So... an update on this....

think i'm going to have a rethink on the side plates as per Jonathan's points to bulk them up, and maybe look at raising the sides where the x rails/ ball screws live, i know the other thread regarding the loading of materials etc, but mine will go in a place where it wont be that easy to end load, a corner load would be preferable-!

what was the consensus on having a hybrid, so flush on one side and risen on the other- think that would work well for me?

have costed most of the bits- and reckon on a budget of £2k all in should get me something decent?