ok, first attempt using sketchup 8

[deannos]

Yes i'm going with the rsj as well. Its simple in its design and doesn't require any fancy tools. With its mass i believe this could just be bolted down on to a very sturdy table and save me messing about with a frame. I also think this would be easier to get square and level as well. I'm only interested in cutting wood not ali so the design suits me down to the ground. Jazz that design you have done in post 38 is excellent, looks like a million dollars but is cheap as chips:tup:. I'm going to base my design on that.

Cheers Dean

[JAZZCNC]

With its mass i believe this could just be bolted down on to a very sturdy table and save me messing about with a frame. I also think this would be easier to get square and level as well. I'm only interested in cutting wood not ali so the design suits me down to the ground.

Here's a bit of food for thought for ya.!!! . . . . Why not build 2 small concrete block walls with a plate securely bolted down onto it. Then with adjustment jack nut n bolts thru both to level the RSJ's. Then you could just push a strong bench under neath fasten down then surface it flat and away you go with virtually no material height restriction.
Obviosly you will have Z axis travel restriction but not material height.!!. . . The machine use's and flexibilty regards material sizing become far greater.!!. . . . Imagine some one wanting an old table surfacing or V carving. . . . how easy does that become.? . Ye I know not probable but you get the idea.
The same plate/jack system would work good on a bench thou.

Some time towards the end of the year I'll be building just such a machine that use's R&P and will be used for cutting granite slabs 3x2mtr into work surfaces. This will use the same principle but have a free standing concrete table with a hydrolic tilting frame for loading slabs from near vertical to horizontal.

[deannos]

Instead of using a rsj for the gantry, could i use 100mm x 60mm x 3mm steel box section. I can get my hands on a piece long enough for a tenner, and its very local.