with channel to allow space for the screw. I have access to 12mm Alli' for sure and might have access to thicker. Having said that would milling the 12mm down to a 6mm channel in the centre reduce strength below the desired levels? I am still learning metal and it tolerances and what it can and can not do. Which is different then what i do with metal for making reeds in many fashions as there you want the metal to bend.

Michael