Quote Originally Posted by deannos View Post
Jazz,
I don't mind whether i use profile or not is there something else i could use
Well seen as your using steel for the frame then I'd probably look towards using that. Simplest way would be an I beam RSJ type beam.
Would get 180x100 for about £30 if your buying steel for rest of machine. You can buy 1500mm length from Metals4U for £37 plus postage.

This would be an easy option and plenty strong enough for your needs, easy to fasten rails, screws etc.
You will need to make sure you get a nice straight and flat piece then may still have to do a bit of cleanup with grinder/sander and straight edge to make it's flat but it makes a very strong gantry. (Don't be fooled into thinking profile is always straight or flat.!!)
The weight will be slightly higher but to be honest for a wood router if mixed with a strong spindle/big router the extra weight can be an advantage and allow deeper cuts which offsets the slightly lower feeds.

The other way is to use 80x40 box section in a similair setup to the Cad model using profile, just slightly cheaper than profile at £35 for 7.5mtr.